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Post by Katie on Feb 28, 2022 21:07:57 GMT
I am wondering what I can use for my crafting surface when I am using paint and inks. Tim Holtz had a thin laminated sheet I used for years and I loved it. Is there something similar out there you recommend? (I would get another one of Tim’s but it is a bit too small).
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Post by scrapcat on Feb 28, 2022 21:27:04 GMT
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Post by CardBoxer on Feb 28, 2022 21:37:03 GMT
I am wondering what I can use for my crafting surface when I am using paint and inks. Tim Holtz had a thin laminated sheet I used for years and I loved it. Is there something similar out there you recommend? (I would get another one of Tim’s but it is a bit too small). The Tim mat was made by Ranger. Joggles.com sells it by the foot. Ranger CS told me about. www.joggles.com/art-journals-and-mixed-media/misc-stamp-mixed-media-supplies/ranger-nonstick-craft-sheet-by-the-foot.htmThe minimum is 2 feet by 39” but you can cover a whole table with it since it's by the foot. It ships rolled up. Not cheap but really handy. I switched to covering my desk with a plexiglass piece and use a rather large glass mat now, but still use the Ranger mat that I taped to the back of a large self-healing cutting mat I happened to have when going really messy. |
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Post by Katie on Feb 28, 2022 22:04:05 GMT
GREAT information— thank you so much! I like the plexiglass idea too…not sure why I didn’t consider that already.
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naby64
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,434 
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Post by naby64 on Feb 28, 2022 22:05:06 GMT
Look around if you have Big Lots. I used to get the Teflon oven mats. They were the same exact thing for a lot less. But anywhere selling these mats would work just as well.
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Post by Basket1lady on Mar 1, 2022 0:17:37 GMT
This is what I use. It works very well. If you go the plexiglass route--be aware that it will get surface scratches over time and the ink (and especially paint) will settle into those tiny cracks. Plexiglass can also be quite expensive. You would be better off purchasing a large glass desktop from somewhere like Ikea, as the glass won't get those small scratches and will clean up easier. |
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Post by hmp on Mar 1, 2022 19:14:22 GMT
I prefer a glass top. Protects the surface & clean up is a snap. It is heavy and definitely a more expensive option but it works the way I need it to, makes my life easier and has stood the test of time, not to mention my use & abuse.
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Post by papersilly on Mar 1, 2022 19:17:20 GMT
i use a 36" quilter's mat. best thing ever. easy to clean. big.
i also have a 12x12 glass mat which is great too.
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Post by hmp on Mar 1, 2022 19:17:29 GMT
I prefer a glass top (real glass, not plexi). Protects the surface & clean up is a snap. It is heavy and definitely a more expensive option but it works the way I need it to, makes my life easier and has stood the test of time, not to mention my use & abuse.
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,664
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Post by basketdiva on Mar 2, 2022 2:20:15 GMT
Those the sheets I keep on my desk. Every once in a while I’ll wipe with a damp cloth to get dust off. |
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Post by CardBoxer on Mar 2, 2022 4:12:49 GMT
I prefer a glass top (real glass, not plexi). Protects the surface & clean up is a snap. It is heavy and definitely a more expensive option but it works the way I need it to, makes my life easier and has stood the test of time, not to mention my use & abuse. I decided on plexiglass because I grew up in a home with glass covering desk tops, end tables, etc., and I didn’t love the clanky sound when putting something like a mug on it, and it felt cold (temperature, not looks). So I got plexi for the desks and on top of Alex units. It wasn’t a cost savings though. But top of that on one desk I have a large magnetic glass mat. |
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Post by honeypea on Mar 2, 2022 15:18:23 GMT
The comment about a 12x12 glass mat reminded me that ikea sells glass shelf inserts for the Kallax cubbies. So, probably 14x14? Sold in sets of two for around $12, I think.
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Post by joblackford on Mar 2, 2022 17:35:46 GMT
I prefer a glass top (real glass, not plexi). Protects the surface & clean up is a snap. It is heavy and definitely a more expensive option but it works the way I need it to, makes my life easier and has stood the test of time, not to mention my use & abuse. I decided on plexiglass because I grew up in a home with glass covering desk tops, end tables, etc., and I didn’t love the clanky sound when putting something like a mug on it, and it felt cold (temperature, not looks). So I got plexi for the desks and on top of Alex units. It wasn’t a cost savings though. But top of that on one desk I have a large magnetic glass mat. I'm not a fan of the sound and feel of glass either. |
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Post by joblackford on Mar 2, 2022 17:44:42 GMT
I have a "tablecloth" of peel and stick vinyl wallpaper on my vintage wooden desk right now. I got it on amazon (link here) to cover a piece of foam core to make into a desk mat and photo background but I discovered I would rather have a single surface for my whole desk. I haven't had the courage to actually stick it to the wood yet so I just have it laid across my desk. Not a perfect solution but it seems to wipe clean. Not that I use messy inks and things much, and I am finicky about keeping things pretty clean even when I get messy. Just another idea though. Btw there all kinds of silicone mats available for baking and for electronics/soldering that are VERY similar to the ones being sold for ink blending and crafting on. I found this one while searching for something like the waffle flower stenciling mat which has a corner for butting your stencil into to keep it in place. I know there are generic versions of scrapbook dot com's flat silicone mat too. And Ranger's craft sheet. Many craft supplies are marked up/pretty color versions of things that you can find in hardware stores. |
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Post by joblackford on Mar 2, 2022 17:46:17 GMT
The comment about a 12x12 glass mat reminded me that ikea sells glass shelf inserts for the Kallax cubbies. So, probably 14x14? Sold in sets of two for around $12, I think. They are 13 x 15"  very good idea... www.ikea.com/us/en/p/kallax-glass-shelf-70423765/ |
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Post by don on Mar 2, 2022 19:15:45 GMT
I have a 30"x40" glass top light table. It is easy to clean, I just use Windex & a razor blade scraper. You can get pane glass at a hardware store or a glass shop. I like the glass shop because they will cut to size.
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Post by 950nancy on Mar 2, 2022 21:52:13 GMT
I have three of the American Crafts mats. I have also bought several for gifts for my crafter friends. I used to have plexiglass on my old desk and also used the craft mat. They worked well together. Now each of my desks is 55 inches long and I haven't tried to find plexiglass to top them. I also just found the Make Art Staytion so I can use magnets when I need them.
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msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Mar 3, 2022 2:13:28 GMT
I have a "tablecloth" of peel and stick vinyl wallpaper on my vintage wooden desk right now. I got it on amazon (link here) to cover a piece of foam core to make into a desk mat and photo background but I discovered I would rather have a single surface for my whole desk. I haven't had the courage to actually stick it to the wood yet so I just have it laid across my desk. Not a perfect solution but it seems to wipe clean. Not that I use messy inks and things much, and I am finicky about keeping things pretty clean even when I get messy. Just another idea though. I have a felt backed vinyl tablecloth I throw over my work area when I want to make a very big mess. It set me back maybe $3 ? Easy cleanup! |
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very good idea... 
