How to Use Your Scratch Map

Your new DMap factory™ scratch-off map is a fun and interactive way to track your travels across the world or Europe. With each adventure, you can reveal the places you’ve visited, transforming your map into a colourful reminder of your journeys.

To get the most out of your map, it’s important to care for it properly. This guide offers easy tips and techniques to avoid damage. Following these simple steps will keep your map looking great while creating a lasting keepsake of your adventures.

Prepare Your Workspace

Before scratching off countries, ensure you’re set up in the right space. Lay your map flat on a clean, solid surface like a sturdy table or desk. This helps prevent creases or wrinkles that could make scratching tricky. Since your map arrives rolled up in a tube, you might want to gently roll it in the opposite direction first to keep it from curling.

Avoid working on soft surfaces like beds or couches, as they can create too much give and risk tearing the paper if you press too hard. A flat, clean workspace is key to getting smooth, even results without damaging your map.

Use the Provided Tool

For the best results, we recommend using the scratch tool that comes with your map. It’s designed specifically to remove the scratch layer gently and smoothly. If you prefer, you can use a coin, but be sure to hold it at a flat angle and apply light pressure.

Even though your DMap factory™ map is made of durable, tear-resistant paper, pressing too hard can still damage the print underneath the scratch layer. Be careful not to dig the tool’s tip into the paper, which could create unwanted marks or holes. The goal is to remove just the scratch layer and keep the map beneath pristine.

Tip: If you’re scratching with a child, practice together first to avoid frustration or mishaps later.

Clean up with Care

Once you’ve finished scratching, you’ll likely have some residue left behind. The soft felt cloth included with your map is perfect for gently wiping away these tiny bits of foil. Unlike rougher materials, the felt cloth won’t scratch the print underneath, ensuring your map stays in perfect condition.

After wiping it down, check for any spots you might have missed and touch them up if needed. The more care you take, the more vibrant and clear your map will look.

Make It Your Own

One of the best things about a scratch-off map is how you can personalize it to tell your unique travel story. The stickers included with your DMap factory™ map are a fun way to mark key moments, like taking a ferry from France to Corsica or surfing along the Atlantic coast. These little details bring your adventures to life on the map.

You can also get creative beyond the stickers. Consider adding photos from your trips around the map’s border or pinning mementos from your travels. These personal touches turn your map into a visual diary that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Display It with Pride

Once you’ve scratched and personalized your map, it’s time to put it on display! Choose a spot where it can catch the eye and spark conversations—whether that’s your living room, office, or hallway. Seeing it every day will bring back memories of your favorite trips and inspire you to plan new ones.

You can hang it like a poster, frame it, or place it on a corkboard or foam board if you want to add pins without damaging the wall. Just be sure to avoid spots with direct sunlight, as this could cause the colors to fade over time.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Following these tips will keep your DMap factory™ scratch-off map looking fresh and vibrant for years to come. It’s more than just a map; it’s a way to relive your travels and get inspired for new adventures.

Where will you go next?