Self-Healing Cutting Mats in Museums – What to Look for, What to Look out for

There once was a double-sided mat,

With self-healing properties, that’s a fact,

It cut and it trimmed,

Never leaving a skim,

A versatile tool that’s second to none, it’s a pact!

So What IS a Self-Healing Cutting Mat Anyway

A double-sided PVC self-healing cutting mat is a versatile and durable work surface designed for use in various creative projects. We use ours primarily to cut labels that are mounted to matboard, but they seem to be ever useful around the shop and gallery. It is made of high-quality PVC material that has self-healing properties, meaning that it can recover from cuts and scratches, keeping its surface true and intact for longer use.

The double-sided feature of this mat allows for extended use and versatile placement, as both sides can be utilized for cutting and other tasks. Each side is printed with a grid pattern, making it easy to measure and cut accurately. The mat is also designed to resist warping, curling, and other types of damage, making it a long-lasting and reliable choice for a variety of projects.

These mats are used by a wide variety of creative workers. Whether you’re a scrapbooker, quilter, or a professional graphic designer, a double-sided PVC self-healing cutting mat is an essential tool for any workspace. It provides a safe and stable surface for cutting and measuring, and its durable construction ensures that it will withstand even the toughest projects.

Overall, I highly recommend the double-sided PVC self-healing cutting mat to anyone working in a museum or any other field where precision and protection are important. It has become an essential tool in my workspace and has helped me to complete my projects more efficiently and effectively.

See examples of self-healing mats HERE

Qualities of a Good Self-Healing Cutting Board

A good double-sided PVC self-healing cutting mat should have the following features:

1. Durable material: A high-quality PVC material that is designed to resist cuts, scratches, warping, and curling is a key factor in determining a good cutting mat.
2. Self-healing properties: A good double-sided PVC self-healing cutting mat should have the ability to recover from cuts and scratches, keeping its surface intact for longer use.
3. Double-sided: A good mat should be double-sided, allowing for extended use and versatile placement.
4. Accurate measurements: A printed grid pattern on both sides of the mat is important for accurate measurements and cuts.
5. Versatile use: A good double-sided PVC self-healing cutting mat should be suitable for a variety of creative projects, including scrapbooking, quilting, graphic design, and more.
6. Appropriate size: The mat should be available in sizes that are suitable for various projects and workspaces.
7. Anti-slip properties: A good mat should have anti-slip properties to ensure that it stays in place during use, reducing the risk of inaccurate cuts.
8. Lightweight and easy to store: A good cutting mat should be lightweight and easy to store when not in use.
9. Available in a range of colors: Some users may prefer a specific color for their cutting mat, so it is important for the mat to be available in a range of colors to meet their needs.

Pros of a Double-Sided PVC Self-Healing Cutting Mat:

1. Durable material: Made of high-quality PVC, this mat is designed to withstand cuts, scratches, warping, and curling, making it a long-lasting and reliable tool.
2. Self-healing properties: The self-healing properties of the mat make it a cost-effective choice, as it eliminates the need to constantly replace the mat due to cuts and scratches.
3. Double-sided: The double-sided feature of the mat allows for extended use and versatile placement, as both sides can be utilized for cutting and other tasks.
4. Accurate measurements: The printed grid pattern on both sides of the mat makes it easy to measure and cut accurately, making it an ideal tool for a variety of projects.
5. Versatile use: Whether you’re a scrapbooker, quilter, or a professional graphic designer, a double-sided PVC self-healing cutting mat is a versatile and essential tool for your workspace.

Cons of a Double-Sided PVC Self-Healing Cutting Mat:

1. Price: Some people may find the mat to be relatively expensive compared to other cutting mats available in the market.
2. Size: Some users may need a larger mat for their projects and the available sizes may not be suitable for their needs.
3. Slippage: The mat may move or slip on smooth surfaces during use, which could lead to inaccurate cuts and frustration.
4. Weight: The mat can be relatively heavy, making it difficult to move or store.
5. Limited color options: Some users may prefer a different color for their cutting mat and may be limited in their options with the available colors.

Conclusion

I hope I’ve given you a lot to think about in terms of the advantages of these mats and what to look out for. I think that once you have one of these in your shop you won’t want to live without one again. I’ve gone straight to the manufacturers to find the ones that I prefer so that all of us can better afford a quality self-healing cutting mat.

I sell them HERE on MuseumTrade. I hope you’ll consider a purchase for your shop. Every sale here helps support MuseumTrade’s mission, to serve all the handlers, technicians, and preparators that “get it done” day in and day out. You deserve quality and dependable tools.