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Why Mats Stop Sticking

Date Posted:17 July 2025 

Trouble with Mat Stickiness? Here’s What You Need to Know

Brother ScanNCut mats are an essential part of your cutting experience — they hold your materials in place for clean, precise cuts. But over time, you may notice your mat isn’t as sticky as it once was. Don’t worry — this is completely normal! Mats are considered consumable items, which means they’re designed to wear out and be replaced after a period of use. However, with the right care, you can help extend the life of your mat and get the most out of it.

Why Is My ScanNCut Mat Losing Stickiness?

Several factors can cause a mat to lose its stickiness. Let's take a look.

Dust and fibres

Paper fibres, fabric lint, and general dust can build up on the surface of the mat, reducing its grip.

Oils from hands

Excessive touching of the sticky area can transfer natural oils, making the mat less effective.

Heavy or repeated use

Some materials are harder on mats than others, and frequent cutting sessions will naturally reduce stickiness over time.

Deep cuts or blade pressure damage

Even if you haven’t cut all the way through, repeated deep cuts or high blade pressure can damage the mat’s surface and adhesive layer, reducing its ability to grip materials effectively.

Improper storage

Leaving your mat uncovered or storing it in a dusty or humid environment can also shorten its lifespan.

How to Make Your Mat Last Longer

Here are some practical tips to extend the life of your mat:

Keep it covered

Always replace the clear protective sheet after use to prevent dust and fibres from settling.

Use a brayer or roller

Press your material onto the mat with a roller instead of your hands to avoid oil transfer.

Rotate the mat usage

If you're always using one area of the mat, try rotating it to spread the wear more evenly.

Keep it clean

Gently clean your mat with a baby wipe (alcohol-free and fragrance-free) or a damp cloth to remove residue. Avoid over-scrubbing.

Use the right mat for the job

Brother offers mats with different grip strengths — using the correct one for your material can prevent unnecessary wear.

Avoid fibrous materials

Materials like felt, glitter cardstock, and flocked vinyl can leave fibres or residue behind, which build up on the mat and reduce its tackiness over time.

If you can’t avoid these practices or prevent using these materials — that’s okay! Just be aware they’ll leave more mess behind, and you may need to replace your mat more often.

Getting a Little More Life Out of Your Mat

If your mat has lost most of its stick but is still in reasonable condition, you might be able to get a bit more use out of it by using washi tape or a temporary adhesive spray/glue to hold your material in place. Just keep in mind — this workaround doesn’t suit all materials, and it may not be reliable for intricate or high-speed cuts.

When It’s Time to Replace

Even with perfect care, mats don’t last forever. If your mat no longer holds materials in place, causes inaccurate cuts, or is visibly worn or damaged, it’s time for a replacement.

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