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My LSS will be selling glass cutting mats. I've never used one before, I've always used self healing cutting mats. I like the idea of being able to clean the glass mat easily.
I don't have a cutting system that requires a glass mat - I'll just be using a metal edged ruler and a craft knife to cut paper and CS. My concerns are:
Does the mat get scratched up?
Does your paper slip on the glass surface?
They will cost �9.99 (around $20) which is more than I want to pay just to try and then possibly find I've made a mistake! If anyone can answer my concerns and share their experiences with glass mats, I'd truly appreciate it, many thanks!
I love using my glass mat for cutting! The craft knife just glides along it and I think the blades last longer as well.
That being said, depending on the paper, it does sometimes slip. I use a bit of repositionable glue to temporarily stick the paper to the glass mat if that happens.
My mat does have some very fine scratches on it; nothing that currently affects anything else I'm working on, but eventually I'm assuming the mat will need to be replaced.
If you're not sure you'll like working with one, before I bought mine, I went to the dollar store and bought a cheap picture frame and tried cutting on the glass from that. It scratched much more easily than the mat that I eventually bought, but it gives you the same feel.
For a good cutting surface, glass mats are the way to go! Generally, glass mats specifically designed for paper crafting will have measurement lines in a grid pattern "painted" on them... this provides enough "grab" that I have never had a problem with ANY brand of paper slipping while using my glass mat.
They're also superior when it comes to blade control and preservation. I like to hand-cut a lot of intricate fonts for page titles in my scrapbooks and you just don't get the same amount of blade control with any other cutting mat. And it's true that glass mats help to keep your blade sharper, longer.
Glass cutting mats are also a lot thicker and tempered, which makes them much more resistant to scratching and breaking (due to pressure) than an ordinarly sheet of glass, say, from a picture frame. Plus they have nice rounded corners... those picture frame glasses have sharp, pointy corners! Ask me how I know. :( I thought I could get by with the glass from a picture frame as my glass cutting mat myself once, too... I soon discovered that a REAL glass mat - designed for cutting ON - is wise investment that has been WELL worth it.
Another fan of glass cutting mats here...ever since buying one a few years ago, I haven't used anything else. The only exception is when using Coluzzle templates. Those require a specific mat made for that product.
__________________ Laura
It's official...I'm a stamping addict (second only to my "being a grandma" addiction)!
I don't own a paper trimmer. I use a glass mat, craft knife and metal ruler. I wouldn't go back to a paper trimmer. I love my glass mat!! I searched for almost a year for one and it was so worth it!
glass is the only way for mel, also. However before you invest in a more expensive one...I have one made for kitchens that I got at a discount store. It was a lot less $$$$ and several sizes to choose from. Happy cutting after
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Thanks so much for replying everyone - a lot of happy glass mat users! How great that the knife blades last longer. I think a glass mat will also be easier for me to keep clean - my large self healing mat is getting a bit gunky from glue etc!
I think you may have just enabled me to go and buy one!
The first time I used a glass mat I had a V8 moment. I smacked myself on the forehead for not doing it years ago! A craft knife works sooooooo much better on glass. I have a large piece for big papers, but keep a 5 x 7 from a dollar store frame on my work table.
__________________ Debra ---artist * teacher * designer Say yes. Be generous. Speak up. Love more. Trust yourself. Slow down. ---Patti Digh
Where did you all buy yours...? I have never seen these...I've in my craft room and very rarely ever see daylight..lol..so I must be in complete darkness if I've never seen these glass matts. I'm guessing these matts are tempered...? Okay so where did you all get yours...?
The first time I used a glass mat I had a V8 moment. I smacked myself on the forehead for not doing it years ago! A craft knife works sooooooo much better on glass. I have a large piece for big papers, but keep a 5 x 7 from a dollar store frame on my work table.
ROTFL
I hear you! me too!
yup, glass is wonderful to cut those circles or ovals!
Fubsy, I am so glad you asked this, I actually picked one up yesterday, lol and put it down again as wasn't sure whether it would be worth it or not!!!! lol Think I might invest in one, lol
I prefer my glass mat!! I feel I get a more precise cut and the blade lasts longer!
__________________ ~Tori Pink Cat Studio's Digi DT Member * GD Whiff of Joy Stamps - April/May 2010
Check out my Blog! - The Fishy-Scrapper's Chronicles
I thought I could get by with the glass from a picture frame as my glass cutting mat myself once, too... I soon discovered that a REAL glass mat - designed for cutting ON - is wise investment that has been WELL worth it.
I totally agree with this! I did try the picture-frame glass just to make sure I liked the feel of the cutting on glass (for some reason, it seemed weird to me) but it took no time at all to decide I needed to upgrade.
I have a glass mat and used it a lot Until -- I found the Basic Grey magnetic self healing cutting mat. It comes with magnets to hold your paper in place and a magnetic ruler. Believe me the paper doesn't stick. It is 15 inches and has grid lines both ways. I love it.
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Cutting on a glass mat
