How to Choose Protective Film?

The checklist that follows is a rough guideline that can be used to help you zero in on the optimum protective film for your particular application. You will probably want to evaluate two or three different films to find the best performer for your requirements. The more specifically you can identify the requirements of your application, the closer you can come to find that perfect film the first time around.

How to Choose Protective Film or Tape?

Also, view our types of protective film page for even more information.    

1. Identify the requirements for the ADHESIVE.

A. What surface is to be protected?

Metal type: ________________

Plastic type: ________________

Glass: ________________

High pressure laminate: ________________

Stone, marble, granite: ________________

Carpeting: ________________

Painted surface (fully cured): ________________

Other: ________________

PE Protective Film for Carpet

B. What is the texture of the surface?

Smooth/glossy: ________________

Matte/textured/embossed: ________________

Coated? If yes, with what: ________________

C. What environmental issues might affect the adhesive?

Prolonged exposure to Sunlight / UV lighting: ________________

Temperature extremes: ________________

High positive pressure (such as the bottom unit of a tall stack): ________________

High negative pressure (wind or something pulling the away from the surface): ________________

High humidity: ________________

Moisture/rain/immersion: ________________

Chemical interaction with elements in the protected surface: ________________

Chemical interaction with elements in the environment: ________________

Protective Film for Glass    

D. How long must the surface be protected?

Days ___ Weeks ___ Months ___

More than 6 months ___ More than a year ___

2. Identify the performance requirements for the protective FILM.

A. What does the film need to protect the surface from?

Abrasion:___ Staining:____

Scratching: ___ Etching: ___

Chipping: ___ Contamination: ___(over-spray, finger prints, dust, etc.)

B. What other properties are required from the film? __________________________

Does the protected surface need to be visible through the film?  Yes   No

Does the film need to stretch during stamping, forming, or bending?  Yes   No

Does the film need to be cut cleanly in a die press? Yes   No

Does the film need a color tint to signal its presence? Yes   No

Does the film need to have optical grade clarity? Yes   No

Does the film need to protect against ESD (electrostatic discharge)? Yes   No

Protective Film For Marbles And Ceramics    

3. Identify the size and dimensions of the tape/film product.

Does the film need to be perforated or cut to a shape? ___ width ___ length

Does the film need to be supplied as sheets on a release liner? Yes No

Will the film be dispensed by __ hand, from __ a dispenser or __ an applicator?

What role/sheet dimensions are required?

___ Width   ___ Maximum roll weight

___ Length   ___ Maximum roll outer diameter

4. Assess the risks: what could possibly go wrong? Which of these might apply?

Adhesive could permanently bond the film to the surface. ___

Adhesive could stain the surface (ghosts of bubbles/wrinkles in the film).__

Adhesive could leave a sticky residue on the surface.___

Adhesive could lose its bond with the surface and fall off.___

greater plant capacity thanks to less rework: ___

over-time costs less: ___

higher morale in the executive suite: ____

Let us help you find the best temporary surface protection film for your needs. Welcome to contact us today or visit our website to learn more about the PE protective plastic film.