When I purchased my last cutting mat, I got the biggest one I could afford at that time. DH took it to his radial arm saw and cut it in 3 sections about 18" each. Now I have one I have never used and two that are used in 2 different cutting areas--one on the back of my Hinty Stretch Frame for trimming quilted quilts and one at my cutting table.
Phyllis
82 yrs in Oregon
70 yrs quilting

I use my old board for cutting the strips into the tied fleece blankets and cutting for or trimming batting from quilts because either of those things leaves a lot of residue behind. But after reading this thread, I have that particular "old" board soaking in vinegar and water and I write this. I might just rejuvenate it!! I also use the back side. Works just as well and I cut only by the rulers then. Works great!

After much use I had the same problem. I purchased a mat smoother and that did the trick. As long as you don't have holes it made it almost like it was new again. Good Luck.

Supposedly if it is a "self healing" mat, they say to soak small ones in the bath tub in warm water for 20 minutes and let it air dry flat. I am trying my mat - 40 X 72 - by pouring a small amount of water and rubbing it around and letting it air dry. Mats too big for the tub I would do the same way. First clean it with a little mild detergent and a light abrasive spunge to get the threads and such that have gotten in the cuts. Once it is clean, wet it and let it sit.

Is there a way to fix a warped cutting mat?. It is only on 1 side as a hot iron got was mistakenly set on one end? Thanks

Hi
Our Walmarts in Georgia have gone back to carrying fabric on bolts and a lot of quilting supplies. I understand that all Walmarts are going to be the same.

I just checked Walmart's website under Crafts/Fabrics. They have a brand called Creative Cuts, 44" cotton at $7.97/yd???? I get better pricing at Joanns!!! Boy I hope that the store fabric by the bolt prices are better....if they ever bring back fabrics to the CT stores...

I found the only way to make an old very used mat new again is to replace it with a new one. They are made to be used up. I think getting couple of years use from one is very fair for the price.

I bought an Alvin mat for draftsmen or quilting. They are marked like any cutting mat and are self healing. You can get them in clear or green, mine is clear. I have been using it heavily for over 6 months and it has yet to get scars from my rotary cutter. You can get them in different sizes and they aren't any mor expensive than the others. I find they are a heavier weight. I believe I bought it from Amazon.com.
Doris1334

I flipped mine too. However, my board is a lite transparent one and I can still see the marking thru the board.

Long before I flipped my board, I used a piece of crocus paper which is like a fine sandpaper. I have also used a very fine sandpaper, wet and lightly sanded down the bumps. Got a lot more use before flipping. Anything to save a buck. Got the WS tip from my Dad. He used to build furniture for a hobby. Then another way is to win one at your local ASG luncheon like I did.