How to Renew a Wrestling Mat
To ensure the quality and safety of your wrestling mats, it is important that mats are kept clean and free of any gouges, nicks or tears. These following steps can restore your mats back to their original form.
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Things You'll Need
- Polyvinyl paint
- Vinyl coating (do not use latex or oil-based paints)
- Mat glue
- Cleaning disinfectant
- Naphtha, mineral spirits or gasoline
- Paint brush
- Latex gloves
- Face mask
- Polyethylene sheeting
Instructions
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1
Unroll mat so that both sides can be inspected. Examine mat for tears, gouges, compression, missing vinyl paint and open seams. Mats with extensive wear and tear cannot be reconditioned and should be tossed out.
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2
Remove any grease, tar, or adhesive with mineral spirits, gasoline or naphtha.
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3
Repair tears with mat glue. After glue has dried, use caulking compound to fill in gaps or small holes in mat. Let the mat sit flat and dry for about an hour.
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4
Apply paint to one side with any normal brush or roller. Let mat cure flat for two to three weeks before use. The other side can be treated as well for extended protection.
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Tips & Warnings
Always clean mats after each day of use with bleach or other products, such as KenClean or Sherwin Williams Mil-Kleen. Store mats flat or loosely on a mat roller. Mats should be used at room temperature--about 70 degrees. Place polyethylene sheeting between floor and mat to protect paint from harsh chemicals on flooring.
Polyvinyl paint is very toxic. Use in a well-ventilated room, and wear gloves and a face mask while working with it.
