Dabbing concentrates seems to be all that everyone’s talking about these days, but dabbing is no new phenomenon and it hasn’t taken over smoking or vaping completely. Many smokers prefer dabs since each type of concentrate is different, it’s much more potent than dry herb, and the vapor is softer on the throat due to a lack of combustion. However, where all you need to smoke flower is a rolling paper and a lighter, dabbing requires additional pieces of equipment due to the higher temperature needed to vaporize wax and oil. A lighter for example, just won’t cut it. You’ll need a dab torch, dab rig, wax container, nail, dab tool, and a dab mat to protect your work area. If you’ve been dabbing for a while but haven’t heard of a dab mat, read on to understand everything you need to know about this dab accessory.
What are dab mats for?
If you’re wondering what a dab mat is, you’re not alone. Dabbing with a traditional glass dab rig requires a lot of specialized accessories designed to withstand high temperatures necessary for vaporizing bud concentrates. Unlike when using a water bong or pipe to smoke dry herb, flower concentrates like wax, budder, shatter, crumble, or live resin require much higher temperatures. Dab mats, also called dab pads or dab rig mats, are placed beneath a glass dab rig to protect the table from hot items and sticky concentrates that may drip onto the table. Oftentimes smokers won’t realize that residue is dripping until they’re tidying up and by that time the concentrate has cooled and is a sticky mess that’s very difficult to clean. Concentrates typically drip from the dab nail itself, but dirty dab tools or other dab accessories that are put down after use can also leave residue behind. Instead of placing the dab tool on the table, dabbers place it on the mat, which is easier to clean. In addition, silicone mats are anti-slip and are a great way to stabilize your glass dab rig so it doesn’t slip and slide or scratch the table while you’re working.
What are dab mats made of?
Dab pads can be made from several materials such as rubber and even fabric, but silicone rises above the rest and for a good reason. Silicone is used in everyday life for electrical insulation, kitchen accessories, surgical implants, o-rings, gaskets, sealants, thermal insulation, computer parts, and more. Medical-grade or food-grade silicone has a number of properties that make it perfect for the needs of those who love to dab. Silicone is very strong and durable but at the same time remains flexible in both hot and cold temperatures, even when frozen. The material is anti-slip, non-stick, chemically stable, and can withstand a very wide range of temperatures without affecting its quality (-67 °F to 572 °F). It takes a lot of firepower for silicone to burn. You just don’t get those kinds of temperatures when dabbing unless you’re directly igniting the mat with a dab torch. So if you’re wondering, “are dab mats heat resistant?” The answer is yes! Don’t be afraid to place a cherry red titanium nail or heated dabber right on the mat’s surface (just remember that it’s hot).
Choosing a dab mat
Aside from the price, there are just a few aspects to keep in mind when purchasing a new dab mat. Dabbing requires quite a few accessories on top of the price of a quality bud concentrate, so you may wonder if you actually need one as part of your growing collection. While it’s not absolutely necessary to dab like a dab nail or scorch torch is, a dab pad should definitely be on your list of gear to pick up. These mats protect your workspace, coffee table, and sometimes even the floor from wax and scratches, plus it is the perfect place to rest your hot dab tool. You can purchase a dab mat at any smoke shop, vape store, or online specialty site. Keep these things in mind when you’re browsing the virtual shelves:
- Material - When it comes to dabbing, choosing high quality material is key, whether it’s a heat-resistant borosilicate glass dab rig, a high-quality quartz banger, or a dab mat made from medical-grade or food-grade silicone. Steer clear from any cheaper varieties of silicone, which can warp, degrade, and leach chemicals overtime. Dab mats are most commonly made from silicone since the material is heat-safe, easy to clean, and anti-slip, however you may also be able to find mats made out of other materials like rubber or fabric.
- Size - Choosing the right size is important. Silicone mats come in every size from small sizes that just have enough space for a dab rig, to large mats that cover an entire coffee table. You want to ensure that your entire work area is protected and that you have enough space to spread out your dab tool, concentrate container, rig, and dab nails. Imagine your usual workspace, whether it’s the kitchen counter, dining room table, or desk, and think about how much space the base of your glass rig takes up on its own. From there, you’ll still need at least six inches of open space to move around and maneuver or set down your tools.
- Shapes - Dab mats are also available in a variety of shapes. The most common is a square or rectangle like a baking mat, but you can also find a number of unique shapes like octagons, circles, triangles, and even custom dab mat shapes that are based on an image. The shape you decide on is really up to personal preference, but keep in mind what it’s going to be used for and choose a shape that also functions well for your needs and covers the space you intend to protect from hot tools and wax.
- Designs - Looking for cool dab mats? Many people who partake in flower concentrates like to have a few different dab mats to coordinate with their other smoking accessories. You’ll find all sorts of really neat designs from scenes of your favorite T.V. show, to funny sayings and geometric or psychedelic patterns. There are even dual-use mats that can be used as a dab pad or a rolling tray depending on the material you’re smoking. The design you choose is completely your preference. This is where your personality can shine through! But if you want to have a stylish matching dab setup in black and gold, you can definitely find that too.
