Choosing a Neoprene Thickness for a Neoprene-Backed Silicone Mermaid Tail

[SheroesEntertainment]

I have seen in the forums that 2mm neoprene is recommended for backing silicone or latex tails for ease of sewing, durability, and to minimize the cost of materials.

Has anyone on here tried using 0.5mm or 1.5mm neoprene instead? If so, what did you discover about it? Did it hold up under use? I am less concerned about a "warmth" factor and more concerned with durability, flexibility, and reducing the tail's weight.

Thanks!

[Kanti]

It might be more favorable to use thicker neoprene when dealing with CAULKING. I guess it's confusing
what you mean when you say "silicone" or "latex". If you're talking about ACTUAL silicone/latex that's
MEANT for using for skin prosthetics and SFX stuff, then you can go thinner and it'll actually be more ideal
since the neoprene only stretches to an extent if it gets too thick. I don't think thinn-ness effects durability
TOO badly. If you're using NEOPRENE, not neoprin, then it's pretty damn durable and hard to tear unless you
catch it on a sharp edge or something of that nature. Neoprin is what you have to avoid because its more of
a foam and less of a fabric.

But again, if you're using the "fake" silcione/latex AKA Caulking of any type, go with the thicker because you
really need that layer inbetween your skin.

[SheroesEntertainment]

Hi Kanti, I apologize for not being clear and I sincerely appreciate your help! I currently have a silicone dragonskin tail that was fully lined in 2mm neoprene. I am looking to make a new one for myself out of Dragonskin backed with neoprene but would like this one to be more flexible and lighter weight. The 2mm tails are great and super durable but they aren't quite as expansive / stretchy as I would like. Have you tried either 0.5mm or 1.5mm?

[Kanti]

Oh if you're using the dragonskin the 1.5-.5mm should be fine.
And don't worry about it, it was just a minor detail :'P

But like I said above, the thinner the neoprene, the better the stretch, but give a look see because
1mm is a very small bit of neoprene as it is, so .5 will almost be like using nothing at all.

Either one you choose should be fine, though. The thinner, the stretchier. ANd if you're putting
dragonskin on top, it'll only reinforce the strength so you won't have to worry about durability
issues or a lack thereof.