Starting My Second Tail: Neoprene + Latex

[Mermaid Meara]

So I just ordered the neoprene for my second tail. I went with a natural color so it blends with my waist. I want do a neoprene/latex mix. I've been slowly going through the tail making threads but still have some questions.

Latex can be applied straight to neoprene and then painted once cured, right?

I'm using the latex to add texture detail, am I able to thicken it enough to simply paint it on?

Is it recommended to mix pigment with latex as opposed to painting over top?

There seems to be much more on silicone than latex, how much Latex do I need?
My measurements are:
Waist to floor: 44 in
Natural waist: 27 in
Top of hips (hipbone): 36 in
Hips: 42 in
Mid-thigh: 32 in
Knees: 22 in
Calves: 24 in
Ankles: 15 in
I have the Aquarius monofin which is 17 inches tall and 23 inches wide.

Ok, done with questions, I'm still going through threads, so if there is one you think I should read let me know.

Here is the design for my tail. All the colors will be darker than in the picture.

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I was going for a dragoness type look.

[Lostariel Telrunya]

OOHHH.... that looks so cool! It looks a lot like a finfolk tail :)

[Mermaid Meara]

OOHHH.... that looks so cool! It looks a lot like a finfolk tail :)

Thanks. Finfolks tails are sort of where the dragon thing started. I saw I believe the lagoon tail and immediately thought of a dragon/mermaid hybrid. Something that would live in a lake in the middle of a forest in the dark ages. More reptile than fish. I'm working on figuring out the two tops. One I want to be dark green and sort of slimy looking around the edges, like algae is growing on it. The second I want to match my skin tone so it blends in. I also want webbed fingers and claws to go with it. Not sure how I'm going to do that yet though.

I also think I'm going to switch from latex to silicone. I think it will work better for the type of texture I'm going for.

[Lostariel Telrunya]

Oh cool! You've seen the thread that has the webbed fingers pattern, correct? If you want to go for the sort of moldy, creek-algae look on the top (depending on what material you're making it out of), you can use some old thick velvet. That way, when it gets wet, it kind of looks like wet algae.

[Mermaid Meara]

It's in my bookmarks!

Thats a fantastic idea. Looks like next paycheck I need to make my way to the fabric store. I have a green bra that's going to be the base of it. Layering the velvet on top of some neoprene then glueing/sewing it to the bra would make the edges look like algae. Then just layer some foliage on top.

[Mermaid Meara]

I've been looking at some of the silicone threads here and was wondering if anyone has used DAP 100% silicone sealant for a tail? It would only be on the fluke. Do you think I could use this instead of dragon skin? http://m.homedepot.com/p/DAP-10-1-oz-Clear-100-Silicone-Sealant-2-Pack-207559/203661695/

[Raayvhen]

I know DAP makes Alex+ so I'm not sure I'd trust it. If you're going with a hardware store silicone you need to use the GE silicone for windows and doors.

[Mermaid Meara]

Thanks for letting me know. DAP just happened to pop up when I searched 100% silicone. Wasn't aware they also made Alex+. I'll make sure to steer clear of them.

[Mermaid Meara]

Kinda pissed at Foam Order right now. I ordered my neoprene from them almost 3 weeks ago. A few days later I was informed that the selection I chose was not actually available ( why was it listed then?) and given similar options to change it to. I had not heard a word from them since. Not even a shipping notice. I emailed them this morning asking where my order was and was told that I had been informed on the third that my card was declined, which is bullshark because I made sure it went through and that I wasn't charged twice when I had to change the order and I have not received one email or phone call from them. Now the charge has disepeared from my bank statements and all my money's in order. But now I'm pissed off that I have to wait be paid to order my neoprene again due to bills this month when my card had gone through and I was never informed that it had been declined. If it wasn't 2 am someone would be getting their dorsal chewed out.
*end rant

[mermaidsammi]

Any update?

