Are you wanting to protect your outdoor furniture from the elements this winter? Shrink wrapping is an easy and cost-effective way to ensure that all of your patio furniture remains in pristine condition – no matter how cold or wet it gets outside! In this blog post, we’ll show you step-by-step how to shrink-wrap any type of outdoor furniture for optimum protection from the cold weather.
We’ll cover what materials you need, provide detailed instructions for correctly applying the shrink wrap, discuss why it’s important to use great care when doing so, explain how often you should check on the wrapped items throughout winter months – and whatever else you need to know about successfully shrink wrapping your outdoor furniture.
So read on how to shrink wrap outdoor furniture if you’re ready to keep your valuable pieces safe until spring arrives!
Why Do You Need to Shrink Wrap Your Outdoor Furniture?
Shrink wrapping is the process of covering an item in a plastic film that shrinks when it is heated with a heat gun. This tightens the plastic around the item so that it fits snugly and offers maximum protection from dust, moisture, wind, cold temperatures and other environmental factors.
Not only can shrink-wrap keep your outdoor furniture looking its best, but it can also help prevent rust and other damage from occurring.
Shrinkwrapping is especially important if you live in an area where temperatures dip below freezing during the winter months. By protecting your furniture with this special plastic film, you can ensure that no moisture or cold air enters the unit – which can cause serious damage over time.
Needed Tools and Materials
Given below are the materials needed for shrink-wrapping outdoor furniture:
- Shrink Wrap
- Heat Gun
- Scissors or Utility Knife
- Hacksaw (for Larger Items)
- Masking Tape
- Bungee Cords
- Protective Gloves and Goggles
- Plastic Drop Cloths
10 Step-by-step Instructions on How to Shrink Wrap Outdoor Furniture
Step 1: Clean and Dry the Furniture
This is a very important step, as any dirt or moisture on the furniture will cause the wrap to not adhere properly. Before shrink-wrapping, ensure that all surfaces are completely dried off and free from dirt or debris.
It is also recommended to use a mild soap and warm water to clean the furniture prior to wrapping. But be sure to completely dry off any moisture on the furniture afterward.
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Shrink Wrap
Measure out how much shrink wrap you will need to cover your item of furniture. It is important that you leave enough extra material for sealing and shrinking, so add several inches of extra material. Once measured, use scissors or a utility knife to cut the shrink wrap into the desired shape/size.
Step 3: Prepare the Furniture for Wrapping
Before you start wrapping, make sure that all protrusions are covered with masking tape or some other non-abrasive material to prevent any accidental tearing of the shrink wrap when it is being applied.
Additionally, any items that can be removed from the furniture should be so that they do not interfere with the wrapping process. However, make sure to mark the pieces you are removing as it will help you reassemble them later.
Step 4: Apply the Shrink Wrap
Carefully apply the shrink wrap to the item of furniture, making sure all edges and corners are securely fastened. If an area is too large for a single piece of shrink wrap to cover, then use overlapping pieces.
Once the shrink wrap is securely in place, use a heat gun to start shrinking and sealing the plastic wrap. It is important to always keep the heat gun in motion while applying the heat and to be careful not to stay in one spot for too long.
Step 5: Start Shrinking
Using a heat gun on a low setting, slowly move it over the entire surface of the furniture that is covered with shrink wrap. Take your time and be careful not to overheat the plastic as this can cause it to become brittle and stretch too tight. Move the heat gun at a steady pace and be sure to shrink every corner and edge until the wrap is completely sealed.
Step 6: Secure with Bungee Cords
Once you have finished shrinking the wrap, add bungee cords or other elastic straps to ensure that the shrink wrap stays in place. Wrap them around the item multiple times and tie them off to ensure that they are secure. But be sure not to pull them too tightly as this can cause the wrap to tear. It is also important to not use any regular ties or knots as these can easily come undone.
Step 7: Check for Damage
Before leaving your furniture alone until spring arrives, make sure you inspect it thoroughly for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Check for tears or rips in the plastic and replace any damaged pieces if necessary. You should also check for any areas that may need additional shrink-wrapping to ensure the complete protection of your furniture.
Step 8: Check for Leaks
Once the item is securely wrapped, check to make sure that there are no leaks or gaps in the plastic wrap. If there are any areas where air can enter, then you will need to reapply more shrink wrap and seal it off properly with a heat gun.
However, this should not be necessary if you have applied the wrap correctly. It is important to make sure that your furniture is completely sealed off from the elements.
Step 9: Cover the Furniture with a Drop Cloth
This is an important step to ensure that your furniture stays clean and protected from wind, rain or other weather conditions. Place a plastic drop cloth over the shrink-wrapped item of furniture and secure it using bungee cords or rope.
This will help protect the item from any dust or debris that may accumulate throughout the winter months. It is also recommended to use a non-abrasive cloth to ensure that the plastic wrap does not become scratched or damaged.
Step 10: Check on Your Furniture Regularly
It is important to check your shrink-wrapped furniture regularly throughout the winter months, as extreme weather conditions can cause damage even if the item is covered in plastic. Make sure to inspect for any rips or tears in the wrap, and replace any damaged pieces if necessary. Otherwise, your furniture should be good to go until it’s time to take the wrap off in the spring!
That’s it! By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your outdoor furniture is kept safe and protected until spring arrives. So now you know how to shrink wrap outdoor furniture – giving you peace of mind knowing that your valuable items are safely stored away until warmer weather comes around again. Happy wrapping!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can You Shrink Wrap Furniture Indoors?
A: Yes, provided that the area is well-ventilated and has no open flames. Be sure to wear proper safety equipment such as gloves and goggles when using a heat gun indoors. Additionally, it is important to avoid shrinking the plastic too much as this can cause damage to the furniture or other items in the area.
Q: How Long Does Shrink Wrap Last?
A: Typically, shrink wrap will last anywhere from 6 months to a year depending on environmental conditions and the type of plastic used. It is important to ensure that the wrap is securely fastened and regularly inspected for any signs of wear and tear.
Q: What Happens if the Shrink Wrap Gets Dirty?
A: If your shrink wrap gets dirty, you can use a damp cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners as these can potentially damage the plastic. If necessary, you can also replace any parts of the wrap that have become too dirty to clean.
Q: What is the Best Way to Store Shrink Wrapped Furniture?
A: The best way to store shrink-wrapped furniture is in a dry, cool place such as a basement or an attic. Avoid storing the furniture in direct sunlight or damp areas, as this can cause damage to the plastic. Additionally, keeping the wrap away from sharp objects and other sources of heat is also recommended.
Conclusion
In conclusion, shrinking outdoor furniture is a great way to store it for the winter seasons or when you need extra space in your yard. With these helpful tips on how to shrink wrap outdoor furniture, you now possess all of the knowledge you need to shrink-wrap your outdoor furniture efficiently and without worry.
So don’t hesitate any longer—grab some shrink wrap today and enjoy having protected furniture year-round! If you don’t want to invest in professional shrink-wrapping services then give it a try yourself and take pride in knowing that your outdoor furniture is safe from harm.