How to use silicone dab mats
Using a dab mat is simple and straightforward. The heat-safe silicone creates a protective barrier between your expensive hardwood coffee table and your dab accessories. After your dab session, the surface below the mat will be free from burns, scratches, and sticky drips that are hard to remove. Before beginning, wipe down your work surface with a cloth and household cleaner and check to see that your dab mat is clean and not sticky to the touch. If it is dirty, give it a quick clean with soap and warm water or wipe it down with an isopropyl alcohol wipe. Once the area is dry, place your clean dab mat down where you’ll be working. Be sure to cover any specific areas of the table that are difficult to clean like cracks where two pieces of wood meet. Prepare your dab rig with water and place it on one side of the mat so you still have space for the rest of your dab gear. When dabbing, make sure that you keep the hot nail over the dab mat at all times to catch any drips. After using the dabber and nail, place it onto the dab mat to cool down. Clean up your space and give the dab mat another rinse before putting it away for the next time you’re in the mood.
How do you clean a dab mat?
Silicone mats are designed to be very quick and easy to clean. Just a simple scrub with soap and water is usually enough, but there are several different ways you can clean off oils, waxes, or any other type of dab-related residue. It’s recommended to clean your dab rig mat regularly since you may not know you’ve dripped wax onto the surface and can accidentally track sticky substances around your home. Once there’s too much buildup on a dab mat, it can start to smell pretty dank (not in a good way). It’s a good idea to keep isopropyl alcohol wipes in your weed drawer to give your silicone dab mat a quick wipe down after each dab session until you have the time to give it a full cleaning. When your dab mat does get sticky, use one of the following methods to get it sparkling clean:
Soap and warm water
As mentioned previously, soap and warm or hot water may do the trick on its own without having to use any fancy cleaning solutions. Dishsoap works best and will melt away most oil or wax residue. Be wary of using a sponge or dish brush since it’s possible that the wax will be stuck permanently to it.
Baking soda and warm water
If soap and water isn’t enough, try creating a paste with baking soda and water. Pour it out onto the dab mat and give it a good scrub with your hands for a minute or two. The baking soda creates a slightly abrasive texture that can lift stubborn buildup. After scrubbing the mat with the mixture, rinse it off with warm or hot water.
Freeze your silicone dab mat
A great hack is the freezer method. If you didn’t know, you can remove nearly any type of flower residue from silicone dab mats, dab rigs, silicone bongs, and other maneuverable silicone accessories by placing it in the freezer. While this method takes a lot longer than the others since you’ll have to wait for it to freeze, many people like to clean their dab pad this way since it requires no cleaners, rubbing alcohol, or soaps that may leave residues or damage and warp the silicone. To do this, start by wetting your dab mat under the kitchen sink. Shake off any excess or pooling water. The entire dab mat should be a little wet. Place it in the freezer and leave it overnight or until the water freezes. Remove the dab pad and move it around so the ice and buildup breaks off. If you hear cracking sounds, this is normal.
Isopropyl alcohol wipe
High quality medical-grade silicone will not break down with isopropyl alcohol, but it may damage cheap silicone. Just to be safe, never soak or let the mat sit for long periods of time in rubbing alcohol and allow it to dry off completely on both sides. Simply giving your dab rig mat a wipe down should not have any negative effects. To do this you can soak a paper towel in rubbing alcohol or use an isopropyl alcohol wipe to clean off a very dirty mat. To keep cheap silicone dab mats in tip top condition, use this method only when you have stubborn wax that really won’t come off with any of the other methods.
Dishwasher or boiling
Since silicone can withstand high temperatures, it can also be boiled or thrown in the dishwasher. Be careful when doing this because it is possible that your silicone dab mat can get warped or damaged, however all medical-grade and food-grade silicone will be fine with a cycle through the dishwasher. The heat of the boiling water or the dishwasher will easily strip any wax from the surface of the mat. Be warned that very sticky dab mats can make your dishwasher smell like bud. Just to be safe, remove all the dirty dishes and place the dab pad on the top rack by itself. Set your dishwasher to five minutes or the shortest time allowed and remember to let the mat dry off completely before using it again.
FAQ
What are dab mats?
Dab mats are non stick mats used in the process of dabbing. Dab mats are an accessory to those who prefer to dab, and need extra equipment to do so.
What are dab mats made of?
Traditional dab mats are made from durable, non stick silicone. The silicone is easy to pick up and carry, as well as clean up. Silicone dab mats are preferred.
How do you clean a dab mat?
Cleaning dab mats can be a very simple task. When cleaning dab mats, use a gentle soap and warm water with a sponge to get rid of any substance stuck to the silicone, this should wipe away any residue stuck.
How to use silicone dab mats?
Silicone dab mats are great for those preparing to smoke a dab. Silicone is a very non stick material, so don't be afraid to get your concentrate ready directly on the dab mats.
