Mouse Pad

Intro: Mouse Pad

This is about an easy to make mouse pad to make in a minute or two. It's glides very well, and also tracks very well.

STEP 1: Materials

Materials:

-Scissors
-Packaging Tape
-White piece of paper
-Wax paper

STEP 2: Cut the Wax Paper to Size

Put down your piece of paper, and lay a strip of wax paper on top of it, and cut the wax paper to size. The wax paper should extend slightly beyond the paper.

STEP 3: Tape It All Down

Find the area that you're going to put your mousepad at. Wipe it down well, as any little things under the mousepad will make the pad eventually rip.

Now once the wax paper is sized correctly, pull it tight across the top of the paper, and tape down each side of the wax paper. If there are any wrinkles or loose parts, it will start to rip after a bit of use.

If you mess up, simply lift up the tape carefully, as the wax paper will not rip when the tape is removed.

STEP 4: Enjoy Your New Mousepad!

Ending notes

I've found that this mouse pad works pretty well. So enjoy.

If you want a mouse pad bigger than one sheet of paper (I didn't because my mouse is super-sensitive, even when the sensitivity is turned all the way down), simply lay down another sheet of paper (don't overlap it, as that will make an uneven surface that will eventually rip), and lay some wax paper down over it.

After a lot of use, this pad may need replacing, as it is just wax paper on the surface. But it obviously won't take too long to make again.

Also, I got the idea of using wax paper as a mouse pad surface from here.

Comments

[Kalekdan]

Would this work with grease proof paper or something like that?

[Stumpword]

I went to home depot and spent 46 cents on a 12 inch by 12 inch piece of industrial flooring, it has a flat texture, I used double sided duct tape to hold it to my desktop, it works perfect

[Shoes]

This isn't a bad idea, I might give it a try. You could also recommend fabric; some fibers are great for mouse pads.

[Aar000n3y]

Hmm. That's true. I hadn't thought about it before. I'll research it some time.

[emuman4evr]

Its true, I stopped using mouse pads a long time ago. I use a little nightstand that has a cushion on top. Work better than any mouse pad I've ever used.

[flashuni]

I found that a piece of cardboard works much better. Thanks for the great tutorial!

[Shifrin]

this is nice, but maybe some decoration? +1 -alex

[Aar000n3y]

I would just print out a design on the piece of paper. Or were you saying post some pictures of that?

[CameronSS]

Why do you need a mouse pad for an optical mouse? The only thing I've come up with to confuse one is a mirror.

[Aar000n3y]

They don't track as well on some surfaces, such as my polished wood desk. It's slightly reflective, doesn't let the mouse slide well, and has already started damaging my mouse's sliding pads (after 3 weeks use).
It's isn't necessary, but I find it a nice thing to have, it helps the mouse track well, and it makes the mouse last longer.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Shiny black doesn't track either

[de-evolution]

ya my desk is clear glass and it doesn;t track at all

[GorillazMiko]

Actually a smart idea. I was going to say just put a piece of paper, and tape the paper down, but the wax paper, genius! Awesome Instructable!

[gamer]

i have exactly the same mouse, except... no wire. lmao, nice instructable, quite detailed. im happy to see im not the only one that makes his own mousepads. -gamer

[Aar000n3y]

Yeah, I prefer wired so I don't have to bother with the batteries running out when I'm in the middle of something. How do you make your mouse pads?

[gamer]

i dont really consider it making, but.... i go to the dollar store and i buy a 6-pack of craft foam (1$). then i open it and i cut the foam to size.

[Aar000n3y]

Doesn't that slide around a lot?

[Lftndbt]

Oh nice!!! My glides are wearin' out on my timber desk. Your just saved me $30 on another mouse... excellent work my friend... :)

[ThinkBeforeYouSpeak]

great job,is it like too slidey or something like that like kinda greasy?

[Aar000n3y]

Nope, not too slippery. It slides well, but it grips well enough too. It's a good balance.