evelyn5269

I bought a blade sharpener and after two different blades, still not cutting. Remembered Jenny Doan saying something about the mats being bad from use. I put on my big mat and cut like a charm. I ran my hands over my rotary mat and really rough. Not so self healing I guess. Can I fix this or do I have to buy a new one. It is only about 2 years old but sure had a lot of use.

MaryMo

On another thread on this topic, some wrote about soaking mats in warm/hot water. I tried it but it didn't do much for mine .... sure wished it had worked, mats are expensive to replace.

bearisgray

They do wear out with use.

I know that is heart-breaking news, but it is true.

QuiltnNan

here's a link to that other thread http://www.quiltingboard.com/links-r...t-t253905.html

NJ Quilter

Flip it over and use the other side. At least you can do this with the Olfa's and probably other self-healing mats. I've been known to do it with more than one mat.

Sandygirl

Use a large brown gum erasor to remove the threads caught in the cuts in the mat. Works like a charm. I use a plastic scrubby to quickly rmove fleece and batting too. Soaking the mat worked ok too. I only buy Olfa mats.

Sandy

ckcowl

I have a handy ( tool) from Nancy's Notions called *A Mat Smoother* it is a small sanding disc type item with a handle to hold. I have been using it on my cutting mats for 10 years. Works great, especially handy if you cut any of those fabrics that tend to stick on your mat. In 10 years of pretty much daily use I have only replaced my large cutting mat once, and that was more because the lines were fading some (and there was a good sale) I wanted to, I didn't necessarily need to.

evelyn5269

rotary mats, at least my olfa rotary, has a hard plastic back which is what makes it spin. I can turn my big one but have had my Alvin large mat for almost 2 years and smooth as silk yet.

quiltstringz

When soaking your mats do NOT use hot water.

Girlfriend

For this reason I only buy fiskars. They don't get big grooves. Still have my original one from the '80's and it's still very smooth

I also believe fiskars are kinder to rotary blades.