What is a neoprene game mat?

A neoprene game mat, totally compatible with a 40k game mat, is essentially an oversized mouse pad in a 2 mm or 3 mm sheet of closed-cell neoprene rubber bonded to a smooth cloth top that can be edge-to-edge sublimation-printed with terrain art. Please note that 3 mm adds nothing but extra weight, purchase cost, and shipping cost.

The rubber base grips the table so the mat stays flat and non-slip, while the cloth surface cushions models, deadens dice noise, and resists water stains. Because the ink becomes part of the fabric during sublimation, colours stay vibrant for thousands of games without cracking or peeling. 

In the hobby world, “neoprene” is really just shorthand for any soft, grippy rubber backing, even though about 90 % of mats are actually made from SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) or natural rubber, not true neoprene (polychloroprene). The misnomer stuck because the first premium mouse pads were that material, and players kept using the word to mean “squishy, non-slip rubber.” Check any supplier’s spec sheet and you’ll usually see “SBR” or “NR”; genuine neoprene is reserved for applications that need oil or weather resistance, like gaskets or wetsuits.

Are GSW neoprene game mats compatible with Warhammer 40,000®?

Yes, 100%. Green Stuff World (GSW) manufactures its mouse pad mats in the same thicknesses, 2 mm, and formats required by the 10th edition of Warhammer 40,000®: 44″ × 60″ for Strike Force or Incursion, 44″ × 30″ for Combat Patrol, and 22″ × 30″ (half board) for Kill Team. These dimensions match those specified by Games Workshop in official packs and event packs, so any GSW mat will fit without cutting or adding borders.

Other sizes per popular Wargame:

• Kill Team 22″ × 30″ / 30″ × 22″
• Warhammer Age of Sigmar® 44″ × 60″
• Infinity (N4) 48″ × 48″ (4′ × 4′) 
• Marvel Crisis Protocol 36″ × 36″ (3′ × 3′) 
• Star Wars Legion 72″ × 36″ (6′ × 3′) / 36″ × 36″ Skirmish 
• Bolt Action 72″ × 48″ (6′ × 4′) 
• Warmachine/Hordes MK IV 48″ × 48″ 
• Malifaux 36″ × 36″ 
• A Song of Ice & Fire TMG 48″ × 48″
• Batman Miniature Game 90 × 90 cm ≈ 36″ × 36″ 
• Fantasy Football and Blood Bowl 34″ × 22″
• Flames of War 6′ × 4′
• Epic Battles 6′ × 4′

Why is neoprene rubber ideal for tabletop gaming?

Neoprene or SBR/Natural Rubber gives the mat weight, so it lies flat without slipping. Dice rolls sound muted, bases grip, and the surface resists water stains. The ink is fused into the cloth, so colors stay sharp through years of play. It’s built for heavy use—no fraying, no edge lift, and excellent grip even with large terrain pieces.

The rubber side grips the table, so sections don’t slide even under heavy terrain; the cloth side protects bases and tames dice bounce, a big deal in Wargames such as Warhammer 40 000®, where you roll handfuls of dice each turn. Thanks to their weight and elasticity, the mats lie perfectly flat, unlike PVC, which “remembers” folds. It’s no accident that Blood Bowl and Kill Team forums call rolling dice on rubber “next-level” comfort.

The closed-cell rubber does not absorb liquids; simply wipe up spills or wash by hand with mild soap. Colors will not crack because the ink is embedded during sublimation. New SBR may give off a slight rubber odor that dissipates within 24-48 hours.

How do neoprene battle mats compare to cloth or PVC mats?

Unlike fabric or PVC ones, which are cheaper, neoprene mats weigh more and never curl—no "table memory" like fold marks in PVC. The rubber backing prevents sliding, and the printed surface remains sharp through heavy handling. Spillproof and easy to clean, they outperform alternative materials in longevity and usability.

• PVC, while affordable and waterproof, is not the most suitable option for serious hobbyists. They tend to develop permanent creases when folded, and even when rolled, they often retain a “memory” that prevents them from lying perfectly flat. Their slick surface may cause miniatures and terrain to slide, and more importantly, PVC production involves vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen currently under review by U.S. regulatory agencies for its health and environmental risks. It must be transported rolled up. It cannot be folded, which means that transport costs are much higher.
• Cloth or fabrics are lightweight, flexible, and easy to store without creasing, making them a budget-friendly option for casual players. However, they lack the weight and grip of more premium materials like neoprene, which means they can shift during gameplay and don’t cushion dice or models as effectively. While they offer good portability, they don’t replicate the same tactile or visual experience that more immersive mats provide.

How to store neoprene board-game mats so they stay flat?

Despite its exceptional resistance to creases and fold marks, it is always recommended to store the item rolled up in a carry bag. GSW neoprene mats are also made from an elastic and flexible fabric that virtually eliminates the possibility of marks. Other manufacturers do not use the same types of fabric or the same quality of rubber and may not perform as well as our models.

In any case, here are some general guidelines for use:

1. Roll, don’t fold. Folding creates permanent kinks; always roll the mat around a mailing tube or the carry strap supplied by most makers.
2. Image side out. Rolling artwork out prevents the cloth layer from compressing and keeps edges from curling.
3. Stand the tube upright or slide it onto a shelf—horizontal stacking can squash the lower parts over time.
4. Rotate the roll direction every few months to keep the edges memory-free.
5. Avoid heat & UV. Prolonged attic heat or direct sun in a car can delaminate the cloth from the rubber. 

How to clean a neoprene Warhammer 40k battle mat compatible safely?

Even though it seems like it would never happen to you, you always end up playing with a friend who doesn't wash their hands after eating chips or spills a Coke on you, leaving a permanent stain.

Fortunately, Green Stuff World's neoprene mats have a liquid-repellent treatment that greatly improves both durability and ease of cleaning.

• Spot clean first: Blot spills immediately with a damp micro-fibre cloth. Prevents staining and ring marks.
• Full wash (if needed): Lay the mat flat in a bath or shower tray; use lukewarm water plus a few drops of mild dish soap (e.g., Dawn). Gently rub with your palms or a soft-bristle brush. Soap lifts oils and snack residue without stripping ink.
• Rinse thoroughly: Shower-head or gentle hose until no soap film remains. Detergent left behind attracts dust.
• Dry correctly: Roll the mat in a large towel to wick excess water, then lay it flat or hang it over a wide bar to air-dry—no tumble-dryers or wringing. Heat and twisting can cause edge lift.
• Never use Bleach, solvents, harsh scourers, or washing-machine spin cycles. They abrade the print or break the material’s bond.

Final veteran tip: If a rogue crease appears, lay the mat print-up in indirect sunlight for 10 minutes, then place books on the curl until cool.

Warhammer®, Warhammer 40k®, and Blood Bowl® are registered trademarks of Games Workshop Limited. The products offered are not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by Games Workshop. Green Stuff World only manufactures and markets compatible products designed for use with these and other miniature lines.