The Best Self-Healing Cutting Mat

Buying Guide

For hobbyists and professionals who use utility knives or rotary cutters, a self-healing cutting mat is a must-have. The mats protect your tables, desks and other work surfaces from cutting or marking tools that could cause damage; they also prolong the life of your blades. The mats, which can range from 1.5 to 5 millimeters in thickness, are available in a variety of sizes and colors. Many are double-sided, printed with handy measurement grids and have non-slip qualities for the safe cutting of fabric, paper and other materials.

How do self-healing mats work? The products are often made with tiny pieces of manufactured material (for example, synthetic plastic polymer) that are compressed to create a solid cutting surface.  When a knife edge is applied, the surface allows the blade to slip through the material fibers in the surface before re-closing, facilitating a self-healing effect.

Most self-healing cutting mats are designed to last for years, depending on how they are used, but many aren’t built for heavy usage unless indicated by the manufacturer. To prolong the life of your mat, always use sharp blades; rotate your mat often to avoid slicing into the same area frequently; use the lightest pressure possible when cutting; and avoid cutting too many layers of material at once.

• When shopping for a cutting mat, consider the size of the workspace you plan to use it on, in addition to the material you are cutting. A 18-by-24-inch mat is great for cutting bolts of fabric, while mats that are 13-by-9-inch or smaller are ideal for working with more compact pieces of material.
• Don’t roll your self-healing cutting mat or leave it standing up unsupported, which can misshape the product. Once a mat is warped, you may not be able to flatten it. The best way to store your mat is by laying down it on a flat surface away from direct sunlight or heat.
• Always use a sharp blade on your self-healing cutting mat. Dull blades may damage your mat, since they can’t slip through the material fibers in your cutting surface seamlessly.
• If you’re using a rotary cutter on your mat, be sure to hold the tool at a 90-degree angle when cutting. Using any cutters or blades at a slant may damage your mat.
• To clean your mat, wipe it down with a soft cloth or paper towel moistened with warm water and a mild dishwashing detergent or an all-purpose household spray. Make sure your mat is completely dry before reusing.
• Newly purchased mats may have a slight odor, which usually dissipates with time. To help remove the smell, submerge your mat in the bathtub with a 1/4 cup of vinegar for every gallon of water in the tub and let it soak for up to an hour.
• Do not use your self-healing cutting mat as an ironing board.
• Do not use a hot glue gun on your self-heating cutting mat.
• Do not use your mat for food preparation.