How to Make a Home Mousepad: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

A mousepad is an essential accessory for all desktop computer users. Customizing a mousepad can be a fun activity. If you make it yourself, the size and pattern can be adapted to your work area.

Step

Part 1 of 3: Making the Mousepad Base

Step 1. Prepare a piece of cardboard

Measure and cut to the desired size. The standard mousepad measures approx. 20 x 25 cm, but feel free to change it as you wish.

• Use corrugated cardboard instead of flat cardboard because it's softer.
• If you have cardboard, simply make the base of the padding by cutting off the sides of the box.
• If the cardboard isn't thick enough to be used as a mousepad, try stacking and sticking a few pieces of cardboard together until you get the thickness you want.
• Instead of cardboard, you can also use a piece of cork (foam core).

Step 2. Create a non-slip base

Do not let the mousepad slip off the table when in use.

• You can use upholstery shelves and drawers as the bottom of the mousepad. Simply cut the lining to the size of the mousepad base. You can buy this coating at a major supermarket or hardware store.
• If you didn't purchase an adhesive-type coating, use glue to attach it.
• Otherwise, you can apply upholstery pieces in the same way.
• If you want a simple, non-stick homemade alternative, try using double-sided tape on each corner of the pad. Paste the tape when the mousepad is finished. If so, just stick the mousepad on the table.
• You can also use adhesive pads or putty that is commonly used to hang posters.

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Step 3. Cut a thin sheet of self-adhesive foam pad

It should be the same size as the cardboard and the mouse should be able to move freely over it.

• It's a good idea to place the foam directly on top of the cardboard so that all the sides are straight.
• After cutting the foam, peel off the adhesive backing paper and stick it to the top of the cardboard. If the foam doesn't have adhesive, it's best to stick it with glue.
• You can find this foam at any hobby or craft store.
• If you don't want to use foam, you can leave the cardboard plain because it still functions as a mousepad.
• Otherwise you can use cork as a mousepad layer. If you have an old board, simply cut it to the size of the bearing.

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Part 2 of 3: Decorating the Top Layer

Step 1. Choose a design

One of the advantages of making your own mousepad is that its appearance can be adapted to your workspace.

Decide whether the mousepad will be decorated with patterns, plain colors, or photos

Step 2. Prepare the materials

Once you know the design you want, decide on the material for the mousepad's decorative top layer.

• Remember that it's best to keep the mousepad smooth and flat so that the mouse can move smoothly.
• For photos, you can simply use printed paper with the desired pattern.
• When using a photo, it's a good idea to make sure the photo is the same size as the mousepad, instead of having to glue a small photo in the middle.
• If you choose to make a patterned mousepad, you can use wallpaper (wallpaper) or wrapping paper. Try visiting a craft store for cheap and attractive paper.
• Fabric is also great for solid and patterned mousepads. You can look for it at a thrift or hobby store, or cut an old cotton shirt in an interesting pattern.

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Step 3. Cut to size

Regardless of the material used, you will need to cut it to the size of the mousepad base.

• It's a good idea to be exactly the same size as the top of the base with neat edges.

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Step 4. Attach the decorative top to the mousepad

After cutting to size, it's a good idea to attach the cloth or paper to the top of the mousepad base.

• We recommend using white glue or Mod Podge brand to glue the paper/fabric to the top of the base. Use a brush to apply the glue thinly and evenly to the base surface, then smooth over the top of the paper.
• If you are using fabric, use glue or spray adhesive for best results.
• It's best to avoid using hot glue because it will leave lumps on the mousepad.

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Step 5. Cover the top of the mousepad base with clear contact paper

Clear contact paper will protect the design and allow the mouse to move smoothly.

• First of all, cut the contact paper to the basic size. Then, peel off the back, and stick it on the mousepad. Make sure to even out any bubbles that appear.
• You can use the side of the ruler as a smoothing tool.
• If you don't want to use patterned paper or cloth, you can simply use patterned opaque contact paper.

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Part 3 of 3: Creating an Emergency Mousepad

Step 1. Gather the ingredients

To make a very simple mousepad, just prepare a small book or similar flat object, a plastic folder, and masking tape.

• Insert the book into a plastic folder to create a smooth, flat surface so the mouse can slide smoothly.
• If you don't have a folder, you can also use a ziplock bag.
• If you are in a hurry, you can use a thick magazine or book as a mousepad. Make sure the book you are using has a layer that is smooth and wide enough for the mouse to use. Simply place a book or magazine next to the computer.

Step 2. Select the mousepad exterior

Plastic folders are the best choice because they have a smooth surface and are slightly soft.

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Step 3. Cut the folder in half

Thus, the size of the mousepad is appropriate for the table. You can leave the folder intact if you want a large mousepad, or the folder will be reused later.

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Step 4. Insert the ballast

We recommend inserting objects into the mousepad to provide weight and a smooth surface so that the mouse can be moved.

• The weights should be slightly smaller than half the map.
• Thin books are also ideal.
• You can also use scrap wood or some cardboard.

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Step 5. Insert the ballast in the folder

It's best if the ballast is located comfortably in the folder by leaving a little space so that it can be closed.

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Step 6. Paste the folder until it is closed

Use a few pieces of masking or clear tape to seal the edges of the folder. This step ensures that the ballast does not fall off when in use.

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Step 7. Attach the non-slip surface

If you need a mousepad urgently, feel free to skip this step. However, the non-slip surface will ensure that the mousepad does not move during use.

• The easiest way to create a non-slip surface is to use some double-sided tape to attach the pads to the table.
• You can also use masking tape, poster tape, or adhesive foam.

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