Foam and rubber surface protection: all your questions, covered!

Ever struggled with skid marks on your garage floor? Wall dents from door bangs? Or annoying noise and vibrations from machines, appliances and pipes? You need to get yourself some foam or rubber surface protection.

As well as stopping bumps, sound and buzz, rubber surface protection can also be used to enhance acoustics. Perfect if you have a home movie theatre or play the guitar or drums.

Sure, it’s not the most glamorous product, but boy is it practical. And the results once you’ve installed it will leave you smug with DIY satisfaction.

We’ve got a great little selection of foam and rubber floor protection products in our Jack range. All are simple to install and, of course, budget-friendly.

Pack ‘n’ Snap – These handy little high-density, no-rot plastic wedges come in packs of 12. They can be used to level floor surfaces and for stabilising and vibration-blocking. Simply wedge where needed, snap, and you’re done. No trimming required. It leaves a clean edge so you won’t cut your fingers.

General Protection Adhesive Foam – This one-metre-long roll is made from top-quality high-density foam with fibreglass-reinforced adhesive backing. It sticks to any smooth, clean surface, from timber to steel and concrete. At 5mm thick, it’s ideal for both protection and anti-vibration in smaller areas. This includes pillars and garage doors.

Anti-Vibration Squares – These black recycled foam squares come in various sizes to suit your protection project—take your pick! Simply slip or stick them under your washing machine, air con units, compressors or whatever else is causing annoying marks, noise and vibration.

Anti-Vibration Pad – An easy solution for your air con units, machines and smaller noise makers like ducts or pipes. This 4mm high-density anti-vibration and protective black rubber pad comes in one-metre x 100mm lengths that can be easily cut to size and stuck in place.

Now, let’s dig into all those common questions you might have about these great products. This includes how to install them.

What can foam and rubber surface protection be used for?

There are four main uses for these foam and rubber products:

• Floor protection – Protects from skid marks on garage and shed floors plus decks and prevents appliances from moving around. It also stops rot and levels surfaces.
• Wall protection – Helps shield garage walls and car port pillars from moving vehicles and opening doors. This prevents bangs, dents and scratches.
• Vibration reduction – Stops the annoying buzz when used under machinery and other appliances. This includes washing machines and around air-con, compressors and pipes.
• Acoustics and sound reduction – Softens noise from machinery, washing machines, air con and inside apartments. Plus, soundproofs and improves home theatres and music rooms.

How do I pick the right surface protection?

Picking the right surface protection is a walk in the park.

All of our products are designed with specific uses in mind. We give you some ideas above and on the packaging. Look out for our purple and white Jack products in-store!

Our Anti-Vibration Squares are perfect for floors, decks and other large areas. Our General Protection Adhesive Foam and Anti-Vibration Pad rolls are ideal for sticking on machines, appliances, pipes, pillars and wall strips in garages.

If they say vibration in their name, they’re best for noise, vibration and acoustics!

Will these pads work on any surface?

They sure will! Our rubber and foam products are versatile enough to work on a variety of surfaces—from timber to steel, concrete, plastic and glass. Just make sure the surface is clean and smooth.

Is surface protection tricky to install?

Nope! Like all Jack products, our range of foam and rubber pads and protection are simple for DIY installation. There’s no need for special tools or complicated instructions. Simply place or stick them where needed, and you’re good to go!

How do I install floor squares?

• Clean the surface – Start by giving the area where you want to place the floor squares a good clean. Ensure it’s dry and free from dust, dirt or debris to help the squares glue or stick properly.
• Plan your layout – Lay out your floor squares before you start sticking or placing them down. This way, you can adjust them to get the best fit or pattern before you commit!
• Peel and stick – If your floor squares have an adhesive backing, peel off the protective film and place the square in your desired spot. Press it down firmly to ensure it sticks.
• Cut to fit (if needed) – If your squares need to fit around corners or edges, use a sharp utility knife to trim them to size. Just be sure to measure carefully before cutting—and watch your fingers!
• Press and smooth – After placing the squares, press each one down and smooth out, ensuring they’re firmly in place.

How do I install pads on walls?

