What to do with old cutting mat.
 

I received a new cutting mat for my birthday. Now I'm trying to decide what to do with my old Olfa. I've thought about cutting it up for purse bottoms. But then I started thinking about just turning it over and using the other side on my dining room table. I know this is a dumb question but can you use the other side, too? It's unmarked which would take some getting used to but sure would be nice to have a second one somewhere else. Thanks so much!

Absolutely I would use the other side before cutting it up! The only things I use the lines on the mat for are for lining the fabric up straight. All the measuring is done with the ruler, anyway. I have used my cutting mat on the dining room table, and when not in use I slide it between the table top and the pad, no one even knows it's there, and it stays nice and flat. :D

As someone said to me a few years ago...you paid for both sides, didn't you? I've used both sides for a long time. As JustAbitCrazy says, I use my ruler for measuring/cutting. Not the lines on my mat. Go for it!

Use the back side for sure. If you need a line or two for lining up your fabric, use a ruler and a permanent marker to mark what lines you need.
I also gave a used mat (craft table size) to DH for his shop and he loves it. He covered a table top with is and now can use his cutters to cut items with and not scar up the wood top. I have also cut used mats into some smaller sizes to have a mat next to my machine and to travel with...I just used the areas that were not Sooooo scored by the rotary cutters. You have lots of options.
My neighbor used one for his fish cleaning table...LOL,LOL

I use the backside when squaring up. DH cuts me templates out of hard linoleum .

I had one that was beyond use for cutting so we put it on DH desk with the blank side up and he uses it for a really large mouse pad and it protects the desk top too.

Sure you can turn it over!!!

I just went to turn my old one over and it's gray on the backside unlike my new one that is green on the backside. Do you think it is the same "stuff" as the front? I also noticed it is a bit thicker. Thanks for all your ideas....love them!

okay guys....I'm opening this thread up again. I have two Olfa rotating cutting mats...they are at least 20 years old and the green color is getting paler in the middle (where I guess I cut a lot). I like to utilize the heck out of my stuff.......but, I'm not sure this is a good thing for the mats. How do you tell when it's time to replace them? I did pull out my brand-new 17" rotating cutting mat and used it last night. It seemed to cut much better with the same rotaty cutter. So, I'm assuming the other 2 are old. I've seen where people rejuvenate them by soaking them in a tub, etc. Have any of you successfully done that? Does it enable you to use them longer or is it worth it? Lastly, if it's time for them to be repurposed........what do you do with them? They are the rotating ones, so can't flip to the other side. I guess I can use them to protect the surface of some of my sewing room furniture (but I've already gone some old mats there). How long do you keep yours? Did mine have a good run? Let me know your thoughts. I just don't want them going to the landfill without squeezing out their last bit of usefulness! Thanks!

I gave mine to a friend for his work shop. Every once in a while he needs to cut something with an exacto knife so this worked out great for him.