What are common mistakes to avoid during shrink wrap installation?

A well-installed shrink wrap protects equipment, structures and vessels from weather, dust and fire risks. But even a high-quality film can fail if applied incorrectly. Poor installation leads to tears, trapped moisture or reduced flame resistance, all of which cost time and money to repair.

1. Choosing the wrong type of shrink film

Not all shrink films are the same. Using a non flame-retardant film on scaffolding, for example, can expose a site to unnecessary fire risk. Similarly, a film that’s too thin or not UV-stabilised can degrade quickly under sunlight.

How to avoid it:

Always match the film type to your environment and safety requirements. For temporary containment on construction or industrial sites, use a flame-retardant scaffold shrink wrap that meets local safety standards.

Learn more about our flame-retardant shrink wraps.

2. Poor surface preparation

Dust, oil, or sharp edges can compromise adhesion and create weak spots. During heating, these imperfections can cause the film to tear or lift, especially around irregular surfaces such as boat masts, scaffolding joints or machinery corners.

How to avoid it:

Clean and dry the surface before wrapping. Cover sharp edges with foam or protective tape to prevent punctures. This is particularly important for marine and transport shrink wrap, where vibration and wind stress are common.

3. Uneven heating

Uneven or excessive heat application is a frequent cause of visual and structural defects such as fish eyes, dog ears, or burn holes. These occur when the film shrinks inconsistently due to poor control of the heat gun or varying distance from the surface.

How to avoid it:

Keep the heat gun moving in steady, overlapping strokes and maintain a consistent distance. Avoid concentrating heat in one area. Use films with stable and predictable shrink ratios, such as Solicom Verisafe’s industrial shrink films, for a uniform, professional finish.

4. Insufficient overlap and weak sealing

When two sheets of shrink film overlap insufficiently, the seal can open under tension or weather exposure, allowing water and debris to enter. In transport and shipyard applications, this can lead to corrosion or cargo damage.

How to avoid it:

Ensure a minimum overlap of 15–20 cm. Use high-performance shrink tape compatible with your film type, and check all seams after shrinking. For large machinery or vehicles, test water resistance before final release.

5. Ignoring ventilation and moisture control

Completely sealed shrink wrap without proper venting can trap condensation, especially during long-term storage of ships, aircraft or industrial equipment. Over time, this moisture promotes corrosion, mould and odours.

How to avoid it:

Install vent holes or condensation drains in strategic locations. Use pre-perforated film or add moisture absorbers inside the enclosure when needed. For shipyards and marinas, a marine shrink wrap with built-in vents offers optimal airflow without compromising weather protection.

6. Neglecting safety during installation

Working with open-flame or propane heat guns involves risk. Without the right training or safety precautions, operators may cause burns, film ignition or damage to nearby materials.

How to avoid it:

Only trained professionals should handle industrial shrink wrapping. Use certified, flame-retardant films and maintain a safe distance from combustible materials. Solicom Verisafe’s flame-retardant technology helps you comply with safety standards while maintaining performance.

7. Ignoring environmental conditions

Temperature, humidity and wind can all affect installation. Shrinking in cold or wet weather can cause the film to contract unevenly or lose adhesion. Windy conditions may lead to wrinkles, “ballooning” or premature tearing.

How to avoid it:

Schedule installation when the surface is clean, dry and wind exposure is limited. In cold climates, use films designed for low-temperature shrink performance. Always plan sufficient workspace and secure edges before heating.

8. Poor maintenance and re-inspection

Even a perfectly installed wrap can degrade over time if not inspected. UV exposure, wind friction or minor damage can expand into larger tears, especially around joints or corners.

How to avoid it:

Inspect shrink-wrapped assets regularly. Repair small tears immediately using compatible shrink tape. For long-term projects, periodic tension checks prevent slackening or ballooning.

Conclusion: combine quality materials with skilled installation

Avoiding these common shrink wrap mistakes saves time, reduces material waste and ensures consistent protection. Correct installation maximises the performance of your film, from scaffolding and industrial sites to shipyards and transport protection.

Solicom Verisafe is the standard for high-quality shrink wrap solutions and a trusted shrink wrap supplier. By using Solicom Verisafe’s high-performance shrink wraps, you gain both durability and peace of mind.

Contact us to discuss your project or request expert advice on choosing the right shrink wrap solution for your needs.