Okay -- not just mug rugs but coasters. I notice they're really the thing here but I have a question. We have good wood furniture. The idea of putting batting and 2 pieces of cloth on the table to protect them from a sweaty glass ---well, it breaks ME out in a sweat!!! If the sweat works thru the 3 layers, it'll ruin the tables!!! Do you just use them on glass tables?

Hmmm, never had that happen, but... what if you got some plastic and added a layer at the bottom? You can find yardage in the upholstery section, or cut up an old plastic table cloth.

For the criss cross coasters, a piece of plastic could be slipped in under the crossed over parts.

What about the iron on vinyl?

I wonder if that insulbrite batting would be waterproof. I have some so maybe I'll test it.

I often use plastic tablecloths (flannel backed)for things of this nature. I just cut them up and line them underneath the batting. We've even made diapers using this! It's much cheaper than PUL.

Maybe do a test run, turn down the temp a little. Or iron the top then turn down the temp before doing the back? Not sure but could have fun trying.

I think I have some of that somewhere. I wonder how it would be ironed to the wrong side of the backing.

I made a 12" coaster for my end tables and inserted a cheap vinyl placemat cut to size. I have used them 8 years. Works great.

I only use mine for coffee cups... I was afraid that even if I put some plastic inside, that the moisture would wick to the edges of the fabric.

Sometimes I should count my blessings that I have crappy (don't give a hoot) furniture. Personally, I think that moisture rings add personality to a table.

That said, is it possible that mug rugs are not a good solution for you?

On my good wood Parson's Tables, I simply cut a thin, plain, cheap plastic place mat just a trifle smaller than the pad. Sometimes with kids or older guests who are no longer as coordinated as they used to be when shuffling cups around, I put a few pieces of double-sticky tape between pad and plastic just for special occasions.

I made a 12" coaster for my end tables and inserted a cheap vinyl placemat cut to size. I have used them 8 years. Works great.[/quote]
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Now THIS sounds like something that I should do. I think it would work nicely. Maybe a different size for each table.

Good ideas!!!!! DUH Why didn't I think of that????? :mrgreen:

I use insulbright on mine. So far I haven't noticed anything leaking through. I thought about putting that silver stuff like you use on potholders on the bottom. Not a problem for me so far. Now you got me wondering tho.

doesn't the name 'mug' rug suggest they're for coffee/tea and not iced drinks?

I have used the insulbrite for this and it still leaks thru( with iced drinks). I found out the hard way on a leather top table. I do still use them for hot drinks and they protect nicely with the insulbrite.

I use mine on my good wood tables with iced drinks and have never had a problem.