Partial Silicone Tail - GE Silicone & Neoprene

**Dancing Fish** · 08-22-2014, 02:54 PM

I've been thinking of using GE silicone I over painted neoprene for my first tail, too. Are you painting first then putting a straight coat of silicone over it? Do you plan to do anything dimensional with the silicone? I tried my first tests today with a mesh (trying to emulate the Alex latex technique) and it was an utter fail. I think I let it cure for too long (10 minutes is too long!?) Anyway, yours is looking fabulous! Looking forward to seeing the final product!

**Raayvhen** · 08-22-2014, 03:13 PM

I will be using the Alex scale method I haven't figured out the perfect timing yet though.

I am painting the neoprene then after I heat seal it I'll put the silicone directly on the neoprene. I am pigmenting the silicone with the pearlex interference blue for an extra layer of dimension.

**Slee** · 08-22-2014, 04:00 PM

What specific benefit is a coat of non-textured silicone over neoprene? Is it just for fish-skin-like translucency?

**Raayvhen** · 08-22-2014, 04:23 PM

If you didn't add texture I think it would be a little bit like how the h20 tails don't have any texture. It would also help seal the color and it would add a smooth tactile effect.

**Slee** · 08-22-2014, 04:33 PM

(Yes, bi'm a billion questions girl, but I am plotting and planning my own creative projects, mwahahahahahaha)

**PearlieMae** · 08-22-2014, 04:37 PM

Slee, there are tons or tailmaking threads to read up on here! LOADS of information!

**Slee** · 08-22-2014, 04:44 PM

Yes! Have been doing so.

**Odette** · 08-22-2014, 07:18 PM

First off, I love your design Raayvhen!Those colors look peaceful. the white spots are such a nice touch. I can't wait to see the rest!
Did you tear and rip on the test pieces? I did this and if you to try to tear them apart, they do in time come apart, but only if you try and peel them apart. It's no problem, but don't let kids see that they can do that. Never had that issue, but best to be prepared =) maybe heat helps because I did not heat mine years ago.

Also, something that can benefit everyone working with GE silicone is that you can thin it out more if you like. Just mix a little sodium or potassium hydroxide (paint thinners) with the silicone. I never measure how much i used but i would add a few drops and mix until it got where i wanted it, but don't make it too creamy or it will take FOREVER to cure. It also feels softer.

**Raayvhen** · 08-22-2014, 07:53 PM

Thanks! I have to tear and pick at it really hard for it to come off
I'm not doing a scale sheet so I'm not too worried about thinning it.

**Adalira** · 08-22-2014, 08:01 PM

It's starting to come along so nicely. Can't wait to see more progress, so excited for you!

**Raayvhen** · 08-22-2014, 10:44 PM

So tonight I'll post pictures of all the fins I painted today. I did a dorsal, side hip fins, front fins, and ankle fins.

I'm starting to feel burned out after the past couple days so tomorrow is a no tail day. Then after that I just have to do silicone and sewing. I expect to be done by Tuesday.

**Dancing Fish** · 08-23-2014, 12:53 AM

Originally Posted by Odette

Also, something that can benefit everyone working with GE silicone is that you can thin it out more if you like. Just mix a little sodium or potassium hydroxide (paint thinners) with the silicone. I never measure how much i used but i would add a few drops and mix until it got where i wanted it, but don't make it too creamy or it will take FOREVER to cure. It also feels softer.

OH, awesome! I was just going to ask if anyone knew what to thin it with. It's really gloopy right out of the tube!

**OceanRose** · 08-23-2014, 01:28 AM

I have thinned silicone in a tube with a product called "shellite" which is something similar to lighter fluid. Please wear a mask when you're mixing it up! Inhaling those fumes can't be good for us.

**MarkF** · 08-23-2014, 02:46 PM

There are many GE Silicones, which one did you use?
The video of the sheen was so smooth "Good job on the video", have you thined your silicone and if yes with what?

**Raayvhen** · 08-25-2014, 12:41 PM

I confess, I took two days off.

My body was just not okay with going back to work yesterday. Today I'm going to buy my silicone and start going to town. I'm probably only doing my fins today. New goal is to be done by Thursday.

Mark, I'm going to be using the GE silicone 1 window and door. The one without moldicide. I'm not going to be thinning it since I'll be adding scale detail just like the ALEX tails.

**Raayvhen** · 08-26-2014, 11:35 PM

So I've got a layer of silicone dry on one side of my fins and wet on the other side. I've also just laid my silicone on the front piece of my tail. I decided to go without texture and so far I like how it looks. I also bought waaaay too much silicone. Like enough to make two more tails.