the turntable has a velvety surface and the cutting mat and ironing surface have a rubbery side that sort of sticks to it. Their mats have such good reviews I wanted to try one, and since I don't have a decent rotary one I thought I'd start with it. It has excellent reviews both here and elsewhere. If it wasn't half price there's no way I would have spent the $$ on it.
The smell is the glue that they use to hold the padding on the ironing surface, i guess.