Question about Self-stick Mounting Board...

[SofaraStarfyre]

I am purchasing one for a project I am working on right now, and it's the right length, but it's a bit too wide. My question is, is it possible to trim one down before you peel the sheet off and if so, what do you use?

[kuja.girl]

I'm sure you can trim the board. I assume it's some kind of cardboard, so a sharp utility knife should do it (I'd use a metal ruler to guide the cut). And since you'll be covering up the sides it could be a bit rough :)

[SofaraStarfyre]

Thank you Kuja. I've never worked with one before so I wanted to ask before I did it. The project is going to get framed as well, I just wanted something stable behind it so it is easy to position since I want it to be perfectly placed.

[kuja.girl]

If you're framing it then you have even less to worry about since the sides will be covered up! I've never used it myself but I've looked at it the product in stores and I'm sure a sharp knife will work fine (like an xacto). If any of the glue gets on the knife you can try cleaning it with olive oil or Goo Gone.

[SofaraStarfyre]

Sounds good. I think I will get myself an exacto knife to keep for things like this because the utility knife I have just doesn't cut it (no pun intended LOL) for stuff like this.

[kuja.girl]

Xacto makes utility knives too but you can buy any old holder as long as it fits the blades! I have always had 2 or 3 of their craft knives around but have been using a utility knife to cut foam board for a project at work. The thickness of the material is what determines the blade type :) Good luck!

[SofaraStarfyre]

Well, I couldn't find me an exact knife tonight while I was grocery shopping ( didn't know if they'd have them in the school supply section or not, so I had to look), but hubby has a utility knife and we have fresh blades so we should be ok. Thank you for your help Kuja! I will be sure to post how it went when I do it.

[Eliste]

Don't know if you've done it yet or not but this might help. I know you're not going to be cutting the center, but the same basic premise applies when cutting the sides.

From experience, measure twice!! Omg measure twice! And then double check you measured twice. And make sure what you're doing it on is cut-into-able (like, if your knife goes into it its no big deal, cause it will). And absolutely, positively, use a ruler or other guiding straight line WHILE cutting. The heavier the guide ruler the better. I'm using my plastic ruler in the pics, but I sorely miss my big metal ruler. Made it MUCH easier.

[kuja.girl]

I own 2 stainless steel rulers, a 18" and a 28" (I think? it's at work right now) - they were expensive but they last forever and you will never regret buying them. And measure twice, cut once is always good advice.

[SofaraStarfyre]

Thank you Eliste! I've not done the cutting yet, as I still am waiting for my order to come in the mail. I have an 18" and a 3 foot metal ruler so I am good there, and I have a cutting mat as well, so I have my bases covered. I will be cutting about 2 inches off one of the long sides of the mat, since the mat I ordered was a 9x12 and my project is just shy of 7" wide, but is spot on 12 inches long.