While both dry-erase mats and RPG books are rather tough, they can be damaged, and often without even trying too hard, just hitting a sensitive spot is enough. From conversations with players, it appears that the most common problems with playmats stem from minor handling errors. In this post, I’ve gathered the most important rules and tips for caring for playmats and RPG books, so that your gameplay is not only more comfortable but also to ensure that your gaming equipment lasts as long as possible.
RPG accessories aren’t just for one season. You don’t plan on replacing your mat after every session, do you? Sure, it’s a tool for running a session and needs to be used, but it’s worth ensuring it’s always ready for play. Dirt, creases, worn coating, or other damage can not only ruin the atmosphere but also simply make gameplay more difficult.
Roll or fold? Storing RPG mats
The biggest mistake is rolling the mat with the print facing inwards, and this is unfortunately the easiest way for the coating to crack over time or for permanent creases and bubbles to appear.
Always roll the mat with the patterned side and the dry-erase side facing out. This minimizes stress on the surface; rolling it upside down will damage it very quickly. Also, remember that a mat, especially one stored on a roll for a long time, may need a moment to “settle” on the table after unrolling, so if you’re planning an important session, it’s best to unfold it first and press gently to straighten it, but never try to bend it in the opposite direction.
And one more thing: don’t fold the mat! That’s the easiest way to destroy it.
Markers and mat cleaning – what could go wrong?
There’s probably no scene more dramatic than a GM accidentally reaching for a permanent marker. Seriously, these things happen, and they leave a lasting impression. Unless you want the location you’ve just created to haunt you throughout the rest of your campaign, always use the right drawing tools.
Remember: we only use whiteboard markers for RPG mats and books!
If you leave the drawings on for too long, they may dry out slightly. A dry or slightly damp cloth will usually suffice, but don’t douse the mat with water or use strong detergents. Moist cleaning cloths or those designed for cleaning glasses also work well in these cases.
What about books? Beware of the spiral.
RPG books are also a product that should be treated with respect. Store them like regular books, preferably upright on a shelf. Don’t leave them open, squeezed in a bag, or place anything very heavy on them—once the spiral binding is damaged or crushed, it’s beyond repair.
Don’t try to tear or bend the pages, treat it like a manual for your favorite system, which you wouldn’t do that with, right?
Do RPG mats like heat or metal dice?
Moisture and heat are the enemy of every dry erase mat. Keep them in a dry place, away from the bathroom or basement, and don’t leave them in direct sunlight. Temperature matters, so a hot car trunk in the summer is a bad idea for storing RPG accessories. Of course, you don’t have to overdo it; it’s not a rocket engine and doesn’t require perfectly tuned conditions. It’s just important not to go overboard in either direction, and that the climate in which you store your book or mat is simply balanced, just as all things in the universe should be.
Metal dice and coins are great, but only as long as they don’t land with a thud on your mat’s surface. Unfortunately, this is a common cause of damage, so it’s always worth having a dice tray. It’s not just about sound and style, but also about not leaving a mark after every intense initiative roll.
Conclusion? Take care of the table atmosphere, take care of the equipment
RPG mats and books are tools that help you run your sessions. If you take good care of them, they’ll reward you with long service and comfort. It’s not about overdoing it; common sense is usually enough. Just as we wouldn’t put a cup on a game board or sit on a box of delicate miniatures, we wouldn’t throw a mat against a wall, leave it in the sun, or see what happens when we draw something with a knife instead of a marker.
Your sessions are not only about storytelling, but also about atmosphere, and a neat and tidy setup also helps. Have a nice game!