How to make a floor mat non slip
Matxperts guide to making DIY non slip mats.
If you’ve recently bought a mat and realised soon after that it isn’t non slip, you might be wondering if there’s anything you can do about it. Besides returning it and getting a non slip mat, we can give you a few methods for how to make your floor mat non slip.
If you simply want to hold your mat in place, check out this guide to stopping your mats moving around. But if you want to turn your slippery mat into the non slip variety, stick with this guide on making your own non slip mats.
How to make a mat non slip
There are many ways you can make your mat non slip, but not all of them will be effective. To make sure your mat stays in place, we are only going to tell you the 2 best methods:
- The rubber sheet method
- The glue gun method
Using either of these methods, your mat will stay in place almost as well as a real non slip mat. If done correctly, no one will be able to tell that you used these methods, and didn’t buy a non slip mat in the first place.
If you aren’t confident in your ability to make your mat non slip yourself, our friendly team of matxperts is just a phone call away. You can also browse the full range of non slip mats and order online with same-day despatch before 2pm.
But you’re not here to buy a mat, you’re here to make one. So, here’s some background information on making non slip mats. Scroll down to get straight to the methods.
Why do mats need to be non slip?
It’s a question we often get asked, and it sometimes takes us by surprise (having worked in the industry for so long). But it’s a good question! Why do we need all mats to be non slip? At home, at work, at school. It’s one of the most important features of your floor – but why?
It’s simple: safety. Slips, trips and falls are the main cause of workplace injury in Australia. As an employer, you are legally and morally obliged to protect your workers from slips, trips and falls. At home, you can do what you want, but it is always a good idea to prevent accidents.
Stepping through your door holding your baby, groceries or toolkit, is something you will have done a hundred times. If the mat that meets you is not non slip, it only takes one misstep to land you flat on your back.
Slip accidents can cause a wide range of long-term injuries, and preventing them is so easy. While non slip matting is always the best option, there are easy steps you can take to make your standard door mat non slip.
The best material to make mats non slip
The best material for slip resistance is rubber. That’s why most of our non slip mats have at least a rubber backing. The other material your non slip mat might be backed with is PVC foam. PVC foam is flexible, durable and an effective slip reducer.
To make your own non slip mat, we recommend rubber. Rubber is more effective, easier to work with and better for the environment. To make your own non slip mat from scratch, you can make the entire thing from rubber.
But, making mats is our thing, and we don’t recommend trying if you don’t have experience. So, to give your current mat some slip resistance, choose from one of these methods:
How to make mats non slip - the 2 best methods
The best method: a rubber sheet
The rubber sheet method is best because it offers the most slip resistance. We know rubber is the best material for non slip matting, so if you have the time, patience and resources we recommend using this method.
There are different qualities of rubber, as well as natural and synthetic options. It is up to you which you choose and all will be effective, but we do recommend nitrile rubber as it will withstand any liquids it meets – including grease, oil and chemicals.
Step 1: Source your rubber sheet.
Step 2: Place your mat upside down on a flat surface.
Step 3: Cut your rubber slightly smaller than your mat.
Step 4: Stick your rubber sheet down using a glue gun or double-sided tape.
Step 5: Wait for glue (if used) to dry.
You need a thin rubber sheet, and you can buy these from Bunnings or any other homeware store. These are much cheaper than a full non slip mat, so it’s a great cost-saving alternative too!
The unofficial method: A Glue Gun
If you are going to make your mat non slip by sticking a rubber sheet to its underside, you are probably going to use a glue gun to stick it there. It’s by no means professional, but you could just skip the middleman and take advantage of dried glue’s non slip properties.
Step 1: Lay your mat upside down on a flat surface.
Step 2: Prep and heat your glue gun.
Step 3: Ensure your mat’s underside is clean and dry.
Step 4: Carefully create cross-hatching all across the underside of your mat.
When using this method to make mats non slip, the more shapes in your glue, the better. Using the same principle that our Heavy Duty PVC Safety Mat Runner is designed with, the more directions the mat can grip in, the more slip resistance it will give.
DIY non slip matting
Whether you can’t return your mat, you’ve had it too long or you want to save some money, it is possible to make your mat non slip yourself. Follow these steps for a simple non slip mat-making course.
To avoid all of this, we always recommend you buy a non slip mat to begin with. Request our guide to buying non slip mats for everything there is to know BEFORE you buy. For more personalised assistance, reach out to the matxperts using the chat function below or call 1300 628 746.