When it comes to crafting, Cricut machines are an invaluable tool. The ability to precisely cut out shapes and letters provides a level of accuracy that can’t be achieved with scissors or other tools. But there’s one thing that many Cricut users are unsure of – should you leave the plastic on the mat after cutting?
The answer is both yes and no. It depends on what type of plastic you are using.
For thin materials like vinyl, paper, and cardstock, it is safe to leave the plastic on the mat after cutting. This will help keep your cuts neat and accurate. However, for thicker materials like leather and fabric, it is best to remove the plastic from the mat after cutting as it can cause a build-up of heat that could damage your machine.
It is also important to make sure that you clean your mat regularly. The adhesives used to hold material in place during cutting can accumulate over time and cause the cuts to be inaccurate. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth should suffice but if there is any residue left on the mat, use a scraping tool or a craft knife to remove it.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, whether or not you should leave plastic on your Cricut mat depends on what type of material you are using. For thin materials like vinyl and cardstock leaving it in place will help keep your cuts neat and accurate. However for thicker materials like leather or fabric removing it from the mat afterwards is best as this will help reduce the potential for heat buildup in your machine.
Do You Leave Plastic On Cricut Mat?
The answer depends on what type of material you are using; for thin materials like vinyl and cardstock leaving it in place will help keep your cuts neat and accurate while for thicker materials removing it from the mat afterwards is best as this will help reduce the potential for heat buildup in your machine.