The cm lines are very helpful when working, but nothing special on this type mat. What is special is that this mat is slightly thicker, as I mark of brands mats (Prym and Co.). This I find very good because the mat is thus much more stable. In addition, the surface is slightly rough, which the pleasant effect that eg rulers easily "float" on the surface. It does not come to a stick, which is very useful especially in trimming of paper and small plastic parts. In the previous mat this was not so and wanted to move the ruler only a milimeter, it was through the "solution jerk" be before that you put it off to 5mm in place a.
All in all, I'd say the one for this price a very solid, beautifully finished pad gets, which is expected to survive many patterns. Because the backing is the back black and green front, you can take the appropriate page, depending on the fabric paint. But this is not sooo helpful that it therefore would be an extra praise, I personally like only the black side better and I think it's good that both colors are here.