Printing on Neoprene

[surf patrol]

Hi forum - I'm a newbie here.......I'm from South Africa, and need some advice on printing on Neoprene. I figured a surf forum would be the best place to ask.

We are going to start making some amputee accessories (in particular for leg amps) and I am trying to find out what sort of print place I should approach, and what to ask for. We just want a small two-worder printed, but it's got to be tough and not split or crack with wear and tear. It won't be for water use (if that makes a difference) - probably for nutter amputees who do extreme sports in the African dust.

We aren't spoiled for choice here, and I don't want to someone selling me on a print type for the sake of business, and due to my complete ignorance about this.

Can someone explain the process to me?

Much obliged,
RAK Uniped

Apologies to the mods in advance if I posted this under the wrong subject, or it's been covered before

[billie_morini]

Bernallys,
many sport-related companies and individuals apply "writing" and images to neoprene via silk screening. Some t-shirt silk screen vendors work with neoprene. Here is a simple explanation for how to do it:

http://www.ehow.com/facts_7555157_can-silkscreen-neoprene.html

In addition to this information, I know that a screen printer will add a very small quantity of catalyst and place the neoprene item into the dryer.

billie

[Bernallys]

Thanks Billie - will check the link out now.

[LJSurfa]

I have never had a wettie where the print doesn't crack eventually. Even my £300 Ripcurl bomb did.