In this first picture, you can see how the mat is discolored, and breaking apart in some spots more than others but has general wear/breakdown all over. I took some tape and covered the fabric edge all the way around the mat. You can see the tape in the up close pictures posted below showing the condition of the mat.
Once I had it covered, shake the F outta the can of Black Flex Seal and lightly coat the whole back of the mat. Where there was more serious break down I just layed a little thicker of a coat down. I did 2 passes walking around the mat completely making sure to spray at different angles. If you look at the close up pics you can see mat has a kind of weave to it. Be sure to get different angles of spray to cover/coat those weaves.
After first coat and letting it dry for a bit.
I let mine sit for 20-30 mins in front of the heater to cure. I then shook the f outta that can again and did some touch up sprays in spots that seemed light or needed more. Peeled back the tape. and whaaa-la, no more cracked backing making a mess, and hopefully this will help protect the mat in the future.
The comparison between the two mats is crazy! The refinished mat looks more uniform and level of a coating than the pic shows. I have 2 bright ass LEDs directly above the picture that are shining against it. I'll get some clear pictures in better light to show.
It has been a week since I did this and there is no cracking or stiffness to the mat at all.
