Cutting rubber is easier than you think. There is a proper way of doing it so you won’t damage your material or worse, an injury. Learning how to cut rubber properly can give you a clean cut that won’t leave you with gaps or crooked edges. This way you will end up with mats or rubber sheets which you can connect on your own, will fit better, and will look nicer. Some thicker rubbers might be tough and take longer to cut, but using the same procedure will still get the job done. Follow these simple instructions to ensure your mat is cut correctly! This guide is for the non-professional looking for a Do-it-Yourself solution. With this sort of project, there will be no need to seek out the help of rubber product suppliers. Although, if your project requires dye-cutting or water-jet cutting you should you will definitely want to contact the firm which made your product and see what services they can provide for you.

As with most Do-it-Yourself projects, the list of materials is usually very simple, affordable, and accessible. The same is true for this project. These are the materials you will need:

• Sharp Utility Knife: A fixed blade works best over a retractable utility knife. Be sure the blades are sharp not dull, it will make this cutting procedure a lot easier and safer. If you are making repeated cuts, you may want to have blade replacements or a blade sharpener at hand.
• Chalk: It’s always best to mark the line with something that can be easily seen and washed off. Mark the line with chalk and wash it off when you’re done. Avoid using more-permanent methods of marking, like pens or sharpies.

• Straight Edge: You will need a straight edge to mark up the line and to use for support when cutting rubber. This will allow you to make a clean and straight edge. A yard or meter stick will work fine, preferably one made out of a thin metal material. These are less likely to have inconsistencies.
• Gloves: Having a pair of protective gloves is imperative; do not forget the sharp utility knife being used! All employees at rubber product suppliers use gloves constantly and so should you.
• Soap and water: Sometimes this can help make the cutting process go faster; however, soap and water can also be a hazard since it affects the speed of that knife in your hand!

Follow these four steps on how to cut rubber for a nice clean cut:

1. Lay the mat flat on the ground. Then, using the straight edge, mark the line where you will cut with your chalk. Do this several times until the line is visible and straight.
2. Now, place your straight edge on the cutting mark firmly and use your sharp utility knife to score the line two to four times. Cutting rubber can take longer for thicker materials so you may need to score it a few more times in those situations. If needed, use some of the soapy water!
3. Next, grab the rubber close to the line where you cut and bend it towards you. The line will break open when you do this.
4. Last but not least, lay the mat back flat on the ground and score the line a few more times working down until the cut is complete.

Voila! Cutting rubber with these instructions give you a nice looking mat! You might already be an expert and do just as well as the rubber product suppliers who you obtained the product from. Do so for any rubber to get this job done easily and safely. This process may be made easier by cutting on a raised surface such as a 2 X 4 wood block. The weight of one side of the mat will push itself down away from the cut, making it easier for the knife to penetrate. Since you’ve learned how to cut rubber with only four easy steps, the next time you cut your mats will be a piece of cake!