Fabric Dab Mat Dancing Skellies (Grateful Dead x Pulsar)
Dab rigs & tools
by Pulsar
Grateful Dead x Pulsar Fabric Dab Mat — Dancing Skellies
The Dancing Skellies Fabric Dab Mat is an 8-inch rubber-backed dab mat that keeps your rig stable and your surfaces clean — while looking properly good doing it. A licensed collaboration between Grateful Dead and Pulsar, this one pairs 5mm shock-absorbent rubber with a printed fabric top featuring those iconic dancing skeletons in full otherworldly colour. It does the job and it starts conversations.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 8 inches (approx. 20 cm) |
| Thickness | 5 mm |
| Base material | Shock-absorbent rubber |
| Top surface | Printed fabric |
| Design | Dancing Skellies (Grateful Dead) |
| Collaboration | Grateful Dead x Pulsar |
| SKU | HS2063 |
Complete your dab setup — pair this mat with a proper dab rig and a reliable butane torch. A carb cap and dabber tool round things out nicely if you haven't picked those up yet.
Why a Dab Mat Matters More Than You Think
Concentrates are sticky. That is the entire problem in one sentence. Without something between your rig and the table, you end up with reclaim residue baked onto wood, glass rings on your desk, or worse — a rig that slides when you're mid-hit and cracks against the edge of the table. We've seen it happen more times than we'd like to count over the past 25-odd years behind the counter.
A dab mat solves all three issues at once. The rubber base grips the surface so your rig stays put. The fabric top catches drips and stray concentrate before they bond permanently to your furniture. And the 5mm thickness on this particular mat absorbs the shock if you set your rig down a bit harder than intended — which, let's be honest, happens. The one thing it won't do is clean itself. Give it a wipe with isopropyl alcohol every now and then, and it'll stay fresh for ages.
Compared to a silicone dab mat, this fabric-topped version has a bit more visual appeal — the printed design stays sharp and doesn't attract lint the way pure silicone can. The trade-off? Silicone is marginally easier to scrape clean if you drop a big glob of wax on it. For day-to-day use where you're not making a mess every session, fabric wins on looks and feel. This one in particular has a slightly textured surface that feels more like a quality mouse pad than a kitchen mat — which is exactly the vibe you want on a desk or coffee table.
How to Use Your Dab Mat
- Place the dab mat rubber-side down on any flat surface — desk, table, tray, wherever you dab.
- Set your dab rig, banger, carb cap, and dabber tool on the mat. The 8-inch diameter fits a small to mid-sized rig comfortably with room for your tools alongside.
- Dab as normal. The rubber base keeps everything locked in place, and the fabric top catches any stray concentrate.
- After your session, wipe the surface with a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol to remove any residue. For heavier buildup, let the iso sit for 30 seconds before wiping.
- Store flat or roll loosely — avoid folding, as repeated creasing can crack the rubber base over time.
From Our Counter: The Honest Take
At 8 inches across, this mat is sized for a single rig and a couple of tools. If you're running a larger setup with multiple pieces, you'll want to grab a second mat or look at a full-sized dab station tray. For a compact, personal setup, though, 8 inches is the sweet spot — big enough to be useful, small enough to tuck into a drawer when company comes round.
The design itself is genuinely well done. The dancing skeletons have that classic Grateful Dead energy — colourful, slightly psychedelic, detailed enough that you notice new things the third or fourth time you look at it. It's a licensed collaboration, not a knockoff print, so the colours are crisp and the artwork is faithful to the original. If you're a Deadhead, this is a no-brainer. If you're not, it's still one of the better-looking mats we carry — most dab mats are either plain black or covered in generic leaf prints, and this one actually has some character.
The weight feels right in the hand. Not flimsy, not heavy — just enough heft from the 5mm rubber that it stays where you put it without needing to press it down. Pick it up and it bends without resistance, set it down and it lies flat immediately. No curling at the edges, no sliding around on smooth surfaces. That sounds like a small thing until you've dealt with a cheap mat that won't stay put.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this dab mat with a silicone rig?
Yes. The rubber base grips equally well under glass and silicone rigs. The 5mm cushion actually helps stabilise lighter silicone pieces that might otherwise slide on a bare table.
How do I clean concentrate off the fabric surface?
Dampen a cloth with isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher works best) and wipe the spot. For stubborn residue, let the iso soak in for 30 seconds before wiping. Avoid machine washing — the rubber base doesn't handle it well.
Is 8 inches big enough for a dab rig?
For a small to mid-sized rig (under 25 cm tall), 8 inches gives you enough room for the rig plus a dabber tool. Larger rigs or multi-piece setups will need a bigger mat or a dedicated tray.
Does the rubber base leave marks on wooden surfaces?
No. The rubber is non-marking and non-slip. We've had these sitting on wooden desks in the shop without any residue or discolouration. Just don't leave it in direct sunlight for weeks on end — UV can degrade rubber over time.
What is the difference between a fabric dab mat and a silicone dab mat?
Fabric-topped mats like this one hold printed designs better and have a more refined look. Silicone mats are easier to scrape clean if you drop concentrate directly on them. For everyday protection and aesthetics, fabric wins. For messy sessions, silicone has the edge.
Is this an official Grateful Dead product?
Yes. This is a licensed collaboration between Grateful Dead and Pulsar. The artwork is officially sanctioned, not a bootleg print — the quality and colour accuracy reflect that.
Last updated: April 2026
