Another post about fabric tails...

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Soo, i just got through reading almost every post on here i could find about fabric tails to answer the few questions i have. i thought i got close with the post about adding flare, but when i read it, although useful, still didn't help me find answers. I have no choice but to add another post lol bear with me..

So, like many others that are just starting out/don't have a big budget, i am at the drawing table working on the schematics of my fabric mermaid tail. I am starting my frame from the silhouette of a finis foil(not really a good choice, from whats I've seen but I'm not about to just toss this one away). I currently have my eye on a black/metallic mermaid scale spandex nylon as the base of the tail, now the questions that come in are:
1. i want to add fins, not make my fluke using this fabric, but instead, using clear shower curtain... has anyone ever attempted this and if so, any advice to give? i know Hannah has used vinyl for her fluke, but she also has used neoprene as her fabric, so its stronger.
2. accent scales: although this fabric already has scales printed into it, i want to outline patches using what is known as puffy paint, or scribbles? but i know those aren't water proof. BUT at the same time, i know that some paint isn't and can be waterproofed using certain clear coats.. so the question is, what would be a good idea to use for water proofing on this kind of material?
3. if said shower curtain is used for added fins, and i want to make 'veins' on said fins, would it be a good idea to use hot glue gun or some kind is silicon caulk for said fins?
4. again to the shower curtain: also looking for paint that can be put on this sort of materiel. Ive seen the posts from Little Orca(you are an awesome inspiration btw) and others about what paint to use for fabric, could i use that for shower curtain as well?

Wont be starting this for a few months due to hunting down supplies off the internet to send to the ship, but it gives me time to answer all the questions. And hey, maybe I'll actually have more room on land to do this than i would on the ship lol

I thank you all who read and respond for taking the time to!

Swim on everyone!

For 2. Tulip 3d paint works and I'm pretty sure puffy paint actually is waterproof. Like can't you wash it once it's on clothes?



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Originally Posted by Mermaid Wesley

For 2. Tulip 3d paint works and I'm pretty sure puffy paint actually is waterproof. Like can't you wash it once it's on clothes?



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i didn't even think about that lol you maybe right on the puffy paint. but just as an extra added precaution? and tulip, got it, gonna go check it out! thank you so much =3

I don't think you can colour the shower curtain as its plastic, though there are plastic table clothes which come in many colours. silicone and cable ties could work for the veins.

There are puff paints which are meant for clothing which are wash safe and water safe. In doubt always test a patch on something else!! :D

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Originally Posted by Ilyena

I don't think you can colour the shower curtain as its plastic, though there are plastic table clothes which come in many colours. silicone and cable ties could work for the veins.

There are puff paints which are meant for clothing which are wash safe and water safe. In doubt always test a patch on something else!! :D

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Hmm, then what about mixing almost like a pigment into a waterproofing clear coat or the silicon itself?

That has been written in a few threads on here...somewhere XP. I think Fifi did that with her latest tail

Enamel paints work on plastic and rubber, though not sure about it being skin safe.

Alright, let me take a stab at this.

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1. i want to add fins, not make my fluke using this fabric, but instead, using clear shower curtain... has anyone ever attempted this and if so, any advice to give? i know Hannah has used vinyl for her fluke, but she also has used neoprene as her fabric, so its stronger.

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So here's the thing with the fabric you plan on using.... Metallic is generally not very resilient in terms of water, and spandex is a bit... well, it's stretchy. I totally get the clear fin/fluke thing. My old ratty fabric tail that bit the dust after years of abuse had them... sort of. It was more these sheer accents added over a solid base to disguise the monofin. I didn't use a shower curtain, instead, I used this awesome sheer fabric from Jo-Ann's that you get in the "Special Occasions" section (where they have the brocades and satins and lace, and other fancy things). I actually decided to use that sheer fabric because it was lighter weight and wouldn't drag on the actual body of the tail and pull it off. It's not meant for swimming, yes, BUT it worked... Fabric is pretty cool like that. As long as it doesn't chock, bleed, or is an actual, honest to goodness velvet, you can pretty much do whatever with it.

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2. accent scales: although this fabric already has scales printed into it, i want to outline patches using what is known as puffy paint, or scribbles? but i know those aren't water proof. BUT at the same time, i know that some paint isn't and can be waterproofed using certain clear coats.. so the question is, what would be a good idea to use for water proofing on this kind of material?

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I wonder if, and hear me out because this is just weird, but E6000 might form a protective layer over the puffy paint. You got to be careful though, because if it seeps through to the other side and touches anything, your tail will be glued to that thing. So maybe try and apply it thinly and while the tail is not sewn together, and while it's hanging up in pieces to dry?

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3. if said shower curtain is used for added fins, and i want to make 'veins' on said fins, would it be a good idea to use hot glue gun or some kind is silicon caulk for said fins?

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Hot glue sucks in water. I'd go with silicone caulking. This is also where the sheer fabric is a better idea than the shower curtain, as not much is going to successfully stick to a plastic curtain.

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4. again to the shower curtain: also looking for paint that can be put on this sort of materiel. Ive seen the posts from Little Orca(you are an awesome inspiration btw) and others about what paint to use for fabric, could i use that for shower curtain as well?

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Fabric and shower curtains have different properties (unless it's a cloth shower curtain, but my guess is since it's clear, it's not, it's a plastic one) The problem with anything added to the shower curtain is that it's plastic, and plastic is a jerk when it comes to painting and some types of gluing and so on. Painting on fabric works because the fabric's properties are more absorbent. It's why we can have silk screening and printing and stuff for fabric, but when plastic is involved, it pretty much comes in the color it was melted with before it was formed into the thing it's supposed to be.

