Pete

I have an Olfa rotating self healing mat with deep cuts ----- what can I do to close the cuts? Someone told me to soak it in the tub but would that affect its ability to continue to rotate? Thanks in advance for any help.

lynnie

can you put a hot wet towel on top of the mat? try that. if it's a Brooklyn revolver, call or write them, maybe they have a solution for you.

Tartan

Soaking the matt is just for the regular flat ones not the rotating ones. I would try laying a warm wet cloth on the surface as mentioned to see if it helps. The matt will not heal if there are threads in the cuts. Use a matt cleaner or a large rubber eraser to remove any threads or lint in the surface.

sewbizgirl

Unfortunately the "self healing" is a crock... Once the mats get deep cuts in them they are toast. If it was a flat mat you could turn it over and use it (without the gridlines) until you wear out that side too. No amount of soaking, in any concoction, will magically heal your mat. They just have to be replaced once they stop supporting your cutting blade.

tropit

I also have an Olfa rotating mat that has some cuts and grooves in it. I did try soaking it and while it is nice and clean now the cuts remain. I put it in the budget to get a new one soon.

~ C

Onebyone

The cuts that are too deep to heal are made by putting too much pressure on the rotary cutter. If the blade won't cut four layers without much pressure it's time for a new blade. If a mat gets a lot of use it has to be replaced just like a dull blade. I think quilters get use to the used mat and don't realize how much easier a new mat will make their cutting job. A mat is not a one time purchase.

ManiacQuilter2

I prefer Omnigrid mats to Olfa who's now a days are a bit on the thin size. I have an 8"x11" small Omnigrid mat that rotates easily on top of my larger mat. Much less expensive. ONLY sold online @ JAF. The other side is gray and works just as nice. Two mats for the price of one.

Onebyone

I bought the American Craft mat on sale and it's great. It's a good size 18" x 24". Reversible too.

Sally J

I just bought an American Craft also, love it as it is really thick and totally reversible with lines on both sides. It's made for scrapbookers so mine has a grid for the 1/4 markings. I learned by experience that having a dull blade leaves bigger cut marks because you do push harder. I now change my glades more often.

thrums

Check out sites like Amazon to find lower pricing.