Some logos demand precision. Clean lines. Bold contrast. Edges so sharp they look cut from steel. For these logos, printing isn't enough — you need the inlay process.
WaterHog Inlay Logo Mats are crafted using a technique where the logo area is physically cut from the mat, and colored fabric pieces are hand-laid into the cutout like a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece is positioned precisely before the assembly is pressed into rubber. The result is a logo with defined edges and vivid color separation that makes your brand impossible to miss.
This isn't the fastest way to make a logo mat. It isn't the cheapest. But for bold, graphic logos with clean geometry and high contrast — it's the best. And underneath that precision craftsmanship, you get genuine WaterHog performance: bi-level scraping, 1.5 gallons of water retention per square yard, and NFSI certified slip resistance.
| Surface | |
|---|---|
| Fiber | Solution-dyed polypropylene (97%), Latex (3%) |
| Weight | 24 oz/yd² |
| Construction | Needle-punched, hand-cut inlay |
| Design | Waffle (square pattern), bi-level |
| Nub Height | 1/4" |
| Colors | 18 standard colors (up to 5 per mat) |
| Backing | |
| Material | SBR rubber |
| Recycled Content | 20% post-consumer recycled (car tires) |
| Options | Smooth (hard floors) or universal cleated (carpet) |
| Body Thickness | 78-mil |
| Border Thickness | 143-mil |
| Overall | |
| Total Thickness | 3/8" (0.375") |
| Water Retention | Up to 1.5 gallons per square yard |
| Standards & Testing | |
| Slip Resistance | NFSI Certified High-Traction |
| Flammability | Passes CPSC FF 1-70 |
| Anti-Static | Max 1.6 KV (AATCC 134); meets IBM/NFPA99 |
| Use | Indoor and outdoor |
| Cleaning | Extract clean or hose off (not commercially launderable) |
| Made In | USA by M+A Matting |
| Mat Size | Actual Dimensions | Maximum Imprint Area |
|---|---|---|
| 2' × 3' | 23" × 35" | 18" × 30" |
| 3' × 4' | 35" × 45" | 30" × 42" |
| 3' × 5' | 35" × 58" | 30" × 54" |
| 3' × 10' | 35" × 116" | 30" × 114" |
| 3' × 12' | 35" × 142" | 30" × 138" |
| 3' × 16' | 35" × 189" | 30" × 185" |
| 3' × 20' | 35" × 236" | 30" × 232" |
| 4' × 6' | 45" × 69" | 42" × 66" |
| 4' × 8' | 45" × 96" | 42" × 90" |
| 4' × 10' | 45" × 116" | 42" × 114" |
| 4' × 12' | 45" × 142" | 42" × 138" |
| 4' × 16' | 45" × 189" | 42" × 185" |
| 4' × 20' | 45" × 236" | 42" × 232" |
| 6' × 8' | 70" × 95" | 66" × 90" |
| 6' × 12' | 70" × 142" | 66" × 138" |
| 6' × 16' | 70" × 189" | 66" × 185" |
| 6' × 20' | 70" × 236" | 66" × 232" |
Custom sizes available in widths of 3' (35"), 4' (45"), or 6' (70") with whole foot lengths up to 30'. Mat sizes are approximate — manufacturing tolerance is ±3-5%.
The inlay process requires logos to be cut and assembled by hand. This creates precise, sharp-edged results — but imposes strict limitations on artwork complexity.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Minimum Text Height | 3" (includes lowercase) |
| Minimum Line Thickness | 3/8" |
| Minimum Spacing | 3/8" between elements |
| Maximum Colors | 5 colors per mat (from 18-color palette) |
| PMS Matching | Not available |
| Gradients/Tints | Not supported — solid colors only |
| White Backgrounds | Not recommended — shows dirt during manufacturing |
Have a complex logo? Don't worry — just submit it through the quote form. We'll evaluate your artwork and recommend the best mat type for your design. If inlay won't work, we'll suggest WaterHog Impressions HD or another option that will.
Inlay mats are physically cut and assembled by hand. Each color is cut from separate fabric and positioned precisely — like a jigsaw puzzle. This creates razor-sharp edges and bold color contrast that printing cannot match. However, it requires simpler designs with larger elements.
The inlay process involves cutting fabric by hand. Text smaller than 3" becomes extremely difficult to cut and position accurately. The 3" minimum ensures text remains crisp and legible.
No. The inlay process uses solid-color fabric pieces only. For gradients, shading, or photographic elements, use WaterHog Impressions HD instead.
Up to 5 colors from the 18-color standard palette per mat design.
No. Colors are matched to the 18 standard palette colors only.
White fabric is difficult to keep clean through the manufacturing process. Avoid white for backgrounds or large mat areas. Small white logo elements may be evaluated case-by-case.
No. WaterHog Inlay mats should be extract cleaned or hosed off. For a launderable WaterHog logo mat, consider WaterHog Impressions HD with a classic rubber border.
Yes. The solution-dyed polypropylene is 100% UV-resistant. It won't fade or rot from outdoor exposure and dries quickly. Suitable for indoor and outdoor placement.
7-10 business days after proof approval, plus shipping. The hand-inlay process takes slightly longer than digitally printed mats.
The layering color process requires solid colors from the 56-color palette. Tints, screens, and transparent elements don't reproduce cleanly with this technology.
