I would suggest getting a container of Acetone as well as a few cheap brushes.
The difference between Mat and Cloth is... cloth is a lot finer, mat is going to be a little thicker. If you are fiberglassing a curvy sword with lots of details, (styrofoam base) you will want the cloth as it will show the finer details a LOT better.
A lot of people prefer to use the mat, I like to be different... I prefer the cloth myself as I 1st started fiberglassing using it on props and exterrior building projects.
If its not in the paint aisle, it will be in the automotive section