How do I smooth out ridges in a cutting mat?

[Dawn S.]

Since Margo has us getting our sewing rooms clean and organized, I have noticed something that I do not know how to "tidy up!" I have a very large Koala cabinet cutting table, about 74" x 39." It has the original Koala cutting mat on it. (Fits the table and is white.) Anyway, over the years it has been embedded with deep circular cuts, as I have rotary cut many curves, many tight curves, and tend to press hard. These grooves have left a slight ridge in some of the areas. Question: How do I smooth out the surface, and get rid of the ridges?

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

[Margo C.]

Although it's a different brand, here are a couple of responses I got from a query with ASK.COM:


SouthStar Supply Co.
Rotary Cutters, Blades, ... Salem mats are tough enough to cut on, yet soft enough to tack into (pin patterns and fabrics to the mat to prevent slippage or crawling as you cut.) If the mat develops "ridges" as a result of cutting sharp curves or heavy use, sandpaper will smooth out the ridges without damaging the mat.
http://www.southstarsupply.com/catal...o.php?produc...



Rotary mats at TheFind.com - search, discover and compare prices
June Tailor Rotary Cutting Mats offer a variety of specialized features and .... of cutting sharp curves or heavy use, sandpaper will smooth out the ridges ...
http://www.thefind.com/crafts/browse-rotary-mats

[Dawn S.]

Thanks, Margo. I had considered the use of sandpaper, but thought it might rough up the surrounding areas. So, I guess I could start with a really fine grit and move up if necessary. (I just caught my typo in the title and corrected it! ops: )

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

[Dawn S.]

smooth our ridges in a cutting mat is so fantastic idea
its being of the more special then other .

[Dawn S.]

I have an Olfa 12" rotating cutting mat and an Olfa 36" x 72" mat that covers my sewing table top. I've had my large mat for too many years to remember, but my small rotating mat for just two years. The large mat, which I use almost daily, is in great condition. I use the same rotary cutter blades on both mats, but noticed almost immediately after using the small rotating mat that my cutter leaves large gouges in it. I'm thinking that the material used in the small mat is different, maybe softer. I should have taken it back, but bought it at a quilt show from a traveling vendor from out of state. Anyway, has anyone else had this problem? If so, can the gouges be fixed?

[Kathryn S.]

Nancy, my rotating 12" olfa mat is the same, it seems to be softer than the regular olfa mats. I wonder if they are made of different materials? I got mine at Joann's probably.
Kathy

[Margo C.]

My 12" rotating olfa mat is so chewed up that I can't make a decent cut on it any more. It's a shame, because I really like the way it works, but the mat on it is awful!

[Margo C.]

Could you buy a new small mat and glue it on top of the manky rotating top? That way you would still have the rotation but with a better top.

[Margo C.]

I've just been using a small mat and turning it without the help of the rotating mat's base.

[Dawn S.]

Just an update on my original problem. I did not go with the sandpaper. I used an old fashioned razor blade (blade on one side, guard on the other) like the older box cutters used, and "shaved off" the high spots, or ridges. Then I placed fabric over it and ironed it with a hot dry craft iron, to sort of soften and smooth out the area. It will mound up from the heat, so I immediately place a couple of heavy books on it while it cools. This is time consuming, but a new mat this size is very costly. So, I just work on a small area at a time, when the mood hits me. No pressure, here!

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

[Dawn S.]

Nancy, my rotating 12" olfa mat is the same, it seems to be softer than the regular olfa mats. I wonder if they are made of different materials? I got mine at Joann's probably.
Kathy

Kathy & Margo,

Thanks so much for your replies. Since you two have had the same problem, I think that there is a problem with these mats. Like I said before, the problem began almost immediately after I started using it. Although, I've had it for a couple of years now, I really haven't used it much-- it takes some getting used to rotating the mat instead of the fabric. I'm going to contact the vendor to see if he is aware and if there is any warranty on them. It can't hurt to ask. I'll keep you posted.

By the way, I purchased mine from "Charlie's E-Z Mat Cutters", http://www.matandquiltcutters.com, 1-800-735-8656.

Nancy

[Margo C.]

Please keep us posted, Nancy! I actually think I bought mine from Charlie's also, but it's been at least 5 years ago at the Paducah quilt show.

[Hannelore N.]

Instead of turning the fabric or the mat, I walk around the table. Works for me.

[Hannelore N.]

I spoke to Charlie, who was in California at a show. He said that over the years of him selling the mats, he's only had a very few complaints. He suggested that, while he's away, I go to http://www.olfa.com and refer my issue to customer service there. If I am not satisfied with their response, he wants me to contact him when he gets back home--after the 17th.

I did submit an e-mail via the Olfa website and am awaiting their reply, which could take three to five days. It's only been three days, so I'm still waiting.

[Margo C.]

Thanks for the update, Nancy! Looking forward to seeing if you get any action from Olfa!