For Casual Lounging Anywhere, It's Got to Be This

Types of Picnic Mats:

1. Cotton Fringe Picnic Mat: Made from a blend of cotton and polyester.
   1. Pros: High aesthetic appeal, artistic, lightweight, washable.
   2. Cons: Not waterproof or moisture-resistant, easily stained, hard to clean.
   
2. Oxford Cloth Picnic Mat: Typically consists of a layer of Oxford cloth and a waterproof coating, a common material on the market.
   1. Pros: Compact when folded, durable, easy to maintain.
   2. Cons: Fabric is relatively stiff, thin with only one layer, and the PVC bottom may peel over time.
   
3. Aluminum Foil Picnic Mat: The bottom layer is waterproof aluminum foil, the middle layer is cotton, and the top has a waterproof printed layer. Some are double-sided with aluminum foil.
   1. Pros: Soft and comfortable, relatively thick, affordable, and lightweight.
   2. Cons: Bulky, difficult to store, not photogenic, and prone to tearing. If used on gravel, it can easily get punctured. Best used in combination with other mats.
   
4. Ultrasonic Picnic Mat: Usually has three layers, with waterproof designs on the top and bottom and cotton in the middle.
   1. Pros: Thicker than Oxford cloth, softer, and machine washable.
   2. Cons: Slightly more expensive and takes up more storage space.
   
5. Fleece Picnic Mat: The top layer is fleece, with a waterproof and moisture-resistant bottom. The surface is soft and warm, slightly thicker than ultrasonic mats. The bottom material is usually PEVA or aluminum foil.
   1. Cons: Can get hot in summer, the fleece surface is not waterproof, and cleaning is difficult.
   

Performance of Picnic Mats:

1. Waterproof Test: According to GB/T 4745 "Textiles—Testing and Evaluation of Water Resistance—Water Repellency," the waterproof tests we see online often include both water resistance and anti-seepage. When selecting, if water resistance is a priority, sprinkle some water on the mat and shake it to see if the water droplets roll off like on an umbrella or lotus leaf. For anti-seepage, pour water and let it sit to see if the water level decreases or seeps through. A rapid decrease indicates poor anti-seepage performance.
2. Stain Resistance Test: In lab tests, corn oil and soy sauce are used as staining agents. Drops are placed at three spots on the mat, and after 30 seconds, the spread and wetting are observed. When choosing, feel the surface—the rougher the surface, the larger the contact area with stains, leading to stronger absorption and poorer stain resistance.
3. Wrinkle Resistance Test: According to GB/T 29257-2012 "Textiles—Evaluation of Fabric Wrinkle Recovery—Appearance Method," it’s recommended to choose mats of moderate thickness with a smooth synthetic fiber surface. Some mats feature fixed quilting, which adds durability.
4. Tear Resistance Test: When placed on grass, will the mat tear if it encounters sharp objects? Tear resistance depends on the material's quality and thickness. Avoid aluminum foil mats and opt for thicker ones, as they can withstand greater pressure and reduce the risk of tearing, ensuring a comfortable outdoor experience.
5. Fluorescent Brightener Test: Using professional methods, observe the mat under a 365nm UV light for fluorescence. Fluorescent agents are invisible to the naked eye, so avoid overly bright-colored mats. Use a 365nm UV light to check—if the mat emits a strong blue-purple light, avoid it. Opt for mats with lower fluorescence brightness.