LittleTreasure's Playing with Silicone...

[LittleTreasure]

Hi guys - I have wanted to make another tail for quite some time. Now that I have the project really going, I wanted to share!
Here's my tail design.
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The colors on the final product may be more subdued, but I want it to remind me of my Arkansan bloodline - so I chose colors based on the 'mother of pearl' hues in freshwater clams I find at our lakes. That's the main motif I guess - the common mussel, especially because in America it's threatened by endangered species like zebra mussels.
Just a s a note I thought a method like PearlieMae's would produce the best results for me. I got her permission over pm some months ago. So no theft going on here, if that is an issue for anyone here.

I'd love some support and feedback as I go along! I know I'll be watching the other tail making threads!

Btw, sorry the image is so big! I'm trying to do this from my phone.

[Raayvhen]

Oh my mer! I love it!

[MerEmma]

WOW. Beautiful color design! SO beautiful. I can't wait to see more!

[LittleTreasure]

Thanks! As soon as some more scales cure, I'll post pictures! I want to get the fabric liner and the first layer of silicone on my tail today too.

[Mermaid Sam]

That's a beautiful design! Can't wait for pictures!

[Mermaid Galene]

Love the color scheme!

[PearlieMae]

Sweeeeeeeeet! I can't wait to see your progress!

Are you pouring a layer down over your power mesh before you adhere the scales? Because it really isn't necessary.

[LittleTreasure]

GAH, still waiting on the pictures I emailed to myself to send.... PearlieMae, my plan is to basically try to avoid letting the powermesh have any chance to house mold - I read recently (and I forgot who said it, sorry) that the only downside to having mesh right next to your skin is that the spaces between fibers can grow mold easily. So instead of being able to kill the mold and just wipe it out you'd have to scrub it out.

So here's what I plan to do:

1st thin layer will adhere mesh to tape body form and make it so the inside has less crevices for mold to live
2nd layer is a thicker layer of silicone to 'glue' scales on, applied moments before 3rd. I want to apply it to both the body and the scales like you'd tile a floor, using a butter knife or something to give a texture that will lock them together like a tile to mortar.
3rd layer is the scales themselves.
4th, very thin layer will be silicone paint base and whatever paints/pigments I'd like to add more color with
5th, very thin layer will be a final, glossy finish. My scales are being made in a plaster mold that has been sprayed with acrylic sealer. Unfortunately the sealer gave it a bit of a grainy texture, and leaves the scales a little more matte than I wanted. This last layer will make it look wet and shiny like I expected.
- Any more silicone I use will be to attach the fluke and extra fins.

How does that sound? Reasonable?

EDIT: My pic came in! As I was sending this reply *grumble grumble*
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[PearlieMae]

Good point about the mold, but so far, I've had no problem.

You won't need to silicone the body AND the scales, and using a butter knife for texture is unnecessary. The silicone will seek its own level - texture from the knife will just flatten, and if you have too much silicone, it will run and leave runs like paint does if you paint it too thick. Believe me, I thought thicker was better, and it isn't. Lightly butter each scale and pin it into place. Don't push the pin heads against the body, it will leave a crater.

You're painting it once it's constructed? Are you pigmenting your silicone at all beforehand?

[PearlieMae]

Cool scales!

[LittleTreasure]

Good point about the mold, but so far, I've had no problem.

You won't need to silicone the body AND the scales, and using a butter knife for texture is unnecessary. The silicone will seek its own level - texture from the knife will just flatten, and if you have too much silicone, it will run and leave runs like paint does if you paint it too thick. Believe me, I thought thicker was better, and it isn't. Lightly butter each scale and pin it into place. Don't push the pin heads against the body, it will leave a crater.

You're painting it once it's constructed? Are you pigmenting your silicone at all beforehand?

Thanks for the tip! I'll take your word for it. :) I am pigmenting the underlayers and the scales themselves, so yes. The painting I want to do will be just adding extra detail and depth so it won't be much.

[LittleTreasure]

Progress! I wanted to test out my scaling 'skillz', so I made a scale top. :p It's not perfect, and the placement of scales is awkward at times but I love it so far. Plus a mermaid belt. :)
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And lastly me being all ridiculous and shmexy and stuff.
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I'm currently getting the body form all ready to scale up! More to come!

[Raayvhen]

I love it! I love the way you laid your scales.

[LittleTreasure]

Thanks! I did a plastic wrap/tape form of the chest just like I did for the lower body and just followed contours with different sized scales. :)

[PearlieMae]

Nice! I like your progress so far!