How to Install Rubber Sheet Gaskets, Linings and Matting

Rubber sheet covers gasketing, floor and channel linings, and anti-vibration matting — three different installation contexts that share the same basic material but need different fitting approaches.

Confirm the grade before cutting

Rubber Sheet is available in commercial (SBR), oil-resistant (NBR) and weather-resistant (EPDM) grades — confirm the correct grade for the media and environment before cutting, since the wrong grade in an oil or weather-exposed application degrades quickly regardless of installation quality.

Gasket cutting and fitting

Cut gaskets to the exact flange or cover profile using a template where possible — an undersized cut gasket won’t seal at the edges, while an oversized one can pinch or fold under compression. Use a sharp blade for a clean edge; a ragged cut edge is where a gasket typically begins to fail first.

Lining and matting installation

For floor or channel lining, ensure the substrate is clean, dry and free of oil residue before bonding — adhesive applied over contamination fails at the bond line regardless of the rubber quality itself. Use a contact adhesive rated for the specific rubber grade (oil-resistant grades sometimes need a different adhesive than commercial SBR).

Anti-vibration pad placement

Rubber Pad under machinery should be sized to the equipment’s actual footprint and load distribution, not simply cut to a convenient size — undersized pads concentrate load and compress unevenly, reducing vibration isolation.

Frequently asked questions

Can commercial SBR rubber sheet be used where occasional oil contact happens? Not reliably — even occasional oil contact degrades SBR over time; use an NBR grade if any oil exposure is expected.

How long should adhesive cure before the lining is put into service? Follow the specific adhesive manufacturer’s cure time — putting a lining into service before full cure is a common cause of early bond failure.

Tell us the application — gasket, lining or matting — and the media involved, and we’ll confirm the right rubber grade.