• Wipe the wall – Make sure the wall surface is clean and dry. Clean away any dust, dirt or grease with a damp cloth, and let the area dry completely.
• Measure and mark – Grab a tape measure or ruler and measure the area where you want to pop the protection pads. Mark the spots lightly with a pencil. This will keep things neat and aligned.
• Peel and stick – If the pads have an adhesive backing, peel off the protective film. Carefully align the pad with your markings and press it firmly onto the wall. Make sure to apply even pressure to ensure it sticks firm.
• Press and smooth – Once the pad is in place, press down on all sides to smooth it out to make sure it sticks well. If the pad is large, start from the middle and work your way outwards.
• Trim (if necessary) – If the protection pad is too big for the area, use a sharp utility knife to trim the excess around the edges.
• Let it settle: Once applied, give the adhesive time to fully bond to the wall. To be extra careful, avoid heavy contact with the pad for 24 hours, especially if you’re using it to protect the wall from heavy impacts (like door bangs).

How do I install protection pads on machines or pipes?

• Clean and dry – Before applying the pads, ensure the machine or pipe surface is clean and dry. Wipe away any dust, oil, or grime using a damp cloth.
• Measure and position – Figure out where you want to put the pad. For pipes, you might want to position the pad where vibrations or friction are most noticeable. For machines, figure out the spots where vibration is strongest or where protection is most needed, such as under the base or on the sides.
• Peel and stick – If your protection pad has an adhesive backing, peel off the protective film from the back. Carefully place it on the clean, dry surface of the machine or pipe. Position it where you measured, ensuring the pad is aligned.
• Press firmly – Once the pad is in place, press down on it firmly. Use your hands to apply even pressure, making sure the entire surface of the pad sticks. This will create a strong bond, ensuring it stays put.
• Adjust (if needed) – If you’re not happy with the placement, carefully peel the pad off and reposition it. Our adhesive-backed pads are pretty forgiving and can be moved without losing their stickiness.
• Trim (if needed) – If the pad is too large for the area you’re protecting, use a utility knife or scissors to trim it down to the right size.

Can these products be used outdoors?

Absolutely! All of our foam and rubber products are perfect for outdoor use. They’re durable, weather-resistant and won’t rot. This makes them ideal for decks, patios, sheds, garages or garden spaces.

How do anti-vibration pads work?

There’s no great secret science behind them.

The dense rubber and foam material simply absorb and dampen those pesky tremors coming off your washing machine, compressor, pumps or air con units.

By isolating the vibration, they prevent the hum from being transferred to the floor or surrounding surfaces. This also reduces noise and stops floor or surface damage.

How do anti-vibration and surface tiles help acoustics?

Anti-vibration pads help acoustics by reducing the spread of unwanted noise and vibrations by absorbing them. This minimises echo and sound interference, creating a cleaner, quieter environment—ideal for spaces like home theatres, recording studios or apartments.

By isolating equipment from surfaces, these pads improve sound clarity and reduce unwanted noise, boosting overall acoustics.

Does the adhesive backing damage surfaces?

No, the sticky backing on our General Protection Adhesive Foam and Anti-Vibration Pad is strong enough to stay in place, but it won’t damage most surfaces when you peel it off.

Just make sure the surface is clean and smooth before applying the adhesive foam, and it should come off easily without leaving a sticky residue, marks or holes.

But better safe than sorry! Make sure you test it on a small, hidden area first if you’re worried.

Will surface foam and rubber rot?

All of our foam and rubber surface protection products are rot-resistant. They’re made to withstand spills, moisture, humidity, and wear over time, making them perfect for areas like garages, decks, and sheds where conditions can be tough.

Are surface protection products eco-friendly?

You bet! Many of our products, like the Anti-Vibration Squares, are made from recycled materials, so you can feel good about protecting both your surfaces and the environment.

How long do these products last?

With proper care, our surface protection products are built to last for years. They’re designed for durability and strength so that you can enjoy ongoing protection and peace of mind.

We hope we’ve answered all of your questions about foam and rubber surface protection and that you’re feeling inspired.

Ready to put that protection in place? Head to your local store to pick up or order your Jack surface protection supplies. If there’s anything else you need to know, in-store shop staff should be able to help!

Protecting like a pro? Why not take some snaps and share them on socials, tagging @meetdiyjack? You might get some kudos or a share from us!