A yoga mat can be an excellent medium for self-expression.
While many yoga mats come ready-made with designs, colors and decorations, many yogis prefer to get creative with their yoga mat. Many paint varieties, such as spray paint, contain elements and chemicals that can deteriorate the closed-cell ensolite foam used in yoga mats, resulting in a less sticky mat. While no paint can permanently withstand the rigors of constant practice, rolling or hot yoga, acrylic artist's paint is the most flexible option for painting yoga mats.
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Step 1
Lay out the painter’s tarp in a safe working area with ample lighting and place the yoga mat in the center. Insert the tip of the paint can opener into your cans of acrylic artist’s paint and pry off the lid. Pour at least a quart of paint into the disposable painting tray and run your paint roller into the tray numerous times so that the roller is saturated in paint.
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Step 2
Apply a base coat of your desired color to the yoga mat by rolling the paint roller across the yoga mat. Get all four corners as you create an even wash of base color. Wait 30 minutes or longer until the paint fully dries and add a second coat if desired.
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Step 3
Turn over your yoga mat and apply a similar base coat color on the opposite side. For extra variety, use a different or contrasting color to further distinguish your mat. Make sure both sides are completely dry with the help of an electric fan if desired.
Step 4
Place your yoga mat on clean area of the painter’s tarp and paint any details, decorations or fine touches with your small paint brush. Some potential decoration options could include: Sanskrit yogic symbols, trees, stars, the sun and the moon. Get as creative and intricate as possible as you have fun expressing yourself with your mat.
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Step 5
Leave the mat out overnight to dry completely. Allow both sides of the mat to dry evenly by clipping the corners to a clothesline or other suspended object to make sure that paint is fully dry for use the next day.
Things You'll Need
Painter’s tarp Yoga mat Paint roller Disposable painting tray Small paint brush Acrylic artist’s paint in desired colors Paint can opener Clothesline (optional) 2 clothes pins (optional) Electric fan (optional) Tip Due to the intimate nature of the yoga mat and the repeated close contact with your skin, ask your paint supplier for an ecofriendly, non-toxic, non-chemical acrylic paint variety to help reduce your exposure to harmful compounds.
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references & resources
Chiff: Beginner's Guide to Acrylic Paint
Gaiam: 50 Ways to Reuse Your Yoga or Fitness Mat
ABC of Yoga: Yoga Mats - Care and Maintenance
The Mayo Clinic: Yoga - Tap Into The Many Health Benefits of Yoga
Yoga Journal: Yoga Basics Column
references & resources
Chiff: Beginner's Guide to Acrylic Paint
Gaiam: 50 Ways to Reuse Your Yoga or Fitness Mat
ABC of Yoga: Yoga Mats - Care and Maintenance
The Mayo Clinic: Yoga - Tap Into The Many Health Benefits of Yoga
Yoga Journal: Yoga Basics Column
A yoga mat can be an excellent medium for self-expression.
- Painter’s tarp
- Yoga mat
- Paint roller
- Disposable painting tray
- Small paint brush
- Acrylic artist’s paint in desired colors
- Paint can opener
- Clothesline (optional)
- 2 clothes pins (optional)
- Electric fan (optional)
Due to the intimate nature of the yoga mat and the repeated close contact with your skin, ask your paint supplier for an ecofriendly, non-toxic, non-chemical acrylic paint variety to help reduce your exposure to harmful compounds.
Chiff: Beginner's Guide to Acrylic Paint
Gaiam: 50 Ways to Reuse Your Yoga or Fitness Mat
ABC of Yoga: Yoga Mats - Care and Maintenance
The Mayo Clinic: Yoga - Tap Into The Many Health Benefits of Yoga
Yoga Journal: Yoga Basics Column
