I use the 2 piece OLFA self-healing mat. To get the imbedded "lines" out of the self-healing mats, use an ART GUM eraser
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My favorite is a 24" x 36" green Olfa. I also have 18" x 24" and 12" x 18" grey/blue reversible Gingher mats which I don't like the feel when cutting. The line's color doesn't matter to me since I don't pay attention to them, although I do appreciate the numbers.
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Originally Posted by mike'sgirl
(Post 5481810)
I ordered an Omnigrid mat and pretty quickly warped it :(. So when I went looking for a new mat I ended up ordering an Alvin brand. I love it. It is much thicker than the Olfa/Omnigrid mats and looks about the same. It cost me 18.00 for the 18x24 size. I have also use MegaMat, and I am much more impressed with the Alvin. Gina
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Originally Posted by ckcowl
(Post 5479664)
there are huge differences in mats- and if using a rotory cutter a *self-healing* mat is a must...otherwise you will get deep (grooves) cuts in the mat fairly quickly and be replacing it. a self healing mat will last a long time as long as you take care of it- a mat that is not self healing will not last very long-will have to be replaced frequently if you use it alot. as for color/brand- buy the one that has lines you can see the best- some people like the gray ones- some like the green ones- and some like white ones- it's up to you what works best for you. you get what you pay for.....
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I like the previous poster stated, use the lines of the ruler, not the mat. I have a Fiskars that is 4 years old and looks new. I will try the Art Gum erasers for the fuzzies.
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I have always used the olfa self healing mats. my 18X24 one is 15 years old. It does show some signs of wear, but still works great. I recently bought a 24x36 mat and expect it to last just as long. Someone mentioned art gum erasers to clean out the fuzzies.... thats what I do too. You can also wash your mat if needed in soapy water with a soft brush. I always store my mats flat so that they don't warp.
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I mainly use my small rotating 7" square Fiskars. I get them for about $8 at Joann's with a coupon and replace as soon as they dull a little.
But I also have the very large Olfa permanently on my cutting table. It's been in use for about 20 yrs, and it still works just fine. |
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