Method for the production of a fibrous mat

In a method of production of an asbestos-free fibrous mat in which a suspension comprising artificial mineral fibers, cellulosic fibers, and resin binder is dewatered during shaping into mat form on a wire, wherein the dewatered mat is subsequently compressed and dried, the compression being sufficient to cause a substantial reduction in thickness of the mat, the improvement wherein the de-watered mat is partially dried to a dry content of between 60 and 90%, wherein a latex emulsion binder is applied to the partially dried mat, and wherein the latex-bearing partially dried mat is subsequently further dried to effect final drying, whereby the impression resistance of the mat product is substantially increased.