Apparently Silicone Caulk is a No-Go... Other suggestions?

[FaeryTail]

I had been planning on coating whatever plastic fabric I was going to sew my fin contraption up into with super cheap-o silicone caulk, but after watching the lovely Raina's vlog I've learned that it's actually pretty terrible. I liked it for its viscosity/spreadability and texture when dry; is there an ideal alternative that can achieve the same results?

Thanks!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Theres not really a quick and easy alternative. You can use silicone caulk but it should be actually silicone, not siliconized, and not latex. Definitely not Alex plus. But yes you can use silicone caulk. Mermaid Kishiko has some experience with that stuff. Just be warned that it may not last forever. The bet option would be platinum cure silicone, but it is expensive and not a realistic option for a lot of mers.

[AniaR]

Well silicone caulking is better than Alex plus but may not cure on certain things

[Mermaid Nessie]

Alex Plus latex caulking is a HELL TO THE NO. My current tail is made of this and although I love my tail, the latex breaks down and turns white and won't cure or hold paint in some spots. Because the latex is peeling and breaking down I'm starting to get holes in the neoprene. It's becoming a nightmare to try and keep up with all the damage, as you need to let it cure for 3 weeks (even then, it will still get pretty funky) and I simply don't have time between gigs to fix it.

[Fifi Tigg]

I've been experimenting with aquarium grade silionce because its safe for fish so I'm hoping its safe for us mermaids as well :)

[Kishiko]

Theres not really a quick and easy alternative. You can use silicone caulk but it should be actually silicone, not siliconized, and not latex. Definitely not Alex plus. But yes you can use silicone caulk. Mermaid Kishiko has some experience with that stuff. Just be warned that it may not last forever. The bet option would be platinum cure silicone, but it is expensive and not a realistic option for a lot of mers.

Yes Wesley is right. The front of my fluke is currently covered in GE 100% Silicone caulk. I honestly haven't had problems with degrading. Just be warned, it was a pain for me to get it to stay without peeling off BUT that is because my fabric is metallic so it has that slick coating. I have found it works better with porous fabrics like plain spandex and I would guess neoprene (haven't tested) but you can pigment it with acrylic (what I did) so that's a plus. Just make sure whatever you use is not acrylic silicone or a mixture of different materials like latex and silicone such as Alex plus. Good luck!

[PearlieMae]

Aquarium grade silicone and 100% silicone caulk are very similar, and both use evaporation of acetic acid and absorption of atmospheric moisture to cure...that's why you don't need to mix it. Off-label use (like making mermaid tails) is probably not recommended by the manufacturer for liability more than anything else, but as the acetic acid dissipates (the vinegar smell), it can cause irritation... Also, if the top of the silicone caulk cures fast and traps uncured silicone, the acetic acid can be slowly released - especially through flexing it - and can cause skin and eye irritation.

My thinking is that aquarium grade doesn't have any other construction additives - pigments, fire retardants, etc. - because the fishies are sensitive to that! Last time I priced aquarium sealant, ounce for ounce, it was more expensive than dragonskin!

[Kishiko]

Yes you do have to be careful with how thick you spead it; thin layers are your friend! I would definitely NOT recommend a full caulk tail, but over fabric should be fine as there is a guard between your skin.

[Fifi Tigg]

Thanks PearlieMae you have put my mind at ease ;)
And is it really more expensive than dragon skin? Here in Australia is only $9 a tube and I know other Ozzies have said that dragon skin is too expensive due to shipping?

[PearlieMae]

I think there is a supplier in Australia, I remember looking it up a few months ago. Maybe this was it? Call and ask if they have something comparable.

http://www.dalchem.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=109&Itemid=127

[FaeryTail]

Wow, thanks for all the tips!

My idea was sandwiching a Finis Wave between some (painted and sealed) craft foam and then sealing it with the caulk (minimal stretching, I would hope). Haven't decided on what I'm doing for the body yet; I'm going the H2O hinged-fin route and havent decided which way is best for my experience level. Pearlie Mae, I've been stalking your Facebook and am thinking of borrowing that molded/layered shell idea. :)

Edit: A word