Chessex vinyl mats [Archive] - Wizards Community

Chessex vinyl mats [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Jager Mage
08-12-07, 08:10 AM I use the vinyl mats with the 1" squares in my DnD games, like a lot of people. The problem I have is, even if I clean the map after every game, after several months, there is overhead projector marker residue on the map that I can't get rid of. The post session cleanings have included everything from water to all purpose spray cleaner to clorox wipes with bleach, but the residue remains.

Any suggestions?

Also, will dry erase board cleaner screw up the map?
Seeker95
08-12-07, 08:25 AM All good things must come to an end. Over time, even the Chessex must be replaced. And yes, dry erase will mess them up big time.
Jager Mage
08-12-07, 08:41 AM I know the markers will, and I figured that the cleaner would, but I wasn't sure.
Otto the Bugbear
08-12-07, 08:51 AM Try this.

Google-fu! (http://web1.msue.msu.edu/imp/mod02/01500283.html)

Looks like mineral spirits or synthetic turpentine are your best bets.

IMPORTANT: One thing that article, and others I looked through, failed to mention is very important to follow. When using products such as these, never, never, NEVER wad them up and throw them away. Lay them out flat or draped over something so they can dry out completely before disposal. The instructions on the can will confirm this. If you wad them up and place them in an enclosed area, they have the potential to spontaneously combust. These two chemicals aren't as harsh as others, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

OR

The other thing you can try is go to Home Depot, Lowe's or your favorite home improvement center. They carry this stuff called "wallboard" or "wall paneling" or something like that. It comes in sheets that are 3/16 thick, and most often have a pattern printed on one side, like wood grain, or fake tiles. They make one style that is a glossy, white surface that dry-erase markers work on. I've used this type of playing surface for years. A sheet of this stuff is 4 ft. x 8 ft., and the last one I purchased (about 1-1/2 years ago*) cost 12 bucks! Most times, they'll even cut it for you if you need it smaller. My current playing surface is my dining room table, at 74" x 38-1/2". (As a bonus, it also protects the entire table from gamer mishaps.

Compare that to Chessex's Mondo Mat
Chessex Mondo Mat - 54" x 102" = $119.98
White Glossy wall board - 48" x 96" = $12.00

The drawback to the board, and the strength of the mondo-mat, is portability. The mats are extremely easy to carry with you, whereas a rigid board is not.

*When I moved from Michigan, I had to leave the old one behind that I had used for about 3 years. At 4' x 8' it was just too large to justify bringing along. The old group inherited it.
Seeker95
08-12-07, 12:06 PM Otto has provided what, in my opinion, is the most economical method. I would suggest, however, that portability is possible with a trip down a few more aisles at Home Depot or Lowes. Get some hinges and very short screws and turn the 4' x 8' dry erase into an accordion-like 4' x 1' by roughly 6" box-like board. With a little more ingenuity, you can even get this down to 2' x 1' x approximately 1'. Throw in a strap for carriage.
Otto the Bugbear
08-12-07, 12:35 PM Good idea.

Or just cut them into tile sizes. A bunch of 12" tiles that you can plop down as you need them. Similar to the interlocking ones I've seen, but much cheaper.
pres_man
08-12-07, 12:42 PM I put clear plexiglass over my mat, and just use the mat for the grid and write on the plexi, which cleans much better.
MHolland
08-12-07, 02:11 PM I guess I am lucky. I have been using the same vinyl mat since 3.0 came out doing regular gaming and my mats are almost as good as new (a little rough around the edges but the rest is perfect). It sounds like I am the exception to the rule though.
Transit
08-15-07, 12:49 PM I use 3M Vinyl Upholstery cleaner (available at auto parts stores) and my mat still looks brand new after decades of use.
Seeker95
08-15-07, 02:14 PM 3M Vinyl Upholstery cleanerDoh! vinyl upholstery cleaner - vinyl mat.
Yet until you say it, I never thought of it!
Wait until I get home tonight!
Jager Mage
08-15-07, 07:24 PM Wow...i feel stupid....thanks all...the only problem with the wallboard method is I tend to move my mat a lot, and I'm not handy enough to do all the screws and hinges thing. But it's something to keep in mind later on after I get married and won't have to transport my map anymore.

thanks again
KillerGM
08-15-07, 08:56 PM I use a weak solution of Oxyclean and water. It really brightened my mat.

