Painted Spandex Tail

[LindseyLu]

Hi guy! This was failry popular in the meryuku forum so I thought I'd bring it on over! This is a spande tail I made recently for my bf's little girl Bella. She is getting it this weekend so I will have more pics posted shortly with her in the tail and in the pool!!!


I let her try it on before I painted it to make sure it fit! Fit's like a glove!!!


Here's the final tail after the paint job!


A close up of the glittery scale design!


Side angle of the finished fluke!


Another angle!


Close up of some of the details!

If you are interested, here is how to make the scale pattern:

1. First, once the tail is sewn together (as yours is) you stuff it full of whatever you can find. I used old sheets... I shreded them first so there wouldnt be any bulges, than stuff the tail. This way the paint won't look different after you put the tail on, nor will it cause an issue with the paint cracking!

2. Next you will need fishnet stalkings. Because this is a childs tail I was able to use an old pair I had. You cut the toes off, and you cut at the top of the thigh, you end up with a fishnet tube. For an adult size tail I recommend buying some plus size stalking online, the bigger the better. SPANX makes great stalkings because they are almost impossible to tear, but they are more expensive (but worth it). Slide the stalking tube over the tail, pin the stalkings to the fluke to keep them in place. Now you are ready to paint!

3. I used tulip brand spray paint. If your tail is black neoprene do not use this paint, it doesn't show up well...even the white, I've tried several tests. Use the appropriate paint and an airbrush gun. If your tail is spandex this paint will work like a charm! Spray your desired colors all over the tail in the design of your choice. Do one side one day and the other side the next. Otherwise, the paint could smear as you are flipping the tail around.

4. Once the tail is completely painted and you have given it a couple days to dry you can remove the fishnet. If you are 100% sure the paint is dry you can slip the netting off. You will now see what I call your base pattern. You will have a great fishy look, so it's time to do some fine deatiling. Be creative, add extra colors in certain spots or outline the scales...whatever you want!


Hope this helps!
More pics to come next week!!!