[Mermaid Meara]

Not much of one. They gave me the number for the employee that suposedly informed me my card was declined and when I called he insisted that he had called AND SPOKEN to me. Bullshark! Since I didn't lose any money and it's not the company's fault that this particular employee is a seahag I will simply order again using the bank account attached to my paypal instead of the card. It's just been very frustrating dealing with this person. I am about to start working on the two tops to match, the webbed fingers, and getting my purple hair extensions soon, so for now any updates will be on those until the neoprene arrives.

I did get an airbrush that broke within 5 minutes of me trying to use it ( it was a cheap one to just test out to see if I like using them) so I returned that. I'm going to just hand paint it instead. I did decide to go with silicone ( btw how can I change the title of this thread?).

[Mermaid Zipora]

Hey I'm currently making a neoprene latex tail too. I think I could help you out with some of those questions but it's really late so I'm going to sleep but will write again soon! I just wanted to say hey and let you know how excited I am to find another mer making a latex neoprene tail right now :D!! ps. Foamorder gave me trouble too :(

[Mermaid Meara]

Mer Jess Sea, was the person you spoke to from foam orders name Larry? Because if so we may be dealing with the same person. I'll be attempting to reorder tomorrow.

[Mermaid Zipora]

No his name was Alan. I ordered 1.5mm black/purple, then got notified that it wasn't in stock about 2 weeks after I made the original purchase. Then had to email them requesting 1.5mm black/blue which restarted the waiting process. I finally got it a few days ago. They're obviously unorganized with both inventory and money handling. On a more positive note, I am pleased with the quality it's very soft and stretchy.

[Mermaid Zipora]

So I just ordered the neoprene for my second tail. I went with a natural color so it blends with my waist. I want do a neoprene/latex mix. I've been slowly going through the tail making threads but still have some questions.


As I mentioned I'm basically at the same stage as you and have not actually done any of this yet but I've been doing non stop research and have messages other mers. Also in a sticky thread in tail making winged has made a step by step tutorial which is extremely helpful.

1. Latex can be applied straight to neoprene and then painted once cured, right?
Yup. But pigments can also be mixed into the latex. I'm going to be using pigments. So I will mix latex, latex thickener, and a pigment for the base coat. Then once the grating/netting (texturing) process is cured I will mix latex with pigment without the thickener and add designs and fading affects. I'm avoiding top paints because they fade and chip.
2. I'm using the latex to add texture detail, am I able to thicken it enough to simply paint it on?
I'm going to paint on 1 layer with the thickener to get a base coat then let it dry then add another coat with the thickener then immediately add the grate/netting. Once the latex feels like a gummy bear you peal off the net/grate from the bottom up. This is the only method I've read about on here.


3. Is it recommended to mix pigment with latex as opposed to painting over top?
everything that I've read suggests pigments they're prettier and won't fade or chip.


4. There seems to be much more on silicone than latex, how much Latex do I need?
I'm getting 5 gallons from monster makers. You can probably get away with half of that but I'm making extra fins and accessories. 5gal is $200 after shipping. There is always creative ways to use left overs but if you don't buy enough then have to stop then play the waiting game again. Latex can last a very long time as long as it is properly stored (never store in cold temperatures).


I hope that helps a little. I have questions for you now :)


Is your sequence tail made out of neoprene?
I actually don't have a sewing machine, what kind will you be using?
Ps. I LOVE your design! You're very creative!!

[Mermaid Meara]

Thank you so much! This is definitely a big help.


My sequine tail is made of ( I believe, honestly I've had the fabric so long I forgot) stretch Lycra.


I actually wont be using a sewing maching. I have broken literally every sewing machine I've ever touched, including the industrial ones that we used when I was a fashion design student. I will be using e6000 to attach them then going back over hand sewing with a long needle, a pair of pliers, and industrial thread. Time consuming I know, but Id rather not waste money on a sewing machine I know I will break.


Thank you!