I know that's probably not what you were hoping for, but it's the best that I can think of ATM. If I come up with something better later, I'll let you know.

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Originally Posted by Anahita

Alright, let me take a stab at this.



So here's the thing with the fabric you plan on using.... Metallic is generally not very resilient in terms of water, and spandex is a bit... well, it's stretchy. I totally get the clear fin/fluke thing. My old ratty fabric tail that bit the dust after years of abuse had them... sort of. It was more these sheer accents added over a solid base to disguise the monofin. I didn't use a shower curtain, instead, I used this awesome sheer fabric from Jo-Ann's that you get in the "Special Occasions" section (where they have the brocades and satins and lace, and other fancy things). I actually decided to use that sheer fabric because it was lighter weight and wouldn't drag on the actual body of the tail and pull it off. It's not meant for swimming, yes, BUT it worked... Fabric is pretty cool like that. As long as it doesn't chock, bleed, or is an actual, honest to goodness velvet, you can pretty much do whatever with it.



I wonder if, and hear me out because this is just weird, but E6000 might form a protective layer over the puffy paint. You got to be careful though, because if it seeps through to the other side and touches anything, your tail will be glued to that thing. So maybe try and apply it thinly and while the tail is not sewn together, and while it's hanging up in pieces to dry?



Hot glue sucks in water. I'd go with silicone caulking. This is also where the sheer fabric is a better idea than the shower curtain, as not much is going to successfully stick to a plastic curtain.



Fabric and shower curtains have different properties (unless it's a cloth shower curtain, but my guess is since it's clear, it's not, it's a plastic one) The problem with anything added to the shower curtain is that it's plastic, and plastic is a jerk when it comes to painting and some types of gluing and so on. Painting on fabric works because the fabric's properties are more absorbent. It's why we can have silk screening and printing and stuff for fabric, but when plastic is involved, it pretty much comes in the color it was melted with before it was formed into the thing it's supposed to be.

I know that's probably not what you were hoping for, but it's the best that I can think of ATM. If I come up with something better later, I'll let you know.

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That was actually super helpful! =3 thank you! Its a great thing i didnt buy anything yet, im gonna go back to the drawing boards and figure it out and see what ideas i can come up with the extra fins as fabric and not plastic. I really wish i was on land so i can actually GO to these places and look instead of guesstimating online but we cant have everything right? lol Ill definitely heed your word about the fabric vs plastic and see what i can come up with.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

No problem. If I recall, this is the fabric I used, too. If you were curious.

http://www.joann.com/crinkle-pearliz...4&prefv1=false

using spandex and having a foil monofin myself I cna relate. For a VERY FIRST TALE both are pretty good, the stretchy fobric gets you used to having something heavier on your legs while swimming. But it also allows for quick removal if you feel in distress while swimming.

The foil is light and easy to move around in, I was skeptic as well after reading the threads here, but like all the mers say "What works for one might not work for another." I find I like the fluid movement and light weight of my foil fin. Not to say I won't upgrade later.

Fabric puff paints work best on any fabric, I've painted t-shirts, jeans, purses, and some velvet (never again) with it and so far those projects are holding up well.

Hope this helps and good luck with your tail!

I'm beta-testing coloring my clear vinyl for fins with- of all things, permanent marker, but I could pigment silicone and use it as a paint... Since it adheres to vinyl.

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Originally Posted by Kaguria The Kitsune Mermaid

using spandex and having a foil monofin myself I can relate. For a VERY FIRST TALE both are pretty good, the stretchy fabric gets you used to having something heavier on your legs while swimming. But it also allows for quick removal if you feel in distress while swimming.

The foil is light and easy to move around in, I was skeptic as well after reading the threads here, but like all the mers say "What works for one might not work for another." I find I like the fluid movement and light weight of my foil fin. Not to say I won't upgrade later.

Fabric puff paints work best on any fabric, I've painted t-shirts, jeans, purses, and some velvet (never again) with it and so far those projects are holding up well.

Hope this helps and good luck with your tail!

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Although ive never had another monofin, i LOVE my finis foil.. i had some trouble with it at first with sizing but i fixed that with neoprene socks.. but i do agree, its light and easy to maneuver in.. and it propels very well!

Im glad the puffy paint idea wont fall through on the drawing board, that would have been more disappointing than anything else.. for the main fabric, to get a visual im considering this:

http://www.amazon.com/HOLOGRAM-SCALE...+nylon+spandex
OR:
http://www.amazon.com/Mystic-Hologra...A3PF7WP2MH5FZA

I love the idea of a darker(but not evil)mer because i barely ever see that then blue sheen on the second one is about the same colour as how i want to do the veins on the added fins

again, added accent scales with the puff paint, and now im probably going to also use puff paint on the added fins now that they will be fabric lol

Thank you so much for your kelp and advice!!

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Originally Posted by Slee

I'm beta-testing coloring my clear vinyl for fins with- of all things, permanent marker, but I could pigment silicone and use it as a paint... Since it adheres to vinyl.

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Pics or it didnt happen! =D That sounds like music to my ears! let me know how that turns out!! maybe when i have more money and more experience, i can use the vinyl idea with a neoprene tail. thank you!

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Originally Posted by Anahita

No problem. If I recall, this is the fabric I used, too. If you were curious.

http://www.joann.com/crinkle-pearliz...4&prefv1=false

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That is beautiful!!!:jawdrop: *squee* i cant wait to be back so i can check these out!

Holy Crap it's been a while!!! Currently in Key West, almost done with an attempt at this, i decided to go with some black sheer fabric that i found although i wont be putting on the fins just yet, i used small zip ties as boning to add more/different structure to my fluke, and I'm just trying to do a test swim before the sun goes down tonight, ill post a pic tonight so you guys can see!

*waits for pics*