Crafting with glitter card stock can be so much fun! It’s a great way to add some sparkle and shine to your DIY projects. But finding the right Cricut mat for this kind of material can be a little tricky. With a wide variety of mat options to choose from, finding the perfect fit for your glitter card stock projects can be challenging.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of Cricut mats and help you find the perfect one for your glitter card stock crafting needs.
Overview of glitter card stock
Glitter card stock is a popular crafting material that can add sparkle and shine to projects.
It is usually made of standard card stock covered with a thin layer of glitter blend.
You can use it for a variety of projects, from greeting cards to scrapbook pages, and more.
You’ll need to use the right mat to successfully cut glitter card stock with a Cricut cutting machine.
The surfaces of Cricut mats are expertly crafted to firmly grip a variety of materials such as card stock, vellum, paper, vinyl, among others, ensuring they remain securely in place during the cutting process.
Usually, glitter card stock is heavier than plain card stock with the same sheet weight because the finish adds thickness.
So you may need to adjust your choice of mat depending on this.
Cricut mats overview
There are four main types of Cricut mats: Standard Grip mat, LightGrip mat, StrongGrip mat, and FabricGrip mat.
You’ll usually need the StrongGrip mat for cutting most types of glitter card stock, including thick ones.
It has a more powerful adhesive that is perfect for heavier materials.
However, you may need to use other types of mats depending on the thickness of the card stock you have on hand.
For example, the green StandardGrip mat is designed for use with standard and medium-weight materials.
It’s perfect for plain card stock, embossed card stock, thin glitter card stock, vinyl, and iron-on.
Get the LightGrip Cricut mat for working with lightweight plain card stock, and glitter and shimmer paper.
FabricGrip mat is only used with fabric and crêpe paper.
So it’s not suitable for card stock.
Use the StrongGrip Mat for most types of glitter card stock
If you’re working with various types of glitter card stock, including the thicker and double-sided variety, then I recommend investing in the StrongGrip mat.
It’s designed to keep heavier materials like metal, wood, cardboard, leather, and chipboard secure.
So you’ll get the most accurate cuts with thick card stock too.
You don’t have to worry about the double-sided glitter card stock slipping and sliding either.
Plus, the mat is easy to clean from loose glitter.
You can use it again and again.
Use the StandardGrip Mat for lightweight glitter card stock
The default StandardGrip mat that’s included with some Cricut machines is the best surface for working with lightweight glitter card stock.
This type of mat has a medium-strong adhesive.
So it will firmly hold the material in place.
But at the same time, it will easily release thin card stock without tearing it.
This mat also works well with plain card stock, embossed card stock, vinyl, and iron-on.
It’s the most universal and all-purpose Cricut mat.
The StandardGrip mat is also easy to clean and store.
You can use it over and over again for up to 50 times or even more.
If you’ve got a Maker 3 or Explore 3 Cricut machine you’ll need to buy this mat separately, as it’s not included with these units.
Use the LightGrip Cricut mat for glitter paper and thin plain card stock
The LightGrip Cricut mat is another essential tool for any Cricut fan.
This cutting mat provides the perfect surface for working with lightweight materials like plain card stock, glitter, and shimmer paper.
What’s great about this mat is that it holds thin papers firmly in place.
However, you can remove them easily without tearing or damage.
Plus, it’s durable enough to be used multiple times too.
Cricut mat sizes overview
If you’re working on smaller projects, a 12″ x 12″ mat is the perfect size for you.
This is a standard scrapbook paper size that will allow you to easily fit 12″ x 12″ glitter card stock sheets.
And if you have the small Cricut Joy machine, use one of the special Joy-sized mats — 4.5″ x 6.5″ or 4.5″ x 12″.
For larger projects, get the full-sized 12″ x 24″ mat.
It’s a great size for larger scale glitter card stock projects.
How to place glitter card stock on the mat
For a successful cut-out on glitter card stock, ensure that you place the paper on the mat with the glittered side facing upwards, except when you are using double-sided glitter card stock, of course.
This is because the glitter on the card stock can cause issues with the mat’s adhesive.
If the glitter side is facing the mat, the glitter can shed on the adhesive surface and interfere with the cutting process.
Plus, the mat will be more difficult to clean.
Align your card stock sheet with the top left corner of the mat.
Once you’ve placed the card stock on the mat, gently press it down with a brayer or a squeegee to help it adhere.
