Machine cutting mats from Cricut®, Scan N Cut and Silhouette lose their grip over time, and so do self-healing mats used for hand cutting. Before you buy a new mat, you can give the old one a fresh tacky surface in a few minutes.
Why mats lose their grip
Paper fibres, dust and bits of vinyl build up on the adhesive, and the original coating wears thin with every project. Once paper starts to slide, cuts get ragged and small pieces lift during cutting.
Quick fixes before you re-coat
If your mat is only dusty, a lint roller or a plastic scraper lifts fibres and bits of paper and can bring back some grip. Check your mat maker's care instructions first. When the original coating is worn out, cleaning alone will not bring the tack back: that is when a fresh coat helps.
When to replace the mat instead
If the mat is warped, torn or deeply scored, a new coat will not fix it. Replace the mat, then re-coat it with Sticky Mat Adhesive when it starts to let go.
What you need
- Your mat
- Sticky Mat Adhesive (a 50 ml bottle)
- A sponge or a soft cloth
Step 1: Clean the mat
Remove loose fibres, paper bits and old residue, then let the mat dry completely. A clean surface lets the new layer hold evenly.
Step 2: Apply a thin coat
Put a little Sticky Mat Adhesive on a sponge or cloth and spread a thin, even layer over the cutting area. A thin coat works better than a thick one.
Step 3: Let it dry until tacky
Sticky Mat Adhesive is a water-based glue that stays tacky once it is dry. Let it dry before you place your work. Your paper, vinyl or stencil then holds in place, and you can lift and reposition it again and again: the adhesive does not transfer to your project.
Step 4: Re-apply when it loses its hold
When the mat starts to let go again, clean it and add another thin coat. The maker of Sticky Mat Adhesive reports that it stays tacky much longer than the original mat coating.
Also great for hand cutting and stencils
On a self-healing mat, a thin coat holds stencils, paper and masking material while you cut curves by hand with a Gyro-Cut. The Gyro-Cut PRO Starter Set includes a bottle.
Good to know
- Water-based and non-toxic.
- Not suitable for children under 10; use with adult supervision.
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Cricut®, Scan N Cut and Silhouette are trademarks of their respective owners. Crafty Products is not affiliated with them.