Anyone heard of Ozite Top Guard?

[envfocus]

For $30 I purchased a 32-inch by 20-foot roll of a new surface covering called Ozite Top Guard by Foss Manufacturing.  According to Menards (a regional "home depot" type store here in WI), its a new product.  Anyway, it seems like another reasonable choice when looking for a combination sound deadening/paintable surface mat for your layout.  I've attached two photos to give you an idea of this stuff.  It comes in black, but I spray painted it green and, although not prototypical, I think it looks great for a tinplate layout.  It has a smooth anti-slip back, while the top is some sort of polyester-like fabric.  I was curious to know if this was really a "new" product, or just "new" to my local Mendards store.  Thanks.

  

[mitchelr]

Looks like good stuff. Did you spray it green???  Beats my painted plywood.  I may look for some at my local gigantic indoor lumberyard and home improvement center..

Mitch

[RR Redneck]

I might have to hit the lumber yards when I get to buildin my new O gauge layout.

[chuck]

I don't know about "Top Gaurd" but the company makes a bunch of "carpet" related products, mainly for Auto/Shop/Deck purposes.  I've seen the grill mat for decks which is non skid on the back and is supposed to soak up greasy spills on the front side.  

Stuff looks interesting,  keep us posted on how it works.

[cnw1995]

I ended up with rolls indoor/outdoor 'carpet' that I patched together (at about $10 a roll that was 4 x 8). How much was the Top Guard?

[envfocus]

To Micthelr:  Yes, I spray painted it green using a can of green Rustoluem Painters Choice (its the only green paint I had in my garage, but it worked well).

To CNW1995:  It cost me $30.99 at my local Menards for a 32-inch by 20-foot roll. 

I found this stuff with the carpet supplies.  It is advertised on the package as a "versatile surface protector that keeps floors and counters safe from damage and debris".  I will post a few pictures of my small tinplate loop this week. Again, I'm definetly not advertising this stuff, but I like this forum because people share what they've found.  I'm just glad I finally found something that might be worth sharing! 

[envfocus]

Two pictures of my "test" layout using a green painted Ozite Top Guard surface.  The table consists of plywood laying on two card tables.  I tried to show one overview and one closeup of the surface.

[pbjwilson]

I'm amazed something like that took paint so well. Nice job. And I think you have found a great product there. Does it absorb noise pretty well? That is just a great combination and clean looking too. Looks very "classic toy". And the train youre running aint bad neither.

[RR Redneck]

THAT LOOKS FANTASTIC!!!!!

[Dave Farquhar]

That really does look good. How easy is the material to cut up and drill/poke holes in for running wires? You've got me thinking about trying to run some of that down.

Thanks for sharing, definitely. Looks like you've found a real winner there.

[envfocus]

pbjwilson:  I was surprised too regarding how it took paint.  I still don't know what the fabric material is, but a simple can of Rustoleum spray paint worked for me.  I know there's been much debate about sound deadening, so I'll only say that it did reduce noise when I compared it to running track straight on the plywood.  I actually covered half the bench with it too hear the difference.  Definetly has sound deadening attributes, whether its enough I'll leave up to the individual.  Also, thanks for the comment on the train itself.  It's my favorite.

Dave:  Cutting and poking holes are very easy.  I used both a carpet knife and a good pair of scissors.  Both cut it cleanly and easily.  Poking holes with the razor of the carpet knife was easy too since its only about 1/8" thick.