The Bottom Line
I used this pad during a rifle refinishing project, and it protected my newly-finished parts very well.
It also makes a great display mat. I've photographed a number of guns using this mat, and it works well. You'll see this green pad in many photos on this website, and I expect to continue using it for gun cleaning and maintenance as well as photography.
Pros
- It's soft (and therefore kind to your guns). It's also tough and durable.
- Rubbery backing protects your table top and also keeps it from sliding around.
- Prevents spills from reaching the work surface (some fluids can get through if left to soak).
- Washable by hand, or in washing machine (follow the manufacturer's instructions).
- Fabric fiber is made from 100% recycled material. Made in USA.
Cons
- Some fluids may deteriorate the backing if left in the pad very long. Just wash it after a spill.
Description
- Fibrous mat with bonded rubbery backing.
- The backing helps prevent spills from reaching your table or workbench, and it's also non-skid.
- Top surface is made of soft fibers (100% recycled), and is kind to your gun's finish.
- My pad is green, 16" by 54" (Model GPG 1654). Other colors and sizes are available.
- Easily folds so you can take it with you, or store it away.
- May be machine washed and dried, following manufacturer's instructions. Can also be vacuumed.
- Makes a good display mat and/or photography backdrop.
Guide Review - Drymate Gun Cleaning Pad
After years of just flopping down at a handy table to work on my guns, spreading out newspaper or laying down a piece of corrugated cardboard to protect the table and my guns, I decided there had to be a better way.Cardboard still allows tools, parts, and ammo to roll around and fall on the floor. Newspaper usually does too, and it doesn't provide as much protection as cardboard. The printed surface of newspaper also makes it easy to misplace small parts, since they don't stand out visibly.
I first used some non-slip toolbox liner, and it worked okay, but not great. It's thin and doesn't provide much protection to your work surface, and any spills just pool on the surface, or dribble off the edge.
The Drymate Gun Cleaning Pad takes care of all those problems, and looks good doing it. In fact, it looks so good that I have used it quite a bit for firearm photography as well as for gun cleaning & maintenance.
The Drymate pad was my main work surface when I overhauled and refinished an old Winchester rifle, and I was very pleased with it. I was able to lay the gun on the pad and not worry about it getting hurt while I used a hammer and brass drift to drive the sights into their dovetail notches, and it made a great background for the photos.
I also appreciate being able to place a round tool or part on the pad without having to worry whether it's going to roll away. Most small round parts stay right where you put 'em.
If you've seen my firearms profiles on this site, then you've probably seen this pad in the photos. I expect to continue using the Drymate Gun Cleaning Pad for gun cleaning and maintenance, as well as photography, for years to come. It's a simple product that does its job well.
- Russ Chastain
