Kalani's Hybrid Tail Adventure

[Ashe]

Heheh! I'm a sucker for memes

Wesley, it was straight out of the tube and onto the fin. Seconds after, I would go over it with a brush. I will revisit the fins tomorrow, and see how they look. I was also discouraged because I didn't take into account how much effort and silicone would go into making the big pectoral fins I was hoping for, so that was another reason I wasn't feeling to well. No matter, though because I decided that the tail would look great without them

I have also realized that even though some of the iridescence may be lost, when I put my monofin into the tail I will then have a sturdy, flat surface to apply the silicone to. Again, I will revisit this in the morning

So progress? I have two little ankle fins with silicone on them. While a little goopy in some places, I think I can make them work! I'm scrapping my pectoral fins but I have a full dorsal in store, waiting for silicone. The tail will be sewn together this weekend and possibly siliconing the fluke. All is well!

[Ashe]

So I hopped into the garage to take a look at the fins. They actually came out much better than I was expecting! Yes, I did lose some of the colors, but I think that is a small price to pay in exchange for a longer lasting and more realistic tail I have a little fin test here, feel free to skip around the video a little bit. Toward the end I compare the silicone and silicone free sides using the unfinished pelvic fin. I won't use those huge pelvic fins because it is just so much silicone (the same amount of silicone that would go on the dorsal!) and a lot of frustrating work.

[Seraphina Suds]

Looking great so far!

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[Ashe]

Thank you Seraphina! While I haven't started the fluke yet (that will be the very last as I want to have my fin in there when laying the silicone), may I ask how you did yours? I remember seeing a close up picture and it looked very clean. Any tips I should know before I finish this up?

[Ashe]

I'm also extremely happy with the 'flop' of the fins. It's exactly what i was hoping for on the trailing bits of my fluke!

[Seraphina Suds]

Thank you Seraphina! While I haven't started the fluke yet (that will be the very last as I want to have my fin in there when laying the silicone), may I ask how you did yours? I remember seeing a close up picture and it looked very clean. Any tips I should know before I finish this up?

I squeezed the silicone in a thin layer straight from the tube onto the fluke. I worked in lines from the top where the scales would start, to the tip of the fluke. The silicone kind of spreads itself but make sure that you work close enough to the last line/keep them touching so you don't have any holes. It gives a natural slightly ridged look when it's done!

I totally feel you on the flop XD I loved slapping my little fins around lol
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[Ashton]

I have to agree that you will have one of the best fabric tails I have ever seen.
Its to bad some of the rainbow effect gets a bit dull when the silicone is applied. I am glad that it does not get lost completely. I cant wait to see photos of you in it in the sun/swimming!!!

[Vrindavana Starfish]

I think the rainbow looks incredibly realistic with the silicone over it! I love it. That fabric is so beautiful, but with the silicone over it, it actually looks the way an iridescent fish would. I am impatiently waiting to see how the finished tail looks! I think this will be the direction I go when I do my fabric tail.

[Ashe]

Thank you so much for your kind words! (Nearly started tearing up but that's probably due to PMS). All of my faith in this tail is restored. I agree that it looks really nice with the silicone, also keeping in mind that the silicone will be on the fins and fluke, not the body.

Well, yet at least. I've played around with the idea of scaling the tail because of the how well it cures to the holographic print. I don't want to get too ahead of myself though, and something like that would likely happen next season.

Edit: Also as a side note, the lighting in which the first two videos and the fin video was made under were completely different. Later tonight the fins will probably regain a little bit more of their shine

[Keiris]

Kalani it's just looking FANTASTIC!!!!! You are going to be quite the shimmery catch of the day!!!!

[Ashe]

Great news! I sewed the two parts of the tail together and it looks really nice! I was so worried that my pink hair would throw off the colors, but that wasn't the case at all
I lost quite a bit of green paint on the front due to the seam allowance but that will all be painted on later. I'll need to resize it a little as it is a little baggy and I like skin tight tails, but I will do that probably later tonight. I can only take so much sewing before going insane Trying to find some better ways to deal with silicone before working on my fluke and dorsal.

Still wanting to add that bit of pink to match my hair but I'm really not finding anywhere that will look nice. Hmmm...

In any case, I think that I should be taking a bit of a break now that I am so close. I want to make sure that I don't make any snap decisions Time to work on my Secret Santa gift! Heheh...

[Mermaid Miranda]

So I have been stalking this thread because, well many reasons. Eventually I'm going to make myself a fabric tail and I need all the help I can get. The idea of using DAP silicone painted on is genius. I am potentially going to use that.
And can I just say, and I think most mers will agree with me, holy fluke that is some gorgeous fabric, girl. Your tail is amazing and it isn't even finished. It is an inspiring tail for us tail-less mers, mers without silicone funds/skill, and mers who prefer fabric. Carp, it's just plain inspirational. Can't wait to see it finished!

[Madison MerFaerie]

Looks great! You are going to be the most gorgeous golden fishy!

[darksiren]

sorry, could someone please tell what is DAP silicone? this is the first thread I've seen that mentions it. I am awaiting the next pic with baited breath!

[Ashe]

Of course! DAP is a brand that creates silicone caulk *gasp*
The line of silicone that mers buy from them is their All Purpose Adhesive Sealant. It is so far proven to be safe because if it's main use for aquarium use. It is stretchy, won't turn yellow or crack, is fish safe and is food safe as well.

[darksiren]

Wow, i'd imagine it would take a lot of those little tubes to cover a tail...

[Seraphina Suds]

You have no idea @_@ When I was making mine, I sold out the three closest Home Depot stores in my area. The next one to have it was a half hour drive away.

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[Ashe]

Phew! Glad I'm only doing the fins and fluke! Eh, for now at least. I've toyed with the idea of scaling the tail in the future. We'll see how it holds up.

[Ashe]

Ouch, it's been a while! I haven't made any progress on this tail since my last post... I've been so busy! Luckily I'm on break for a week so hopefully I can pick this tail back up again

[MerChemi]

Wow Kalani! Your tail looks amazing so far!!
That fabric is just medical and I really love your top!!
i can't wait to see how it turns out