You need a mat in order to cut something using your digital cutter. That is a must, unless you are cutting something that has a backing like vinyl or card stock that you put first in the Xyron. There are some considerations about the mat. Let’s look at those:
- Keep your mat clean: Yes, you can wash your mat with dish detergent and a sponge. Just put the mat under running water, scrub a little and let it dry. It’s going to look as new. Also, you can use a lint roller (the ones you use to remove the pet hairs from fabric).
- Deep Cuts: Avoid deep cuts for any design. It’s better to go twice on the same area than trying to cut at once but too deep.
- When you place your paper on the mat, use a credit card to press it to the mat. You can use the same method to take out the cut design from the mat.
- Sticky or not? Your mat should be sticky enough to hold the paper down. If your mat has lost the stickiness, you should wash it first, let it dry and spray it with temporary adhesive like Krylon Easy Tack Repositionable Spray Adhesive #7020 or June Tailor’s Quilters Basting spray. Don’t use another brand, they can make your mat too sticky. Wait at least for 24 hours before you use your mat. Another option is to use a mixture of 50% water and 50% Aileene’s Tack It Over and Over. Use a brush or foam brush to apply it to the mat.
- If your mat is too sticky, press it with a cotton t-shirt. Repeat as many times as necessary.
- After use, cover your mat with the protective sheet that came with.
Mats are good; if you take care of them, they can last for years.
Tags: cricut, Mats for silhouette, wishblad
|
|
