Master Perfect Silhouette Cuts: Top Tips for Electrostatic Mat

As a paper crafter I am loving the Silhouette Electrostatic (ES) Mat! This new technology is pretty darn cool and not having to remove the cut pieces from an adhesive cutting mat can save time. Especially when cutting for large projects! In this post, I’m sharing more tips on having successful results when using the Silhouette Electrostatic (ES) Mat.

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How Does the Silhouette Electrostatic Mat Work?

When the electrostatic mat is turned on, a static charge is built up between the electrostatic mat and the protective sheet. This holds the protective sheet in place and materials can be placed on top of it. The charge then builds between the protective sheet and the material, which holds it in place while it’s being cut. Once the design is cut simply break that charge by either lifting the protective sheet off the ES Mat or turning the ES mat off. The charge will dissipate and the material can easily be removed.

The Silhouette Electrostatic Mat is an accessory that is compatible with the Silhouette Cameo 5 models or Silhouette Portrait 4. The Silhouette Curio 2 comes with the Electrostatic Mat.

What materials does the Silhouette Electrostatic Mat Work With?

Materials that are smooth and completely flat are going to work best with the Silhouette ES Mat. The material has to be able to build up that electrostatic charge and be held in place the entire time it’s being cut. Textured materials, “breathable” materials such as fabric, or curled materials are not going to work well because it cannot build up a charge to hold it in place.

I have cut vellum, copy paper, sticker paper, 65 lb cardstock, 85 lb cardstock, 110 lb cardstock, adhesive vinyl, and I’m sure I’m probably forgetting a few others in the past year that I’ve been testing it.

I did try a thicker cardstock by Bazzill which was their smooth cardstock and it cut, but it was not as clean of a cut as I prefer. However, I have had the same results when using Bazzil on an adhesive cutting mat too. Some cardstocks are just a bit more difficult to cut cleanly with the Silhouette. I tend to stay away from those for cutting projects, but they work well when cut with a paper trimmer.

Tips for Successful Cuts with the Silhouette ES Mat

While cutting pieces for demo projects for an upcoming class, I knew I wanted to share the tips I’ve learned during testing to achieve successful cuts. The best way to learn what works and what doesn’t is often through the failures encountered along the way. And even though I’ve been using cutting machines for many years, there are still failures along the way.

Check out the new video on the Silhouette Secrets+ YouTube channel where I am sharing a look at the cutting process and sharing things that work and things that don’t work.

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A Closer Look at the Final Cuts

It is so nice to just lift off the cardstock after the cut and see the pieces laying there.

You will start to see the pieces pile up on the right side of the photos as I share the progression.

These projects and cuts can also be successful on an adhesive cutting mat, but it was so nice to just be able to slide the finished cuts off and be ready for the next sheet of cardstock.

Especially when you have a million tiny pieces like on these film strips!

In the video, I also show how my first attempt at cutting these film strips was not successful. I had the design placed too close to the edge of the cardstock and a piece lifted during the cut and it pretty much ate my cardstock. I simply unloaded the ES Mat, cleaned all the bits up, reset the machine, and then moved my design down on the design mat a little bit and sent it again to cut. Perfect cuts!

Now, this design cut beautifully. The ring design is 2 pieces cut for a background. However, I did have to babysit it a little bit more as some of the cavities of the design would lift as it was being cut with the movement under the roller bar. I carefully removed the pieces as they were lifting during the cut and showed that in the video too.

All of these designs were created in the Silhouette Studio software from scratch for an upcoming class. The cutting process is a bit of the behind-the-scenes of that class creation. Watch the Upcoming Events tab or sign up for the Upcoming Craft Events emails and I’ll send an email direct to your inbox when new events open for registration.

Sometimes, the cut won’t stay in place when the excess is removed. This can happen with smaller designs as there is a smaller surface area to hold the electrostatic charge in place.

Master Perfect Silhouette Cuts: Top Tips for Electrostatic Mat

• the ES Mat needs a secure connection that is completely flat to connect to the Silhouette Cameo 5 or Portrait 4 machine
• materials need to be completely flat to maintain the charge
• designs placed too close the edges can cause cut issues and/or lifting which can affect cut results
• test cut, test cut, test cut!
• make sure ES Mat is turned on and remains on during the entire cut
• you will make mistakes!
• take time to practice

Silhouette Supplies

• Silhouette Cameo 5 – Crafter Cuts, Amazon
• Silhouette Electrostatic Mat for Cameo 5 – Crafter Cuts, Amazon
• Silhouette Electrostatic Protection Sheet Replacements – Crafter Cuts, Amazon
• Silhouette Portrait 4 – Crafter Cuts, Amazon
• Silhouette Electrostatic Mat for Portrait 4 – Amazon
• Silhouette Electrostatic Protection Sheet for Portrait 4 – Amazon
• Silhouette Curio 2 – Crafter Cuts, Amazon

A Look at the Finished Projects

Card Design #1

Card Design #2

Scrapbook Layout #1

Scrapbook Layout #2

I was having so much fun in designing for these class projects and love how they turned out.

I hope the tips help you to be successful with the Silhouette ES Mat!

Additional Resources on the blog:

• Silhouette Cameo 5
• Silhouette Portrait 4
• Silhouette Curio 2
• Silhouette Electrostatic Mat

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Enjoy !

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