Using preprinted maps and tiles at the table

[Flexor the Mighty!]

Are we talking clear adhesive, a la shelf paper or something? A ll Google gives me is seat covers.

I've used Con-Tac shelf covering to cover my old greyhawk maps. Mac-Tac is another of this type of instant laminate.

 

[Umbran]

The deckplans I specifically want this stuff for are the main "set" of the SF campaign I'll be running, so the PCs will probably spend a good amount of time there (the Serenity, anyone?). On top of this, the full deckplans comprise, iirc, thirteen 17" x 22" maps. Copying them would be way too much of a hassle.

Okay. Sounds as if the party is going to want/need to switch between maps reasonably frequently as they move around this set. If so, that speaks even more against the plexi-solution. How often in each session do you expect to have to move the entire tabletop to switch maps?

The poster pockets or some form of lamination sound like a much better solution for this repeated use case. But that's just me.

 

[buzz]

I've used Con-Tac shelf covering to cover my old greyhawk maps. Mac-Tac is another of this type of instant laminate.

Ah! Thanks, Flex.

The poster pockets or some form of lamination sound like a much better solution for this repeated use case. But that's just me.

Now that I know I need fewer than I thought, I'm leaning this way, too.

 

[Finster]

I work in a sign shop
I have been working on the idea of creating my own battle-maps here in the shop.

If you are able to design your own graphics files, or have access to some, you can have a sign shop print and laminate them for you. Our own laminate machine can handle up 36" across. You can also lay dry-erase right on top of your card stock just like laminate.

 

[Treebore]

I buy the rolls of shelf lamination paper, which is also meant for paper, etc.... Says so right on the back.

The problem is how big the frigggin thing is makes it a big challenge to keep air bubbles out, not get those irritating creases, etc...

The only way I have found around this (most of the time) is by cutting my maps up into 8x11 pieces and laminating them at that size. Then flip them over (arranged in order) and then package taping them back together on the back side. Usually I just keep them in the 8x11 size. They fit easily into folders, and I can "jigsaw" them back together when I need them. Using the same tape you use for christmas wrappings works well and comes back off easier than packing tape when I am done with the maps and know I am going to be storing them for a while.

So that is what I do, and I can mark on them with over head markers, dry erase, and even grease pencils.

I also recommend leaving a 1 CM or so border around the edges of the lamiante stuck together from each side. That way spills won't be able to "osmosis" their way into your map.

I will also suggest package taping all edges of your soft and hard cover books. Greatly increases their longevity, especially the soft bound books. The HB's might take you a couple of years to realize how much the tape protects them.

They also allow for some great anti-theft measures in proving ownership.

 

[Michael Dean]

One solution is to buy 81/2 x 11" overhead projector sheets. You can get a pack of 100 for $15 or so, iirc, from Staples. I lay them over the top of the map and use dry erase markers and they work great. Wipe 'em off and reuse to my heart's content.

 

[dagger]

A sheet of plexi glass from Home Depot that is one inch larger than the largest battle matt made by Chessex was 16 bucks.

 

[Janx]

The plexi-glass isn't super cheap, but it's really durable.

I recommend using 1/8", it'll be half the price of 1/4" thickness. It's also lighter to work with

Also, the plexiglass will protect the table from dice dings, stray pencil marks, etc. My dining table has dings in it FROM dice. The wife is not happy.

Also, get a straight-edge, and lightly score the underside in 1" grid. You'll have a see-through battlemat that you can put maps underneath.

Using maps underneath the plexi is less practical if you have frequent map changes. But it'll work fine if the party is going to spend a lot of time on that map anyway.

 

[Olaf the Stout]

Also, the plexiglass will protect the table from dice dings, stray pencil marks, etc. My dining table has dings in it FROM dice. The wife is not happy.

What are your players' dice made of? Lead? Either that or they're heavy rollers.

Olaf the Stout

 

[Treebore]

What are your players' dice made of? Lead? Either that or they're heavy rollers.

Olaf the Stout

You haven't bought the "Iron" d20? From the Iron Heroes Battle Box from Fiery Dragon? That sucker does REAL damage!