Life Expectancy of Cutting Mat

Jun '09 ScrappingKitty

How long does a Silhouette cutting mat typically last? I just got one of the new Silhouettes, so I am not sure what to expect. I've only had the machine for about three weeks and I haven't used it too much (maybe 15 times at the max, probably closer to 10). But the cutting mat is already lost its sticky-ness. Did my machine come with a cruddy mat or is this typical? TIA!!!

(Cross-posted in Wishblade/Silhouette forum)
Jun '09 Nancy Keslin

RE: ScrappingKitty: How long does a Silhouette cutting mat typically last? I just got one of the new Silhouettes, so I am not sure what to expect. I've only had the machine for about three weeks and I haven't used it too much (maybe 15 times at the max, probably closer to 10). But the cutting mat is already lost its sticky-ness. Did my machine come with a cruddy mat or is this typical? TIA!!! (Cross-posted in...

Have you tried washing the mat? Over time dust and paper fibers accumulate on the mat making it not so sticky. Try running under some warm water with a bit of soap. Set it out to air dry. That should help extend the mats life.
Jun '09 Deigh_z33

RE: Nancy Keslin: Have you tried washing the mat? Over time dust and paper fibers accumulate on the mat making it not so sticky. Try running under some warm water with a bit of soap. Set it out to air dry. That should help extend the mats life.

I just answered your post in the Wishblade forum!
Jun '09 CommaHolly

RE: Deigh_z33: I just answered your post in the Wishblade forum!

um, one suggestion,,,,,,,LOTS of people tend to wash their mats in the kitchen,,,,,usually closer than the bathroom,,,,,

kitchen soap often contains hand creme,,,,

uhhuh,,,,,yeah, don't use it if it does,,,your mat will hate you for it,,,it's better to use plain hot water than soap that has creme in it,,,,,trust me on this one,,,,,,experience talking,,,,,
Jun '09 ScrappingKitty

RE: CommaHolly: um, one suggestion,,,,,,,LOTS of people tend to wash their mats in the kitchen,,,,,usually closer than the bathroom,,,,, kitchen soap often contains hand creme,,,, uhhuh,,,,,yeah, don't use it if it does,,,your mat will hate you for it,,,it's better to use plain hot water than soap that has creme in it,,,,,trust me on this one,,,,,,experience talking,,,,,

Washing them doesn't take the sticky away? Huh...that seems counter-intuitive to me. I wash to get the sticky off of stuff, not to revitalize it. I'll have to try it and see if it works. Thanks!!!!

Amber-yes, it is one with the grids. The cricut mats work just the same? No problems with them?
Jun '09 CommaHolly

RE: ScrappingKitty: Washing them doesn't take the sticky away? Huh...that seems counter-intuitive to me. I wash to get the sticky off of stuff, not to revitalize it. I'll have to try it and see if it works. Thanks!!!! Amber-yes, it is one with the grids. The cricut mats work just the same? No problems with them?

washing takes the paper fibers OFF the stucky,,,,it works once, maybe twice to make your mat a bit more sticky, though IME, not AS sticky as a brand NEW mat, but certainly you can get some more time out of it,,,

although I don't have a Sil, I have a cricut, I've been told they're similar in nature where mats are concerned, and I have to say 3 weeks is pretty good,,,,,,I buy a pack of 2 mats per month in general,,,
Jun '09 Anthonysgirl

RE: CommaHolly: washing takes the paper fibers OFF the stucky,,,,it works once, maybe twice to make your mat a bit more sticky, though IME, not AS sticky as a brand NEW mat, but certainly you can get some more time out of it,,, although I don't have a Sil, I have a cricut, I've been told they're similar in nature where mats are concerned, and I have to say 3 weeks is pretty good,,,,,,I buy a pack of 2 mats per...

when my mat got unsticky, i got elemrs repositionable mounting spray. (got it at an office supply store). i've had the same mat for over a year. yes, over a year. works great!
Jun '09 JustAmy

RE: Anthonysgirl: when my mat got unsticky, i got elemrs repositionable mounting spray. (got it at an office supply store). i've had the same mat for over a year. yes, over a year. works great!

I use the "blue" multi purpose adhesive that's permanent or adhesive. I covered the entire mat with it,let it dry and now it holds the thickest cardstock. Worked awesome!
Jun '09 Coco Chanel

RE: JustAmy: I use the "blue" multi purpose adhesive that's permanent or adhesive. I covered the entire mat with it,let it dry and now it holds the thickest cardstock. Worked awesome!

great tip AmyChick!
Jun '09 ScrappingKitty

RE: Coco Chanel: great tip AmyChick!

Well, I ended up buying a replacement mat. And guess what?! The mat that QK included with my machine was a temporary one! It was much thinner and the adhesive on it had a completely different consistency than the REAL mat. Mystery solved!!! But thanks so much for the future tips I can use to extend the life of these things!!!
Jun '09 Lauracrop

RE: ScrappingKitty: Well, I ended up buying a replacement mat. And guess what?! The mat that QK included with my machine was a temporary one! It was much thinner and the adhesive on it had a completely different consistency than the REAL mat. Mystery solved!!! But thanks so much for the future tips I can use to extend the life of these things!!!

I just washed my mats last night with soap and sprayed Krylon's Easy Tack Adhesive this morning to make it sticky again...just like new!

BTW, can get the adhesive at AC or Mike's.
Sep '09 Lolajean

RE: Anthonysgirl: when my mat got unsticky, i got elemrs repositionable mounting spray. (got it at an office supply store). i've had the same mat for over a year. yes, over a year. works great!

I love your suggestion! I found a link for the Elmers Repositionable Mounting Spray online . check it out:

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/990495/Elmer-s-Repositionable-Mounting-Spray-10/;jsessionid=0000YvRd8AD7DsPJ0ARf_CceCrD:13ddq0tng?cm_mmc=YSSP-_-overture_smx-_-PLP-_-64913465