I too use my cutting mat on top of my ironing surface.Masonite for wood, 1 layer of Insulbrite, 1 layer of cotton batting, 1 layer of cotton fabric. When the top layer gets too yucky looking I just add another layer of something pretty on top ! After about 3 changes I take it all off and redo it all. I have NEVER had a problem using my mat on my ironing board and I LOVe having such a large ironing surface ( mine is 24 x 42 )