Not at all kinky, sorry

March 23, 2009 11:07 AM

Where can I find 2mm-4mm neoprene in the Chicago area (preferably the northern suburbs)? I'm looking for the stuff that is fabric coated on both sides. I can find it all over the place online, but I'm not having any luck with local suppliers. I'd like to buy locally because I'm in a bit of a time crunch and I'd like to make sure I'm getting what I need.

My hopefully not-too-restrictive requirements: The exact thickness isn't that important. Color doesn't matter, but I'd prefer to get black on one side. I only need a few square feet and the exact dimensions of the piece(s) I buy doesn't matter as long as I can get a half-dozen 6"x6" squares out of it. I'd prefer to avoid used material or chopping up existing products (wetsuits, mousepads, etc).

posted by indyz to clothing, beauty, & fashion (2 comments total)

McMaster-Carr is in the 630 area code...Elmhurst. It looks like they have what you want, and it absolutely arrives the next day - or you might be able to visit the warehouse, which I imagine looks something like the one at the end of Raiders of the lost arc. Check out item 8698K73.
posted by Dmenet at 3:04 PM on March 23

The kind of places that sell sheet metal, hardware (nuts and bolts), and wheels for carts and that kind of stuff often stock that material in large sheets. They may not know what "neoprene" is, but they'd know what foam rubber sheets are. If they don't stock it, odds are they'd know somebody in town that does.
posted by BrandonAbell at 4:39 PM on March 23