This will prevent it from shifting during the cutting process.
How to place double-sided glitter card stock on a Cricut mat
When using double-sided glitter card stock on a Cricut mat, it can be difficult to make it stick, since both sides are covered with glitter.
The best way to adhere it to the mat is to tape all its edges down with washi tape or masking tape.
Start by placing your piece of card stock on the mat.
Then, tape the top, bottom, and both side edges with pieces of washi or masking tape.
This will allow the card stock to stay in place while it’s being cut.
After the Cricut machine is done cutting, carefully remove the tape.
Clean the mat after every use
When working with glitter card stock, always clean your Cricut mat after every use.
That will let you get a clean and accurate cut next time.
This is because glitter card stock can shed bits of glitter onto the mat’s surface.
And these particles can make the blade of your Cricut skip and leave jagged cuts behind.
One way to clean the mat is to first use a lint roller to remove any excess glitter.
Then, use a damp cloth, wipe the mat down and let it air dry.
This will help to get rid of any glitter leftovers.
Are there any alternative mats that can be used for glitter card stock?
If you don’t have a StrongGrip you can try using the StandardGrip mat in combination with masking tape or painter’s tape.
Apply the tape around the edges of your glitter card stock piece to secure it firmly onto the mat.
This will provide some additional grip.
Can I reuse the same Cricut mat for glitter card stock and for other materials?
Yes, however, keep in mind that as you use it, the adhesive surface will accumulate glitter debris and lose its stickiness over time.
You can extend the life of your mat by cleaning it regularly and using a lint roller to get rid of any excess glitter.
I prefer to set aside an extra mat that I only use for glitter projects.
How do I clean my mat from glitter?
Glitter card stock may leave some glitter residue on the cutting mat after use.
Go over the mat with a lint roller after every use to remove it.
After that, gently rinse it with warm water and mild dish soap.
Use a soft sponge or a lint-free microfiber cloth to wash away any glitter debris.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the adhesive surface.
Once cleaned, allow the mat to air dry before using it again.
Can I use the pink Cricut fabric with glitter card stock?
No, this mat has a different adhesive strength and delicate texture that may not provide enough grip for the glitter card stock.
So it can shift, and your cuts will be inaccurate.
How do I prevent my glitter card stock from curling on the mat?
To prevent curling, make sure that the card stock is properly adhered to the mat.
Try using a fresh mat or a mat with a stronger grip.
Plus, help the material stick to the surface of the mat with a brayer, squeegee, or a scraper.
You can also try securing the edges and corners of your card stock piece to the mat with masking tape.
My glitter card stock keeps tearing or getting stuck on the mat. What should I do?
If your glitter card stock tears when you’re trying to remove it or gets stuck on the mat, try using a lower grip mat.
You can also place it on an old and heavily used mat because it usually has a weaker adhesive.
Plus, the reason for this problem may be the intricate or detailed nature of the design you’re trying to cut.
Don’t pull away this design by force.
Lift all the small details and corners using a spatula or tweezers.
Then turn the mat with the design face down, place it on a table or any stable flat surface.
After that, curl the mat away from the design.
Can I use adhesive sprays or additional adhesives on the mat for better grip?
No, adhesives can transfer onto the card stock or leave residue on the mat.
This can ruin your cuts or make the mat unusable.
Just choose the appropriate grip level for your material.
How do I store my Cricut mats to maintain their stickiness?
To preserve the stickiness of your Cricut mats, store them flat or hanging in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Avoid placing heavy objects on top of your mats. This can cause deformation.
How often should I replace my Cricut mat when working with glitter card stock?
The lifespan of a Cricut mat can be different for everyone depending on how often you use it and how well you take care of it.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you use glitter card stock, the adhesive on the mat can collect debris and start to lose its stickiness faster.
So, if you notice that your mat isn’t holding your card stock securely, and it moves around during cutting, it might be time to replace it.
To keep your mat in good shape for longer, make sure to clean it regularly and store it properly when not in use.
To wrap up, for those who are unsure about which Cricut mat to use with glitter card stock, I highly recommend the purple StrongGrip mat for the majority of glitter card stock types.
It has a really strong adhesive backing, which means it can handle the thickness of glitter card stock with ease.
With this mat, you can confidently cut intricate designs using your Cricut machine, and make your projects sparkle and shine!
