Scale experiment?

[DolliePaige]

So with my last tail I used Alex plus latex caulk plus silicone and took chicken wire for the scales. It looked good but after looking at professional tails I'm wanting the more round scale look. So I looked some things up and I saw how some people used foam circles to make a silicone tail. Do you guys think that instead I could glue foam circles to my fabric then cover that with latex? I want to try it but don't want to waste money and fabric. Please let me know what you think.
Also here is my last tail.http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/25/36c2aedf9000e4bde6831b5827c62979.jpg

[Mermaid Wesley]

The problem is: foam floats. Perhaps neoprene circles. It's not as floaty.


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[DolliePaige]

Yeah that's what I was worried about also. Neoprene is just super spendy.

[Mermaid Wesley]

Maybe some other type of thick fabric. Vinyl or something?


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[Miyu]

I've been thinking of playing around with vinyl scales myself. I just wish the stuff wasn't so bad for the environment or I'd use it like crazy! I'm sure marine-grade vinyl would be expensive, but I get my thick-ish regular vinyl at Wal-Mart or Joann Fabrics.

But yes, I would also say vinyl for a cheaper option than neoprene. another, decently thick and not-stretchy material should work just as well if you plan on covering it with latex! :)

[Yulia]

Or you could try to do individual scales out of latex!

[Mermaid Enora]

If you're worried about the cost of neoprene look and see if there is a dive shop nearby and ask about old wetsuits for sale. I was able to get two used wetsuits for $15 total and it was enough to cover my whole tail.

[Merlia]

Hm, no I don't think it would work very well because foam is floaty...
I think neoprene or individual latex circles will work better.

Or what about an 'overlay' just made out of latex, without any neoprene /... between? :confused:

[Mermaid Reiko]

Or you could try to do individual scales out of latex!

That's what I'm working on now actually. It's a pain in the but but it look so so so realistic.
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/Recowa/Public%20Album/10310561_907389579278753_2587017235132624402_n_zps afa94318.jpg (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/Recowa/media/Public%20Album/10310561_907389579278753_2587017235132624402_n_zps afa94318.jpg.html)

[Mermaid Hitode]

That looks really cool.It must take a long time thought.

[Mermaid Reiko]

That looks really cool.It must take a long time thought.

Yes, I'm just doing it in my spare time so its taking longer that way. I'll be putting up an update thread.