For me there is a definite difference with the silicone mat. If I forget to put on the machine and start to use my rulers or FMQ it feels like I can barely move the quilt, the same if I forget to put on my gloves. A lot of quilters use polish (Turtle Wax is option I have seen) or buy the silicone roll up snow sliders that can be bought on Amazon. I have both Supreme Slider and Sew Steady Grid slider mat that I was able to get on sale.