How Do Self-Healing Cutting Mats Work
Self-healing cutting mats are a versatile “tool” we don’t always notice but are always glad we have when we need them. Have you ever stopped to wonder, however, how this nifty craft tool works? We’ve got the answer, and more, in this article!
What is a Self-Healing Cutting Mat?
A cutting mat is a durable surface used to protect your tabletop or workbench from cuts, glue or any other damage that can occur while paper cutting, cosplay crafting, model making or just about any other hobby. Self-healing mats, specifically, are designed to absorb cuts from sharp blades without showing significant wear.
What Are Self-Healing Mats Made Of?
Self-healing mats are typically made from multiple layers of flexible, resilient materials such as PVC or thermoplastic elastomers. These materials allow the mat to close up after being cut, maintaining a smooth surface for repeated use.
Excel Blades’ self healing cutting mats, available in a wide range of sizes, are 3mm thick, about twice as thick as many other cutting mats on the market today, and are extremely sturdy and pliable. They have soft self-healing PVC layers on both sides and a durable hard PVC center layer, making them one of the best self-healing cutting mats available to crafters and hobbyists.
This five-layered combination protects not only the work surface but your craft knife blade or rotary cutter blade. By using blades on the self-healing PVC surface, the sharp edge of the blade is exposed to a softer cutting surface, which provides less impact and pressure. This is important because a dull blade can make cutting more difficult and less accurate.
How Do Self-Healing Mats Work?
If cutting mats were as fragile as the table surface you work on, they wouldn’t last very long, which is why they were designed to withstand heavy use and handling. Self-healing cutting mats heal because they are not made of a solid material, like glass or even soft plastic. Instead, they are made of tiny particles pressed into a semi-solid surface that absorbs cuts and then, due to the non-solid nature of the mat, quickly fills in the cut. This "healing" process minimizes visible cut marks and preserves the mat's functionality.
When to Use a Self-Healing Mat
When vinyl crafting and using tools like awls and hook weeders, working on the surface of a cutting mat is recommended to avoid making scratches and puncture marks on the table surface. For large sewing projects where rotary cutters are necessary, a self-healing cutting mat helps your tools stay sharp and your cutting surfaces undamaged.
Another helpful feature of some cutting mats is the grid markings or grid lines on the surface layer. Both metric and imperial rulers on each of the sides make it easy to measure materials like paper, fabric or cork, and to align rulers for the perfect straight cut. This can be especially important in quilting, scrapbooking, cardmaking, and more.
Are All Cutting Mats Self Healing?
Not all cutting mats have self-healing properties. Traditional mats made of hard plastic or other rigid materials can develop permanent cuts and grooves over time. Self-healing mats, on the other hand, offer a longer lifespan and a consistently smooth surface.
How Long Do Self-Healing Mats Last?
The lifespan of a self-healing mat depends on its quality, frequency of use, and maintenance. High-quality mats, like ones made at Excel Blades, can last for several years if used and cared for properly. Additionally, regular rotation and gentle cleaning can help extend the mat's durability.
How to Clean Your Cutting Mat
Cutting mats should be cleaned with a damp cloth, especially when using art mediums like polymer clay, glue or paint. Use a mild soap and warm water solution to remove debris and residue; avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the mat. Keep away from direct heat sources and out of direct sunlight so the mat does not warp, and store flat so that it does not bend out of shape.