I try to keep mine going for as long as possible! I usually put a piece of Scotch tape across the top and bottom and rub it really hard. Works really well for me.
I also have the same problem-I have 7 mats right now and not one of them works good. I did wash one with soap and warm water and that did seem to help somewhat.
Just a note: If you are putting any kind of extra adhesive on the mats it may void your warranty!!!
I use spray adhesive - works for me.... also, press the paper down firmly after using the adhesive - I made the mistake many times of not firmly pressing the paper down!
hi there i have the cricut e. and sometimes find my cardstock slipping off and have to stop the machine, and that is even with a new pad.
and they are so expensive,well maybe not but i go throw them like carcy.
is ther something we can use on the pad to hold the paper dowm.
also what number do you use on the scrappaper, not cardstock . the thinner paper it always gets torn! hope some one knows. thank you scrappy grandma.
I have the exact same problem. I find that textured cardstock usually doesn't go well with the Cricut Mat. But I try to smooth it down and make sure it sticks better. It JUST happened to me again last night when I was making hearts, so I had to stop the machine.
I use # 4 for the cardstock- per the instruction manual. And my blade is set on 6.
I happened to see the solution to this problem on youtube. When the matf is no longer sticky, apply two way glue to the surface. Just be sure not to get any of the two way glue on the strip on either side that slides under the roller. Use two way glue with the wide applicator. Wait for the glue to turn clear and your matf is once again sticky. I've tried this with my silhouette matt and it works very well. Good luck.
hi there i have the cricut e. and sometimes find my cardstock slipping off and have to stop the machine, and that is even with a new pad.
and they are so expensive,well maybe not but i go throw them like carcy.
is ther something we can use on the pad to hold the paper dowm.
also what number do you use on the scrappaper, not cardstock . the thinner paper it always gets torn! hope some one knows. thank you scrappy grandma.
I have thechart for cricut pressure, speeds, etc. for different paper on my blog. I knew someone would need it and also it is easy for me to refer to. I washed my first mat in warm water with a soft tooth brush and soap and when dry, it was great. the new ones are so tacky at first. The one that I washed was my first one and my cat got it dirty and other things also, but I read somewhere to wash with tooth brush.
I got my Expression last June. I've rotated the same 3 mats since then. Mine came with one and then I bought a replacement pack. I've got 2 packs of 2 mats that I have not opened. I bought these because I thought the mats wouldn't last very long. I also bought these before my local WM started carrying them.
I have heard that the spray fabric adhesive works great. I've not tried it, but a friend of mine has and she said just to make sure you let it dry completely. I have also heard to wash with warm water and liquid dawn.
I have even used regular Scotch tape around each side to secure paper in place. As for thinner paper, I'd suggest slowing the pressure & speed down to ensure the paper doesn't rip. I use settings 1 or 2 when using thin paper.
I use the blue painters tape (low-tack) to hold my papers on the mat. The blade will cut right thru the tape, but it holds the paper.
The settings for paper are kind of trial-and-error. On the cricut website, there is a post in their forum that lists the brand of paper and the settings for cutting. I made my own little cheat sheet, using the papers that I usually buy.
In general, cardstock needs higher pressure and the blade itself needs to be lower. Pattern paper needs lower pressure and the blade can sit higher. The speed generally depends on how detailed the cut is (more detail = slower speed). All 3 settings need to work together in order to get a clean cut.
For example, when I cut DCWV Glitter cardstock, I use maximum pressure on the dial and set the blade to 6 (max depth). If I'm cutting a simple shape I will set the speed at medium. If I'm cutting wings for Tinkerbell, I'll set the speed at the slowest.
At the other end, when I cut thin pattern paper, I use either the lowest, or next to the lowest pressure and set the blade to 1 or 2. For really thin paper, or vellum, regardless of the shape, I usually set the speed at 1 or 2.
I have only had that happen when the mat starts to be come less sticky. But since I got my Cricut Expression in April 2008 I have only had to buy new mats 2 times (each come in a two pack). The first time the mats where not sticky any more I washed them with warm water and a tiny bit of liquid soap, I ended up getting another 2 months out of the mat! Hope you figure out something soon.
i have the same problem. I tried spray adhesive, using a lint roller, respositionable tape, etc. I finally gave up and got new mats.
FYI
My CE came with 2 mats and they were extremely sticky....when i purchased replacements online through evilbay I got some that were white & green and were less sticky than the light green/dark green ones that came from cricut directly.
I also found that the green/green ones are thiner and more flexible mats. Maybe that has something to do with it?
hi there i have the cricut e. and sometimes find my cardstock slipping off and have to stop the machine, and that is even with a new pad.
and they are so expensive,well maybe not but i go throw them like carcy.
is ther something we can use on the pad to hold the paper dowm.
also what number do you use on the scrappaper, not cardstock . the thinner paper it always gets torn! hope some one knows. thank you scrappy grandma.
