Keiris' New Hybrid Tail

**Nyx** · 08-14-2015, 02:48 PM

It's so preeettttyyyyy <3

**Celaeno** · 08-14-2015, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by Keiris

As far as paint goes, I use PearlEx pigments and very watered down acrylic paints so the fabric doesn't get stiff or thwart the silicone from curing. You can also mix an additive to acrylic paint to make it more flexible for fabric. I just used very thin layers to build up the color. This is just some sort of lycra/spandex swimsuit material which is why I have kept the paint very thin as well as the silicone overlay. If this combination is successful I may consider selling them as a less expensive "realistic" tail to full silicone. Hope that helps, Chris.

This is exactly the method I have been thinking about, wondering how viable it was...it's really cool to see someone putting it into practice.

**Ashe** · 08-14-2015, 03:02 PM

It really looks amazing! And the fluke

I can't wait to see it in action

**Keiris** · 08-14-2015, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by Merman Lir

what kind of fabric did you end up using? I'm working on starting a hybrid tail (silicone over painted fabric like yours) for another mer. (silicone is out of our budget but we have gigs to fill)... I have some left over neoprene, but am concerned it will be too bulky. I'm likewise concerned that spandex would be too light/flimsy. ... also what kind of paint do you prefer. (sorry if that's too many questions!)

Hi Lir! If you have neoprene already, you should look at Mermaid Nyx's GORGEOUS painted neoprene tail! It is really stunning and one of my personal favorites! It looks very streamline on her and her treatment of the scales is artistic witchcraft. I am sure it was very labor intensive but I bet if you ask her nicely, she would be happy to share how she crafted it.

**Keiris** · 08-15-2015, 01:26 PM

Looks like the weekend will be filled with painting silicone layers on both sides of the fluke and fins. I am also rubbing a little PearlEx pigment dry in certain places to bring out a bit more color and iridescence. I may make the stripes more vivid in the future but right now I want to see how this thing swims!

**Mermaid Wesley** · 08-15-2015, 02:40 PM

Wow!!!! I loooove the fluke. Mad props.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**PearlieMae** · 08-15-2015, 03:48 PM

Be careful not to go overboard with the dry rubbed pigment...it can act like a release between layers and ruin all your work.

**Merman Lir** · 08-16-2015, 08:18 PM

looking really good, Keiris! and thanks for the q and a

**Keiris** · 08-17-2015, 02:06 PM

Thanks Wesley, Pearlie and Lir!
The fluke is painted, highlighted , and dusted with some extra shimmer. I trimmed the outer, heavy, double silicone veins that frame the fluke off of this sculpt. I'll incorporate those back again on the next full silicone tail with the Competitor monofin. Just wanted this tail lighter and sleeker. I like the severe scalloped edge. It's a nod to the live mermaids from Disneyland that swam in the Lagoon for 2 or 3 years back in the '60's.

Next up, blended waistband.