Since 2014, we at All In One Merchandise have been living and breathing promotional barware. From humble beginnings in the UK to pouring our expertise into the U.S. market, we’ve helped brands across the globe leave their mark—literally—on countertops and taprooms.
And yet, one question just won’t quit.
“Are these custom bar mats made of rubber, silicone… or what, exactly?”
Ah, the mystery lives on. So let’s unravel it. Because it’s time to clear the air—once and for all.
🧪 The material that reigns supreme: soft PVC
If you’ve walked into a bar and noticed a bold, raised logo mat catching spills and holding pints — odds are, you were looking at soft PVC.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the most common material used for branded bar mats. Why? Because it strikes a sweet spot between affordability, durability, and full customizability. It’s soft enough to mold, tough enough to last, and vivid enough to showcase your logo in crisp, raised detail.
Think:
- Custom shapes
- Full-color branding
- Injection-molded designs that pop off the surface
It’s flexible. It’s budget-friendly. It works. That’s why PVC is the industry standard. That said, PVC isn’t without its faults—especially when it comes to environmental impact—and silicone is quietly gaining popularity as a result. More on that below.
❌ “Rubber bar mats”: a common misnomer
Here’s where things get messy. A lot of people — including suppliers — refer to PVC mats as “rubber bar mats.”
But true rubber mats, made from either natural or synthetic rubber, are used far less often in branding. They’re heavier, tougher, and often molded using different methods like compression molding, which doesn’t lend itself to crisp logos or fine detailing.
Rubber is great for grip. Great for rugged, utility-style environments. But for clean branding in full color? It’s usually not the best pick.
Still, the term “rubber bar mat” persists. So if someone says that, double-check—they probably mean PVC.
🧁 Silicone bar mats: visually similar, functionally superior
This one’s growing fast — and for good reason.
Silicone bar mats are the premium alternative to PVC. They look similar at a glance (molded logos, bright colors, flexible feel), but the performance and safety profile are a level above.
So what makes silicone worth considering?
- Better temperature resistance (great for coffee stations or freezer counters)
- Non-toxic and phthalate-free (a big win for food and beverage safety over PVC)
- Incredible durability (especially in demanding environments)
- Matte finish and soft texture (adds a premium feel)
- Better slip resistance than PVC & easier cleaning
Want to spot the difference?
Flip the mat over: matte = silicone, slightly shiny = PVC.
So why doesn’t everyone go for silicone?
Because it’s significantly more expensive — often 2x or 3x the cost of PVC. But if your brand is positioning for quality, sustainability, or premium hospitality, it’s a choice that speaks volumes.
🤔 PVC vs silicone: what to choose?
- PVC is still the go-to for large campaigns, chain restaurants, and anyone working within tight marketing budgets. It’s cost-effective, easy to mass-produce, and reliable.
- Silicone is gaining serious traction among premium venues, boutique beverage brands, and health-conscious businesses that prioritize performance and safety.
So if you’re comparing quotes and wondering why one mat is triple the price of another — check the material. It’s not just branding you’re buying. It’s the whole user experience.
⚖️ At a Glance: What Each Material Does Best
| Feature | PVC | Silicone | Rubber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low | High | Medium |
| Branding | Excellent | Excellent | Limited |
| Durability | Good | Exceptional | Rugged |
| Heat Resistance | Moderate | Excellent | Good |
| Eco Profile | Questionable additives | Chemically inert, longer life | Varies |
| Cleaning | Easy | Very easy | Moderate |
| Slip Resistance | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Best For | Promotional campaigns, bars | Premium venues, food-safe environments | Utility-heavy spaces |
Other bar mat types in the market (and what they’re made of)
Of course, not all bar mats are injection molded—and PVC and silicone aren’t the only materials in the game. There are a few other varieties in our range (and in the market overall), each with its own specific look, feel, and use case.
Let’s take a look:
🖼️ Sublimation-printed bar mats
These mats are made from needle-punch polyester on top with a nitrile rubber backing.
They’re perfect for full-color, photorealistic prints—great when you want to show off vibrant imagery or complex designs. However, there’s no raised logo here. The surface is flat, without that tactile 3D effect, and the mats tend to be less durable over time compared to molded PVC.
Drawback: Less durable in high-traffic settings
🦔 Nitrile rubber mats with hedgehog texture
This type features a spiky, textured surface—commonly referred to as a “hedgehog effect.” The print is still full color, and it’s great for anti-slip functionality, but visually, it’s more subtle.
They come in two standard sizes:
- 14 x 14 inches (counter mat)
- 3.5 x 21 inches (bar-length mat)
They work well, but they don’t deliver the iconic bar-top look most people are after when they picture a branded mat.
🪵 Rubber-backed mats with canvas tops
These are built with a rubber base and topped with jute canvas—the kind of material that feels soft and organic. The canvas surface can be printed in full color, which is great for rustic or eco-style branding.
But again, these don’t have that molded, tactile design. When someone asks us for a “rubber bar mat,” they’re almost never referring to this one.
🎯 Ready to Create Something That Sticks?
We’re not just in the business of making bar mats. We’re in the business of helping brands stick in people’s minds—literally and figuratively.
So if you’re looking to level up your bar presence with the right material and a killer design, let’s make it happen.
