To make or to buy?

[MermaidIndie]

I've made lots of spandex tails and a neoprene latex tail but as most people on this website i'm itching to own a silicone tail. My mom says that if I can hold a 4.0 GPA till my birthday in February, she will gladly get me a silicone tail from Mernation. The question is, should I buy one or should I make one? I am pretty confident with my artistic ability's but should I get one from Mernation? Any advice would be greatly appreciated :)

[Vrindavana Starfish]

If someone is willing to pay for it, take them up on that! Mernation's tails look awesome. You can still design it yourself, right?

[MermaidIndie]

yes I think so, but the 1200 mernation tails are single colors only. my inner artist is like craving to do this im just not sure of the exact process

[Yulia]

Then maybe go middleground, and get a single color Mernationtail, that you airbrush yourself?

[babsannee]

yeah! if you're confident in your artistic abilities, if you air brush it yourself you can make sure it's perfect for you!

[Mermaid Freyja]

I've been pondering the same thing; get the $1200 Mernation tail and airbrush some silicone & pigment on it myself. But, I also want extra fins...
Good luck on whatever direction you take, and if you go the above route, please post your process here!
Xoxo

[MermaidIndie]

I'm still undecided but I'm kind of leaning towards making my own. I'll be sure to post any updates


The crash of waves and salty air are the signs of freedom

[Trident True]

my two cents would be to think about how much time you have up your sleeve, there is a lot of work in creating a tail EVEN if its not intricate. the more detail you put in the longer it takes but an better overall look to the finished piece. having said this there are more than enough tutorials to help you out along the way, plus it's an extremely mind blowing experience to make your own as you do learn soooo much along the way.... I say go for it attempt to make your own.

[MermaidIndie]

After stalking every how to for silicone tails on Mernetwork and I'm really inspired and really encouraged to make my own tail. How do I tell my mom this and convince her it's a good idea?


The crash of waves and salty air are the signs of freedom

[Miyu]

Show her other people's home-made tails, and point out that she would be getting a better bargain for her money, as the one you make can end up looking more realistic than the purchased tail! If she says it looks like a lot of confusing, professional work, let her know that virtually everyone on MN who has made their own silicone tail has done so mostly through the instruction of tutorials/walk-throughs posted here (and that more info on tailmaking is added every day, which only help you be a better tailmaker, so long as you take the time to do the research)! :) Best fishes!

[MermaidIndie]

I'll try that, thanks! [emoji1]


The crash of waves and salty air are the signs of freedom

[Mermaid Freyja]

Speaking of making a silicone tail vs. buying the $1200 Mernation tail and adding to it;
can anyone here point me toward some posts with good tips on how to attach a silicone dorsal fin to a finished silicone tail like Mernation's?
Logically I could just use common sense, but if there is a different type of silicone I need to use it'd be good to know.
I don't want to hijack this thread, but I tried to do a search, and all I get are long lists of posts that mention dorsal fins, and no tips on attaching them.
Or I'm just blind ha! :lol:
Thanks xoxox

[Seatan]

Just be sure you know what you are getting into. I am happy I will be able to say I made my tail, but some days I wish I could just order another from FinFolk and be done with it. Make sure your mom knows that you will still take time to study, as this is a very time consuming process. Also, beware that it could cost you more than $1500 to make it at home. There is a lot of testing and mess ups involved. Mine is probably going to end up costing me at least $2000.

[Firemaid]

If you have the funds and the time my vote is make your own!
Making a mermaid tail is HARD! I made so many mistakes! It is seriously not cheap. My first tail was a money pit, It cost me well over $2,000 to get to a tail I could actually use. I even cried a few times. I almost gave up!
I think it's important to realize what you are getting into (If you made a latex tail you pretty much know)
Despite all that, I think there is something really special about making your own tail!!
For me, it's an important part of the art. I am a performance artist and a creator. The makeup, the jewellery, the tail, it's all part of my self expression, and the fact that I made it all make the experience more fulfilling!!
If you need any help along the way just let me know! I'm happy to share tips
xoxox

[Mermaid Freyja]

Speaking of making a silicone tail vs. buying the $1200 Mernation tail and adding to it;
can anyone here point me toward some posts with good tips on how to attach a silicone dorsal fin to a finished silicone tail like Mernation's?
Logically I could just use common sense, but if there is a different type of silicone I need to use it'd be good to know.
I don't want to hijack this thread, but I tried to do a search, and all I get are long lists of posts that mention dorsal fins, and no tips on attaching them.
Or I'm just blind ha! :lol:
Thanks xoxox

Disregard my above post ;) I finally found some helpful info here, from Kanti on attaching extra fins. It may come in handy for you, too:
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?2089-Full-Silicone-Tail-Tutorial-In-the-works&p=39797&highlight=attaching+dorsal#post39797

[AmbrGlows]

MerNation is happy to do a custom paint job on the $1200 tail for an additional cost. They will also add fins to it for a cost. You just have to talk to them. They are happy to answer questions to help in your decision making.

The differences in the $1200 & $2500 tail is obviously color. By keeping it one color it cuts down on pain time. The second difference is that the more expensive tail is double reenforced in several areas. This reenforce is necessary on tails that are used for multiple performances a day like at Weeki Wachi and the aquariums.