2UUL Heat Resisting Silicone Pad with Anti Dust Coating

A bare desk takes a beating from soldering irons and spilled flux. The 2UUL heat resisting silicone pad gives you a 400 × 280 mm working surface that copes with heat and has built-in compartments for screws and small parts.

The listing describes a heat-resistant silicone pad with an anti-dust coating, a non-slip surface and integrated sections for organizing parts and tools. It comes in five colors: green, blue, grey, orange and red.

When a silicone pad pays off

• A desk surface that's been scorched or damaged by a soldering iron.

• Small parts that keep sliding off and going missing.

• Dust spots stuck to adhesive or optics during reassembly.

• Flux or alcohol spills (or any liquid) that would stain a wooden bench.

Picking a color

Color is mostly personal, but it can help in a shop. Give each technician their own color, or use a light pad for dark parts and a dark one for silver screws.

Wipe the pad clean after each job and store it flat in a dry place. The listing doesn't give a maximum temperature, so don't rest a hot-air nozzle on it for long. For heavier board work, the 5 mm ST86 ThickPad is the thicker option.