Gaming Mats (OCEAN MAT added 12/31/13 pg 3)

[doctor_ocks]

The topic of gaming mats recently popped up on the Song of Blades and Heros group and I was inspired, I'm large part to the mats I've seen here, to make my own.



It's it a nice weight to it and lays very flat.



All rolled up.



A close up of the surface.



Here the blog post of how I made it for those interested.

Part I: http://mallencreations.blogspot.com/2013/06/new-gaming-mat-part-i.html?m=1
Part II: http://mallencreations.blogspot.com/2013/06/gaming-mat-part-ii.html?m=1

[phreedh]

I followed that discussion with interest. Your results are very good, the mat looks great!

I'm still considering zuzzy mats, but I'm more and more impressed with how people's drop cloth and caulk mats have come out!

[**GS**]

Welcome to the club of self made mat owners.
Wasn't it easy

Your's is a real beauty!
Congrats!

GS

[Mick_in_Switzerland]

Thank-you for the tutorial.

Do you know if you can add static grass to this type of mat?

Regards

Mick

[Mad Lord Snapcase]

Excellent mat, I'm going to have to give it a go!

[Mason]

I have seen these kind of mats made a few times now and that looks like an excellent example of what can be achieved.
 

I may have to give it a go.
 

[Mister Rab]

This is becoming increasingly tempting to try. Looks great! 

[Just John]

What exactly is a drop cloth? Is it some sort of canvas?

[WuZhuiQiu]

What exactly is a drop cloth? Is it some sort of canvas?

I believe that a drop cloth is a sheet of canvas that is used to protect floors, etc., while house-painting. I expect that you might find a better definition in a dictionary or through a web search...

[blacksoilbill]

That is fantastic looking mat! I've been looking at doing these for a while and I think yours is the best that I've seen. Which flock did you use - the fine turf or the blended turf?

Bill.

[Timbor]

I believe that a drop cloth is a sheet of canvas that is used to protect floors, etc., while house-painting. I expect that you might find a better definition in a dictionary or through a web search...

That is exactly what it is - a heavy, coarse cotton sheet that is quite absorbent - you use it to protect floors and furniture when painting:

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/9x12-canvas-drop-cloth-8oz/821976

I have seen this sort of thing done with artist's canvas, but the drop cloth canvas is wayy cheaper.  I have made an underwater mat using the same technique.  My only mistake was to incorporate pebbles and little stones - made the surface bumpy so its slightly hazardous for making miniatures tip over.

For the OP - did you use all 4 tubes of caulking for your mat?

[Jevenkah]

That is absolutely stunning! It looks fantastic! Have fun on it, and get some pictures while you do.

Jevenkah

[Just John]

Thanks for that Timbor - we seem to call them Canva Dust Sheets over this side of the pond.

http://www.diy.com/nav/decor/decorating-supplies/treatments-cleaners-protection/protective_covers___clothing/-specificproducttype-dust_sheets/Diall-Medium-Cotton-Dust-Sheets-Pack-of-3-2-6-x-3-7m-each-12599297

I presume its the same thing. I must try this out over the summer. Inspirational stuff Doctor and simple easy to understand instructions.

[FramFramson]

Best I've seen so far! Very nice!

[doctor_ocks]

Thanks for all the kind words guys! I'll attempt to answer the questions individually here.

Do you know if you can add static grass to this type of mat?

Honestly I have no idea. Sorry but I've never used static grass before if anyone knows, please let us know! My concern is that it'll lay down once its rolled up. I had thought about added small patches of teddy bear fur as grass tufts and may still do that in the future.

What exactly is a drop cloth? Is it some sort of canvas?

I think you have the right idea now. Yeah it's a cloth that you lay on the floor while painting. I just used that because it was cheap and roughly the same size and was easily located in the paint department. You could also get some canvas from a fabric store.

This is a good time to note something about the fabric. This mat is fairly heavy and does not look very good with hills placed under it. Felt would probably work better if you wanted to have a mat to place hills and stuff under because its a bit more flexible and would conform easier.

Which flock did you use - the fine turf or the blended turf?

Fine terf. I just like working with it.

For the OP - did you use all 4 tubes of caulking for your mat?

Sorry I forgot to mention this! No I only used 2 tubes. I just got a good thin coat of coverage. I thought about using another tube just for some more bumps and undulations but decides to not worry about it this time.

That is absolutely stunning! It looks fantastic! Have fun on it, and get some pictures while you do.

Jevenkah

Thanks and I will!