Canada Kate

I have a 36" x 24" Olfa cutting mat that I've been using for the past three years. It now has grooves worn on the most common lines that I use to cut on - those that are 2.5 inches apart. I've turned the board upside down and worked from the opposite end, but the grooves are everywhere now. I do use the other side (the side without the lines) when I'm squaring up or cutting something that I only need a ruler to measure.

The grooves do not seem to megatively impact the accuracy of my cuts. Is it time for me to get a new mat? If not, what criteria do you use to determine when to replace your mat?

misscarol

You will be amazed how easy your cutting becomes with a new mat. Future daughter in law pressed my large mat and warped it so I just got a new one! Oh My Golly! I should have done it a long time ago!!

crafty pat

If it were me I would go for a new one.

postal packin' mama

Just a thought to consider while you decide about replacement:
If you tend to use the edges more than the central area (and if you're considering replacing it anyway), you might try trimming away those worn areas, leaving the less-worn inner area intact. (May want to renumber the measurement inch designations along the edges.)

paulina

Have you tried soaking it? That might help in the meantime.

dharinger

My mat got bad to the point where my blades were wearing out a lot faster than usual. As soon as I replaced the mat, my blades starting acting normal.

littlesurfer

Time for a new mat!

Learner747

I tried washing mine and the next day I saw that it had warped overnight. So I bought a new mat from (are you ready for this?) a school supply site online. It is great and so much less expensive.

ckcowl

i would think if you have to push so hard that you leave grooves in your mat you either need to replace your blades more often or definitly switch mats- my 24"x36" mat took almost 10 years before it was faded- kind of needing to be changed out- you really should not have to apply much pressure when cutting with a rotory cutter- and you should never use a knife or other tool on a cutting mat- they are made for rotory cutters- anything else will damage the mat- once there is signs of damage it is time to change it out- for safety sake.
i would cut it into smaller (good areas) mats to have other sizes & still be able to use the areas that have not worn out.- soaking a mat would ruin it- they are not supposed to be submerged in water- you can clean them with a soft cloth- and there is a tool (like a sanding disk with a handle) you can use to smooth worn mats and make them last a bit longer.

paulina

Many people have success with soaking them. Some don't. Everyone's experience is different.