Glazed vs Unglazed Slipmats: Which Blank Should You Buy?

Glazed slipmats have a smooth, slippy underside. The mat glides on the platter while the record stays firm on top. That's the one for DJs. Unglazed slipmats have a rougher underside and sit more settled on the platter. That's the one for when the look of the mat matters most.

Same felt. Same size options. Different coating underneath. Here's how to choose.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GLAZED AND UNGLAZED SLIPMATS?

The coating on the underside. Flip one over and you'll feel it straight away.

- Glazed: smooth and slippy underneath. Glides on the platter, holds the record firm.
- Unglazed: rougher underneath. Sits more settled on the platter.

Both are blank white felt slipmats, made in the UK, and both are ready for sublimation printing.

WHICH SLIPMAT IS BETTER FOR DJs?

Glazed. After 30 years behind the decks, I can tell you what matters is that the mat moves under the record while the record stays put. That's what makes cueing, backspins and holding a record while the platter turns feel right. The glazed underside is built for that.

If your mats are going on working decks, buy glazed.

WHICH SLIPMAT IS BETTER FOR SUBLIMATION PRINTING AND MERCH?

Either will take a print. Unglazed is the pick when the appearance matters more than the DJ function: merch runs, gifts, shop displays, promo items, event giveaways and one-off pieces.

If you're printing a line of designs and the buyer cares about the artwork first, unglazed does the job.

Not sure how to press them? Here are the full [sublimation slipmat printing instructions and tips]

GLAZED OR UNGLAZED: QUICK GUIDE

- Going on working decks? Glazed.
- Selling to DJs or record shops? Glazed.
- Merch, gifts or promo items? Unglazed.
- Display or collector pieces? Unglazed.
- Mixed audience? Stock both.

CAN I MIX GLAZED AND UNGLAZED IN ONE ORDER?

Yes. Plenty of print studios and shops buy a pack of each. Glazed for the DJs who'll use them, unglazed for the customers who want the design. Both come in bulk quantities.

WHERE TO BUY WHOLESALE BLANK SLIPMATS IN THE UK

Every ModMat blank is made in the UK, not imported. Bulk pricing is on each product page:

- [Wholesale 12" Slipmats, Glazed]
- [Wholesale 12" Slipmats, Unglazed]
- [Wholesale 7" Slipmats, Glazed]
- [Wholesale 7" Slipmats, Unglazed]

Or see the full range on the [wholesale blank sublimation slipmats page]

FAQ

What is a glazed slipmat?
A slipmat with a smooth, slippy coating on the underside. It glides on the platter but holds the record firm.

What is an unglazed slipmat?
A slipmat with a rougher underside. It sits more settled on the platter and suits designs where the look comes first.

Which is better for DJing, glazed or unglazed?
Glazed.

Can you sublimation print on both?
Yes. Both are blank white felt slipmats made for sublimation printing. The felt top is the same glazed or unglazed its just the bottom coating or lack of it.

Are ModMat blank slipmats made in the UK?
Yes. Made in the UK, not imported.

What sizes are available?
12" and 7", in both glazed and unglazed.