re-sticky a Cricut Mat?

I tried searching to see if there are posts on this, because I am just sure there must be. But, came up empty. So, help me out!!

I just feel sure there has to be a way to get your Cricut Mats re-stickied when they wear out and don't stick as well. It seems so un-green and wasteful to throw out that big ol' chunk of plastic when it quits sticking as well.

Hints? Ideas? Magic?

I don't have a cricut, but for the mat that I use for my KNK Element, I first try washing it and then I have a can of Krylon Easy-Tack that I spray on it. Not sure if it'll work for the cricut mats though.

I use mine quite a bit and so far I have only had to use a baby wipe on it. It cleans off all the junk on it and it is sticky again. But I'm thinking that isn't going to work but maybe once more! I have heard of people using the thick Zig glue stick to make them tacky again..thinking I'm going to have to try that too.

Right after I got mine, I heard someone say they washed the mat with soap and water and let it dry. Then they sprayed an adhesive (Elmer's tacky?) on it and it re-stuck. Not sure if that's the right product or not. Did you try YouTube?

I clean the mat with soap and water, letting it air dry. When dry I use a thick glue stick by Martha Stewart. It's blue. It's about a 1/2 to inch wide. Then letting it dry before putting on the plastic cover. Make sure not to get glue on the area your roller will go. The rollers will pick up the glue if you do. I have heard of people using a stray glue, but you need to tape off the edge where the roller go.

I do after each time I use my mats use a link roller, like the ones you get to pick up link on your clothes, over it before putting the cover on. It's a great way to pick up those pieces of paper you cannot ever seem to get off.

I just got the Inpire and they suggest you wash it with warm water only... let it dry then scrape over it with the rubber spatula

What's an Inspire?

I've been taping my paper to the mat since washing it didn't work very well and my mat (I've had my cricut for a month) didn't stay sticky very long.

First of all, make sure your machine is past the warranty as applying adhesive to the mat will void the warranty.

I used Zig 2 way glue. The big one. I followed a technique I saw on You Tube by My Pink Stamper. Be sure and let it dry completely, though. Umm, yea, that sucked.

I've tried it, and find it's simply WAY too sticky, unfortunately,,,just not worth it, I buy new ones when washing it doesn't work anymore,,,,if you do it, make sure you don't get any stray glue on the sides of the mat as mentioned, or it will gunk up your rollers,,,,and don't use the last piece of your favorite paper It tore the heck out of mine getting it off

I saw someone make a glue and water mixture to make the mats sticky on youtube....

I also saw the zig method...it works. As advised, let the glue dry completely.

I run mine through the Xyron Creatopia (repositional adhesive) to keep the mat sticky...works like brand new.

I used the Krylon stuff mentioned up top. I first taped off all the edges where I didn't want adhesive and then sprayed a quick coat on it letting it dry before putting the paper to cut on it. Worked for a while but I think my mat was pretty shot so I just got out a new mat to use rather than try to spray it down again. Good luck! I think I need to get some baby wipes. I also run a lint roller over mine when I'm done cutting and that seems to get most of the stray papers off.

• lisymarie Said:

Let me clarify myself, the method worked great! I just didn't let it dry completely, so my first piece of cardstock stuck and I had to scrape it off with the green scraper in the toolkit. The spatula wouldn't even take it off. Now it works wonderfully, though.

i used spray adhesive .

beware of the new mats they're too sticky!

I use window cleaner and a linen napkin (no lint).
I've used the same mat for six months (btw I use my Cricut nearly every day.) If the mat is new and too sticky, you can rub a t-shirt on it to take some of the tackiness away.

Is it just me or do others find the tackiness factor inconsistent from one pack to another? Maybe it's shelf life?

What type of window cleaner did you use?

• lisymarie Said:

OMG, that made me snort-laugh. I just have this image of you tearing the paper to shreds, glue flecks a-flying.

I appreciate all these ideas! I never think to look at YouTube for anything other than music videos and such. I have no idea why I don't use its power for Good and not Evil. I will do better.

I'm going to buy some diaper wipes and a lint roller and start off with the easy tips. If that doesn't work, I'll progress onward!!

Again,thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Oh, and what someone said about the tackiness varying... SO TRUE!!! I got one pack that worked for a very short time and another one that when I put the first piece of cardstock on it, I shredded it trying to get it off. Super-sticky!

I use Cinch window cleaner, but I imagine Windex or any generic will work too.

Here's a YouTube video demonstrating a simple way to clean and re-apply stickiness. VERY cheap and easy!

http://www.youtube.com/user/scraperfect#p/a/ u/1/_HoF3O9...

I really like the Slice glue. It does what the Cricut mat does for the Slice Machine on a glass mat. You squeeze some out onto a faom brush and apply it to your mat. Just make your you only get it on the white part. Then let it dry completely. Works like a gem.

Why did I not think of the Slice glue??? I even have a slice. Duh!

I watched the video on how to use the glue and I LOVED the fast-motion part. Think if I buy their product, I can clean that fast? It'd make scrapbook clean up time much easier.