Question about Cricut Mats

[ripkensnana]

I'm not sure where I read it, but somewhere or other online, I read something about "refreshing" or "renewing" the sticky mats used with the Cricut. Apparently there's something you can do to restore the stickiness after it's lost it's clingyness....Anybody have a clue?

[BriarRose]

On the cricut website several people mention using the two-way glue to touch up the stickiness. I understand there is a large bottle with a large applicator that makes this easier.

Also Ursulinda mentioned using some kind of quilter's spray adhesive after wiping it down with a baby wipe.

I haven't done this yet but I need to try because it seems such a waste of mats!

[ripkensnana]

That was the one, about the baby wipes! Now I need to find out about the spray adhesive. And yeah, it is a waste of mats - those bloody things are expensive for the amount of use you get out of them.

[tdelaney]

I know! That's why I haven't gone to the cricut yet. I'm cheap. Still writing titles, which just looks CHEAP, but I can't afford the cricut and the upkeep!

[Ursulinda]

Mats should last a long time! Then, when I do need mats, I buy them with the 40% off coupons, or stock up while they're on sale at Mikes, Joanns or ACMoore.

After every use, scrape the shards off with the scraper. Wipe down with a baby wipe, and after the mat dries, put the clear cover over it. I clip it on with a couple clothes pins, because my mats stand on edge.

If the mat is totally dead, I take it outdoors (because there *will* be overspray) and spray it with quilters adhesive first in one direction, then the other. After it dries, the mat will be tacky.

To extend the useful life, it's important to get a good seal between the paper/cardstock and the mat. A small brayer or firm pressure from your hand on a flat surface will work for that. Paper sticks more easily than textured cardstock - so mats that won't hold the latter may still hold the former.

Also, don't always start cutting at the beginning of the mat. It is possible to use smaller pieces of paper and start the cutting at any point on the mat, which may also help extend it's useful life.

I LOVE my cricut! Happy cutting!

[lynner5996]

I just purchased the quilters spray at Michael's - much cheaper than a new mat! Ask if you can't find it - the folks that work at Michael's know exactly why you are using it - not for quilting!

PS Tina - we should get together soon!