I recently made myself a few playmats (boards, really) using a few materials you can find at any home depot, and they turned out really well, so I thought I'd share. They were really easy to make, and really inexpensive (you could make 2 full sized boards for under $30). Here's a few pictures of the finished product:

close up of the surface:

For my first board (the one pictured) I used 1/8" masonite (hardboard- the same stuff they make clipboards out of), and cut it to 3'x3' (Cost: $12 for a 4'x8' sheet). I have since made a couple new boards using 1/8" MDF- a little bit more pricey, but it doesn't warp as easily as the masonite does and is finished on both sides. I went with 1/8" because I wanted it thin and light enough for easy transport and set up. For whatever material you use I recommend going to your local flooring/lumber/sheetgoods store and ask to see their damaged/seconds sheets- they normally give a pretty good discount on them. That's how I got the MDF, and they just gave it to me for free.

Next I sprayed one side of the board with black Plastidip- a spray-on rubber (cost: $5-$6 a can at Home Depot. You'll need about 1 1/2 cans per 3'x3' board). It will take several coats to finish the board, with dry time in between each coat. After making 3 of these, I found the best way is to do a couple relatively light coats, then lightly sand the board by hand with some fine (220-400 grit) sandpaper to smooth it out, then do 1-2 heavy wet coats to finish it off.

And that's it! Pretty easy really. They turned out really well, and the rubber surface provides a lot of grip. To give you an idea, here is a picture of Howlrunner hanging on for dear life as I lift the board up. There is nothing holding her in place other than the rubber surface.

Pros:

• Very grippy surface
• Holds it shape (no curling/stretching), with crisp edges
• Inexpensive
• Since you're making them yourself, can be made to custom sizes. (For example, with my second batch I made two 3'x3' boards and one 1'x3' board, so that I can combine them for Epic/Armada games into a 3'x6' or 3'x4' board.)

Cons:

• You have to make it yourself
• Can't be rolled up like other playing mats, so storage might be an issue (I just store mine behind the couch)
• Corners can get damaged if you drop them or whatever.

Next I sprayed one side of the board with black Plastidip- a spray-on rubber

I'd love to hear how that holds up. I was going to do the same thing but I heard that it doesn't last very long. After a month or so it starts to dry and peel. But that's just what I heard so my information could be wrong.

Next I sprayed one side of the board with black Plastidip- a spray-on rubber

I'd love to hear how that holds up. I was going to do the same thing but I heard that it doesn't last very long. After a month or so it starts to dry and peel. But that's just what I heard so my information could be wrong.

My first board I made over about 6 weeks ago and haven't had any problems yet. I think it mostly depends on the surface you're spraying it on. Something smooth like plastic or metal I can see it peeling up pretty easily. Something more porous like wood should hold up better. Time will tell. If that does end up being a problem I imagine that scoring the surface with some rough (~80 grit) sandpaper should give it enough texture to stick to.

If you already have a mat, you can spray the bottom of your bases for grip.

Oh wow, who found and necro'd this old thread? And got me 7 new likes on the original post?

Anyway, I've moved on from these playmats. Turns out they don't travel or wear very well (dings and scratches and smashed corners and the like- They'd still be great for someone who can set up a gaming table and just leave them there forever, but for anyone who needs to travel with them or pack them away when not being used- there are probably bet options.

I did find another cheap solution that works great though: I got 6+ feet of upholstery vinyl from my local fabric store for about $25, then cut them down to 3'x3' squares. They're fantastic- grippy, just the right amount of cushion to them, durable, and they roll up and fit inside an art-tube for easy travel.

I made a 2-piece table topper that is 4x4 of 3/4" press board and I love it. BUT I think I need to get some of that rubber-spray and try your technique on mine. I bet any board could work too- just give it a coat of primer. I want to make a big Epic table topper and I think this will be perfect.

If you already have a mat, you can spray the bottom of your bases for grip.

Awesome idea!!!

I did find another cheap solution that works great though: I got 6+ feet of upholstery vinyl from my local fabric store for about $25, then cut them down to 3'x3' squares. They're fantastic- grippy, just the right amount of cushion to them, durable, and they roll up and fit inside an art-tube for easy travel.

and ditto!!!