To flatten a desk chair mat that is rolled up, typically a new one, follow a simple unrolling method.
Flattening a new desk chair mat often involves carefully unrolling it and allowing the material to relax into its intended shape. The key is to manage the tension of the rolled mat to prevent it from immediately curling back up.
Based on the method described in the reference, here is how you can flatten a tough office chair mat:
Steps to Unroll and Flatten Your Chair Mat
Here's a breakdown of the process to effectively flatten your chair mat from a rolled state:
- Position the Mat: Begin by placing the rolled mat on the floor in the area where it will be used.
- Initiate the Unroll: Pull the leading edge (the end that is on top of the roll) away from the main body of the mat and onto the floor surface. This starts the unrolling process.
- Secure the Edge: Kneel on the edge of the mat that is now flat on the floor. This action holds the edge firmly in place and provides leverage for the next step.
- Grasp the Ends: With the edge secured, grasp the open ends of the rolled portion of the mat.
- Lift and Unroll: Lift these open ends while gently moving away from the secured edge. This action helps the mat unroll smoothly onto the floor, allowing it to flatten out.
By using your weight to hold one end down while lifting and guiding the other, you can effectively manage the unrolling process and help the mat lay flat.
Additional Tips for Flattening
Once the mat is unrolled using the steps above, you can encourage it to fully flatten by:
- Applying Weight: Place heavy objects evenly across the surface of the mat, especially on any areas that are still curled or bumpy. Leave these in place for several hours or overnight.
- Using Warmth: Sometimes, a little warmth can help plastic mats relax. If appropriate for the mat material (check manufacturer instructions), you could potentially place it in a warm room or use a hairdryer on a low setting from a safe distance (be extremely cautious to avoid melting the mat).
- Time: Often, simply laying the mat flat in its intended location and allowing the weight of the chair and natural room temperature to work will cause it to flatten over time, typically within 24-48 hours.
Following these steps, particularly the unrolling technique described in the reference, should help you effectively flatten your desk chair mat.
