WesternWilson

Looks like my latest cutting mat is not really standing up to almost daily use as well as I'd like.

Before I go out and get a replacement for this 34" x 45" mat, which mats have you found the most durable?

Thanks all!

Iceblossom

In what ways is the the mat not standing up? Is it your cuts are impacting the mat? Is it the mat warping?? How long have you had the current one? With hard use you should still get a couple years at least.

I know when I'm at friends with the large mats that I particularly dislike the hard shiny white?/clear? one. I feel unsafe, that the blades slide dangerously on the surface and that they dull my blades. I like the self healing style. Cutting lightly with fresh sharp blades beats cutting hard with dull blades which also wears both on us and our mats and our fabric as well.

I'm a big believer in not using the grid side, and prefer to use a standard Olfa mat, grid side down. If you use the grids instead of your rulers, you will tend to cut in the same area of the mat for a variety of reasons, with pretty much all of your wear centered in one area and the corners perfect and whole. The repeat cuts can make grooves that allow threads to be skipped, and eventually shatter/break along the lines. I also like the Fiskars and Sullivan self-healing mats, but those typically are printed on both sides.

That's a pretty huge mat size, can you possibly use two smaller mats instead? I have two 24x36 mats on my large cutting desk, but I usually use a space smaller than a standard 18x24 for my actual cutting, and for my block trimming I've started using a rotating mat more and more.

GregB

I have been using a Fiskars mat for 5 years now. The label warns not to expose to sun light or heart. Also do not use excessive force on it either. I also rotate the mat, and use the flip side once in while. I do not use anything but a damp paper towel clean it too. Hope this helps you.

Onebyone

Quilters Select has held up for me. I bought the biggest size quiet a few years ago. It's still very smooth. The mat has a thin layer of memory foam, so any indention goes right back to smooth.

magicmoonmusings

I've had my Kai mat for over 30 years and it still looks brand new.

It's a different material than the self-healing mats. It's thinner but a little stiffer, and it's far more durable. There are no indents or grooves from the rotary cutter like with other mats. Seriously, this thing still looks almost brand new.

I also been using the same Kai rotary cutter all these years, and they have phenomenal scissors. I'm a big fan of this Japanese brand.

Onebyone

Japan makes the highest quality steel products. The needles and pins are the best made.

Austinite

I have a Quilters Select Mat and i love it! it's really thick, the numbers go both ways, it's double sided, I have the 24 x 36 size

Snooze2978

I find the self healing mats seem to stand up with abuse plus my blades seem to last longer with them also. I've had my 48" x 96" for over 10 years now. Made the base to fit the mat. Its green on one side and black on the other side with markings on both side. It's an Alvin mat from www.alvinco.com but I think they've gone out of business but you can check anyway.

quiltedsunshine

I made the mistake of buying Lori Holt's "cute cuts" mat. It is cute and double sided, but it's so soft that there are little bits of the mat everywhere, and my 45 mm rotary cutter won't work on it -- have to use the 60 mm.

I prefer my Olfa mat.

WesternWilson

Thanks all! I will try the Kai mat, as they have a 23x54" that will work on my table. If that does not work out I will try the huge Quilters Select mat (36 x 60)!