HOW TO SELECT & USE SHRINK WRAP
We pride ourselves on providing as much information and technical support as possible on all the shrink-wrap options available and on installation techniques to ensure the most professional installation possible.
Below you can find a wealth of information about the different kinds of shrink-wrap available and what shrink wrap is right for you and your application.
Which shrink-wrap weight should I be using?
Shrink-wrap film is measured in Microns or Mils, these determine the thickness of the film, the greater the number, the thicker the material. Dr Shrink offer a full range of thickness using only 100% virgin resin which guarantees an accurate and consistent thickness:
- 150 Micron (6-mil)—is our thinnest shrink wrap and is used on smaller items such as boats, shed frames, pallets, and machinery that will be stored rather than transported.
- 180 Micron (7-mil)—is the standard thickness for shrink wrapping boats in snow load areas, for light construction jobs and for medium sized machinery that will be transported. Also available in Flame Retardant.
- 200 Micron (8-mil)—is an excellent thickness for covering large boats, shrink wrapping large building frames, and for wrapping large equipment with sharp protrusions for transportation or storage.
- 220 Micron (9-mil)—is perfect for wrapping machinery, is very durable and works well for making containments and wrapping scaffolding. Also available in Flame Retardant.
- 250 Micron (10-mil)—is a versatile thickness which is excellent for wrapping large sections of scaffolding, shrink wrapping large products for on deck ocean freight, and for covering odd shaped machinery for storage or transportation.
- 300 Micron (12-mil)—is our thickest shrink wrap and is available with or without Flame Retardant additives. All of our premium FR
Shrink Wrap meets, or exceeds, NFPA 701 specifications for extinguishing itself. Flame Retardant Shrink Wrap is required for some scaffolding jobs and always on government bids where people will be working under the material. Standard 12-mil shrink wrap is available in Flame Retardant.
All of our premium shrink wrap is made of 100% virgin resin materials with maximum UV inhibitors for long term outside usage. We offer several micron thicknesses for different types of applications. All of our shrink-wrap is recyclable, made from #4 Low Density Polyethylene Film.
Which shrink-wrap colour should I be using?
- WHITE is the colour that works best for most shrink wrapping applications. We have a large selection of micron thicknesses and widths to cover almost any item. White reflects heat and stays tight in all weather conditions which makes it an ideal transportation cover. In addition, as the white reflects heat it keeps whatever is underneath the shrink wrap more of a constant temperature, thereby minimizing condensation and moisture build up.
- BLUE is generally used in snow-load areas as it absorbs heat which helps any accumulated snow to slide off the shrink wrap covers. Its heat absorption capabilities make it a less than desirable product for warm climates where it can overheat the products under the covers. It will also “loosen up” in hot conditions which means it can move and chafe on itself and is not good for use as a transportation cover.
- CLEAR is used to cover greenhouses, make boat covers for brokerage boats and live aboards, etc. The advantage of clear is that you can see through it, the disadvantage is that sun penetrating the covers can accentuate the buildup of moisture under the cover. Care must be taken to ventilate clear shrink wrap covers or put desiccants under the shrink wrap.
All of our premium shrink wrap is made of 100% virgin resin materials with maximum UV inhibitors for long term outside usage. We offer several micron thicknesses for different types of applications. All of our shrink-wrap is recyclable, made from #4 Low Density Polyethylene Film.
Which shrink-wrap material should I be using?
In addition to the standard shrink-wrap film, Dr Shrink also offer Flame Retardant Shrinkwrap which contains specialised additives that will extinguish the wrap within 4 seconds of having the source of ignition removed from the material. This makes it an ideal shrink wrap for scaffolding, shipyards, factories, containments, etc. where people will be working under the material. All of our Flame Retardant Shrink Wrap meets, or exceeds, NFPA 701 Specification.
HOW TO USE SHRINK-WRAP
Dr Shrink have developed a complete library of How-To and Training videos as well as extensive data sheets for each product. Detailed explanations of each process and specific end use scenarios give you all the information required to complete a professional long lasting installation on any items including power boats, sailboats, machinery, scaffolding, construction, patio furniture, pontoon boats, and more with the leading experts on shrink-wrap processes and best practices giving you guidance.
Dr Shrink Shrink Wrap Overview and Informational Videos
Get familiar with the Dr Shrink range, why use Dr Shrink, and an introduction into installation tools and accessories
Boat & Marine Specific Shrink Wrapping Videos
Dr. Shrink has developed a complete portfolio of shrink-wrap film and accessories to deliver the best marine shrink wrapping solution available in the market. Below you will find a comprehensive library of shrink wrap videos and guides developed from years of experience with an expert shrink-wrap technician guiding you from start to finish.
Industrial Equipment and Machinery Shrink Wrapping Videos
Use the complete Dr Shrink product portfolio to fully encapsulate items for industrial applications including agricultural equipment, trailers and machinery. Below you will find a comprehensive library of shrink wrap videos and guides developed from years of experience with an expert shrink-wrap technician guiding you from start to finish.
Do-it-Yourself, Caravans, and Patio Furniture Shrink Wrapping Videos
Find a library of DIY project videos for shrink wrapping items such a patio furniture, and also shrink wrapping caravans, mobile homes, campers and RVs.
Tips, Tricks, and Accessory Shrink Wrapping Videos
A few videos on useful accessories and materials and top tips & tricks videos to keep all your jobs looking top-notch and professional.
Dr Shrink Data Sheets and Guides
- Dr Shrink Catalogue
- Dr Shrink Data Sheets
- Shrink Wrap Film Specification Data Sheets
- Tape Specification Data Sheets
- Strapping Specification Data Sheets
- Dr Shrink Safety Data Sheets