I've been buying Vyco for years - I love it. Having it on my desk makes writing so easy - and I don't worry about the top of my desk being scratched. I'm really hard on desktops - as a mixed media artist, one day I'm cutting with different blades, the next I'm using chemicals to etch metal. The next I want to write a letter to someone...and I want to do it all on the same surface. Probably crazy - but I want what I want. This stuff kicks total butt - it is self-healing, pens work better when writing on this, it provides a more cushion-y surface than just wood or glass, and it protects the desk or table top. I always try to keep some on hand - a quick way to revitalize the look of a desk? Change the Vyco. It's hard to stain (altho some ballpoint ink WILL leave stains if left sitting on the surface for a long time - like storing a handwritten paper for months and months) and it's one of my favorite studio "must haves". I just wish Alvin would come out with more/better colors. This avocado green was tired a long time ago. Time for some spicy, funky colors!