I had a close up pad that I ruined by spilling super glue on by accident. I was able to peel away the velvet and save the rubber ... 2 questions: Where can I find the same kind of velvet that it comes with and what kind of adhesive or glue do I attach it with? Thanks

I found some velvet called Marilyn Velvet at a fabric store that works well. I don't know how to attach it to the pad though since mine covers a pad on a thin piece of wood.

Marc,
I think it would be far cheaper and less of a hassle just to buy a new one for $16. Just trying to be a help and realistic.
Chance

Well WolfsMagic, you certainly were no help. Realistic maybe. But I have rubber sitting around and collecting dust and was hoping someone would have an idea as to how a close-up pad is made.

Marc,
If you want to give it a shot, use some 3M Super77 or Super 99 spray glue. Apply it evenly to the rubber pads and on the backside of the velvet. Let them set for a couple of minutes and then stick them together starting from one edge smoothing the velvet down as you continue across the entire surface. It is best to start by cutting the pieces oversized. That way you can trim them down square and not have to worry about lining them up perfectly when gluing together.

There, now do I get a Gold Star on my forehead for being a good boy?
Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, just ask.
Chance

The only one I could find for ya Chance was ontop of this tree.



P.

You be so clever Peter!
Thankee
the Chancellor

Yeah Wolfs, that helps a bit more but where on earth can I get this velvet you speak of, and what is it called? Have you actually made a pad yourself? Or are you just making a logical suggestion? I guess I just want to play it safe and know the exact velvets and glues that the pro pads are made out of. Thanks

Marc,
I have never actually made a close up pad. It was just a logical suggestion wrapped up in a lot of hope.

The R&D is up to you and the potential headaches as well but sometimes, solving the problems and achieving success is pretty darn rewarding. The only velvet I can think of is the typical High Quality Velvet found at any fabric store usually averaging $13 to $16 a running yard. Use the fabric with the thickest backing possible. This will make the glueing process much easier. You may want to set up a weighted press while it dries. Basically a smooth clean piece of masonite, a bit larger than your pad, with some books piled on,layed on top of the glued close up mat.

Hope this helps,
Chance

About 10 years ago I made a pad for Shadow Coins using velvet but the grain of the velvet showed every movement I was trying to conceal. I remade it with velour which looks like velvet but doesn't have a discernable grain. I got the velour from a local (in NC) upholstery shop for like $5. The hard part for me was finding the rubber material in the first place.

Forget the velvet. Go to your local fabric store and buy the spray glue that was mentioned above and buy some high grade felt. It comes in all colors and works perfectly for a close up pad.

Felt works well but avoid the lower grade craft felt. It picks apart easily. Pool Table Felt is an ideal alternative.

I agree, I would just buy a new one and save yourself the hassle. If you want to make it yourself and have that sense of pride, than go to a local fabric store and buy as much as you need of "Triple Velvet."

Andrew

Rob, where did you finally find the rubber material?

Hi Marc,

I must applaude your determination to revamp this close up mat of yours. However it never ceases to amaze me how cheap magicians really are!!! You will spend valuable time running around getting the necessary materials to fix this mat, not to mention the amount of money you will spend to buy the material, glue etc. Which if you add together will certainly cost more than the 10 bucks it costs to buy a new one. And there's no garantee that the one you finally make will be nearly as good as a professionally made pad. Good luck.

Oh, John, John, John! You miss the point completely! It is not that we are cheap. No, this frantic drive springs from a desire to be self-sufficient. There is nothing more comforting than knowing that, if we were stranded on a desert island, we could create our own close-up mat.

Yeah good point. People treasure the things they make more than the things they buy. Anyway, try visiting a local fabric store and get a feel of the different types of velvet. Take what suits you! The velvet they use for pool tables is good for a close up mat.

I ended up using a bathroom rug that was very thin foam rubber.

More recently, I found Cyberguys stocks a Jumbo (17.5" X 13.8") Mouse pad for under $8. The item number is 1070630. I purchased two and they are GREAT! I'm thinking about dyeing or re-covering one but it works great as is.

Interesting idea, I'll check it out! Thanks!

I've always found the close up mats that you buy to be way too small. If they were four times the size that would be perfect.

Kasper