Hope it helps!! :D

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Jager Mage 08-12-07, 08:10 AM	I use the vinyl mats with the 1" squares in my DnD games, like a lot of people. The problem I have is, even if I clean the map after every game, after several months, there is overhead projector marker residue on the map that I can't get rid of. The post session cleanings have included everything from water to all purpose spray cleaner to clorox wipes with bleach, but the residue remains. Any suggestions? Also, will dry erase board cleaner screw up the map?
Seeker95 08-12-07, 08:25 AM	All good things must come to an end. Over time, even the Chessex must be replaced. And yes, dry erase will mess them up big time.
Jager Mage 08-12-07, 08:41 AM	I know the markers will, and I figured that the cleaner would, but I wasn't sure.
Otto the Bugbear 08-12-07, 08:51 AM	Try this. Google-fu! (http://web1.msue.msu.edu/imp/mod02/01500283.html) Looks like mineral spirits or synthetic turpentine are your best bets. IMPORTANT: One thing that article, and others I looked through, failed to mention is very important to follow. When using products such as these, never, never, NEVER wad them up and throw them away. Lay them out flat or draped over something so they can dry out completely before disposal. The instructions on the can will confirm this. If you wad them up and place them in an enclosed area, they have the potential to spontaneously combust. These two chemicals aren't as harsh as others, but it's better to be safe than sorry. OR The other thing you can try is go to Home Depot, Lowe's or your favorite home improvement center. They carry this stuff called "wallboard" or "wall paneling" or something like that. It comes in sheets that are 3/16 thick, and most often have a pattern printed on one side, like wood grain, or fake tiles. They make one style that is a glossy, white surface that dry-erase markers work on. I've used this type of playing surface for years. A sheet of this stuff is 4 ft. x 8 ft., and the last one I purchased (about 1-1/2 years ago) cost 12 bucks! Most times, they'll even cut it for you if you need it smaller. My current playing surface is my dining room table, at 74" x 38-1/2". (As a bonus, it also protects the entire table from gamer mishaps. Compare that to Chessex's Mondo Mat Chessex Mondo Mat - 54" x 102" = $119.98 White Glossy wall board - 48" x 96" = $12.00 The drawback to the board, and the strength of the mondo-mat, is portability. The mats are extremely easy to carry with you, whereas a rigid board is not. When I moved from Michigan, I had to leave the old one behind that I had used for about 3 years. At 4' x 8' it was just too large to justify bringing along. The old group inherited it.
Seeker95 08-12-07, 12:06 PM	Otto has provided what, in my opinion, is the most economical method. I would suggest, however, that portability is possible with a trip down a few more aisles at Home Depot or Lowes. Get some hinges and very short screws and turn the 4' x 8' dry erase into an accordion-like 4' x 1' by roughly 6" box-like board. With a little more ingenuity, you can even get this down to 2' x 1' x approximately 1'. Throw in a strap for carriage.
Otto the Bugbear 08-12-07, 12:35 PM	Good idea. Or just cut them into tile sizes. A bunch of 12" tiles that you can plop down as you need them. Similar to the interlocking ones I've seen, but much cheaper.
pres_man 08-12-07, 12:42 PM	I put clear plexiglass over my mat, and just use the mat for the grid and write on the plexi, which cleans much better.
MHolland 08-12-07, 02:11 PM	I guess I am lucky. I have been using the same vinyl mat since 3.0 came out doing regular gaming and my mats are almost as good as new (a little rough around the edges but the rest is perfect). It sounds like I am the exception to the rule though.
Transit 08-15-07, 12:49 PM	I use 3M Vinyl Upholstery cleaner (available at auto parts stores) and my mat still looks brand new after decades of use.
Seeker95 08-15-07, 02:14 PM	3M Vinyl Upholstery cleanerDoh! vinyl upholstery cleaner - vinyl mat. Yet until you say it, I never thought of it! Wait until I get home tonight!
Jager Mage 08-15-07, 07:24 PM	Wow...i feel stupid....thanks all...the only problem with the wallboard method is I tend to move my mat a lot, and I'm not handy enough to do all the screws and hinges thing. But it's something to keep in mind later on after I get married and won't have to transport my map anymore. thanks again
KillerGM 08-15-07, 08:56 PM	I use a weak solution of Oxyclean and water. It really brightened my mat. Hope it helps!! :D