How to increase life of self-healing cut mat

[WrapSolutions]

We cut laminated vehicle graphic vinyl (Avery 1105 specifically) with the standard utility blades and although damage doesn't occur for months/year I was wondering if anyone had any other tips/tricks to increase the life span of the self-healing cut mats? Besides the obvious: use sharp blades, less pressure, rotate and wipe off mat. I've even gone so far to almost daily vacuum them.

 

[rjssigns]

Use a thinner blade profile. Utility knife blades make a wider cut in the mat that doesn't "heal" as well. That's been my experience over the years YMMV.

 

[VonsGraphix1969]

Use an OLFA snap off blade rather than the regular utility knife, but use lighter pressure with the OLFA... Also use regular X-Acto blades...Still gonna get beat up but you can also flip over the mat when it gets really rough....

 

[greysquirrel]

or use your vinyl cutter to cut down your panels...if you have one

 

[MikePro]

flip it over on the table.