Buzz
Cork board is exceptionally pliable, allowing for effortless cutting with virtually any sharp tool. However, for optimal ease, your top choices are the utility knife and scissors. Given the softness of cork board, both options...
Steps to Follow
Marking Your Cuts
Creating a Template - Print an image and affix it to the cork board using clear tape to form a guideline for cutting. Smooth out any wrinkles before securing it in place!
Pro Tip: For frequent cork-based crafting, invest in a die cutter and templates. A die cutter is a compact device that punches out cork shapes using your chosen templates, ideal for mass production of cork crafts!
Stencil Tracing Method: Alternatively, trace around a stencil or object onto the cork board using a fine-tipped permanent marker. Avoid cutting directly around the shape with a utility knife to prevent damage to the stencil or object.
- You can also draw freehand directly onto the corkboard if desired.
Straight Line Cutting: Achieve precise straight cuts by using a metal ruler as a guide. Position the ruler along the desired cutting line and carefully use a utility knife or scissors to create a perfect cut.
- Avoid using plastic or wood rulers to prevent accidental damage.
- For thin cork rolls, a paper cutter can be used for straight cuts.
Cutting Thick Cork with a Utility Knife
Cutting Thick Cork: Utilize a sharp utility knife for cork thicker than 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm). Opt for pen-shaped utility knives for easier handling, especially for bulky cork materials found in bulletin boards.
- While various sharp objects can cut cork, a utility knife ensures precision without damaging the material.
- For cutting wine corks, scissors or a kitchen knife are more suitable.
- While a utility knife can cut thinner cork, scissors are not effective for thicker cork materials.
Protect Your Surface: Place a cutting board under the cork to prevent damage to your furniture. Alternatively, use 2-3 sheets of cardboard as a makeshift buffer if a cutting board isn't available.
Starting Your Cut: Insert the blade into the cork until you reach the cutting board beneath. Begin by puncturing the cork with the knife's tip and push the blade downward until you hit the surface below.
- Hold the knife securely with your index finger on top near the base of the blade and your thumb supporting from the side. Stabilize the handle with your other fingers.
Steam Softening Method: For stubbornly thick cork, soften it by steaming. Fill a pot with water and heat it on medium. Submerge the cork in the pot for 2-3 minutes or hold it over the steam with tongs for 3-4 minutes to make cutting easier!
Cutting Technique: Slice through the cork at a 45-degree angle using the knife. Pull the knife towards you while maintaining the blade's angle to facilitate a smooth cut. Repeat as needed until the cut is complete.
- If the cut isn't deep enough, repeat the process, using the initial groove as a guide. Thick cork may require multiple passes.
- To make irregular cuts, adjust the blade angle by rotating your wrist as you cut.
Cutting Thin Cork with Heavy-Duty Scissors
Cutting Thin Cork with Sharp Scissors: For cork thinner than 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm), opt for sharp scissors. They're ideal for cutting rolled cork used in shelving or crafts. Alternatively, you can use a utility knife, but scissors are less likely to catch on the material.
- Any sharp pair of scissors will suffice, as long as they're not serrated.
Cutting with Scissors: Hold the cork in one hand and open the scissors. Position them against the cork's edge and gradually close the blades to make the cut. Cutting thin cork is akin to slicing through cardboard, so it shouldn't require much effort.
Caution: To prevent injury, maintain a distance of at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) between your fingers and the scissor blades.
Adjusting Cut Angles: Rotate the cork in your hand to change cutting angles. While it's possible to manipulate the scissors, it's easier to rotate the cork itself. For round or angular cuts, turning the cork ensures cleaner slices.
Helpful Tips
- Whether you're making straight or curved cuts, the ease depends more on the cork's thickness than the tool you use. For thicker cork, a utility knife works well for both types of cuts, while scissors are preferable for thinner cork.
Warnings
- While wood edges can be sanded smooth after cutting, cork, being bark-based, is prone to breaking rather than smoothing. Sanding cork edges may cause it to break apart.
Things You’ll Need
Marking Your Cuts
- Paper
- Printer
- Stencil
- Permanent marker
- Metal ruler
- Die cutter (optional)
- Die cutter templates (optional)
Slicing Thick Cork with a Utility Knife
- Utility knife
- Cutting board
- Pot
- Water
Using Heavy-Duty Scissors for Thin Cork
- Scissors
