what are those blue and green mats?

They are cutting mats, we use them to save table tops etc. Search on that and you'll find them. You can get them in all sorts of sizes. mine is about the same as an A4 sheet of paper.

Phil

They are mats most often used for cutting. They have a self healing property.mine is simply called a tamiya cutting mat.they are available at most any hobby supply place. Very handy

Raualduke

.they are available at most any hobby supply place. Very handy

Also try office supply stores and cheap dollar store type places. They can be had much cheaper than hobby branded ones. I have an A3 size one which was only about $5.00.

Does anyone actually use the markings on there mats, I have always used the plain side, I have never worked out how to really use those markings.

I use the marking when cutting masking tape to smaller sizes

The green mat I use has imperial measurements vertically and metric horizontally. The grid is 1" squares (25mm)

I would dare to say mine is the most beat-up mat. I cut it down to fit in a smaller container to pack to club meetings easier.

The majority of the markings on the mat are gone due to a styrene solvent glue spill before the hockey puck holder was created out of necessity.

Some brands have better scales than others. I do use the grids and scales for cutting when I do not need really good accuracy.  When I need the accuracy I have a good six inch metal scale on the bench.

I simply use cutting mats to protect my desk.

I never bother using the markings and data on the mats.  What I like is the self-healing properties when you cut on it with an X-acto knife.  And you have to replace them occasionally when they get messed up with paint and glue, which will destroy the "flatness" of the work surface.  I usually use a strip of paper towel under my model to minimize the drippings, and use the bare surface for cutting only.

I will never decipher some of the markings on my tamiya mat. Reaper 420' mouse pads make a pretty fair substitute ,if you don't feel like shelling out for such a thing.years ago a lot of companies handed them out for free as a promo

I can't use the markings,they are usually obscured by spilled paint,or  erased by spilled glue

Definitely a great hobby tool.

I have several sizes of these mats. My favorite one is about the size of a typical smart phone. Great for trimming decals and masking tape.