Masking film is a solution used during painting that protects wall surfaces and furniture from unwanted paint splatters. But why should one invest time and effort in masking? What are the benefits of masking film? These are the questions we address in this article!

Masking film is a practical tool utilized during masking, a process of covering surfaces. It's a sturdy, typically transparent plastic film enabling precise and meticulous work, whether it's painting, automotive painting, construction, or renovation tasks.

The process of masking: What does it involve precisely?

Masking is a procedure where certain areas are covered to protect them during work. The application of masking film not only provides protection against unwanted paint spots or dust but also helps to concentrate on the desired surface during work.

The masking process involves the following steps: first, we need to determine which areas we want to cover, then we cut the masking film to size and tightly fit it to the surface. After that, we can proceed with the work without worrying about unwanted paint splatters or other contaminants.

With proper planning and the correct application of masking film, the overall work can be faster and more efficient, while keeping our environment clean and neat. In the following sections, we will detail the advantages of masking film and its various applications.

Benefits and versatility

The use of masking film comes with numerous advantages, making work easier and ultimately saving time. The application of the film is simple and quick, allowing more time for truly important tasks. It can precisely delineate between areas to be painted and those not to be painted, minimizing the risk of paint splatter and runs.

Its application provides a level of protection essential to the workflow. It not only shields furniture and floors from paint drips, but also helps prevent potential scratches and other damage.

During painting, it serves an additional function: aiding in colour boundary preservation. This means that by using it, adjacent surfaces can be painted different colours without the paint blending or the boundary line becoming uneven.

Types and application of masking film

One of the most popular variations is the taped masking film. Its main advantage lies in its quick and simple application, thanks to the tape already included. This makes work more efficient, a big plus because many pros try to avoid masking due to its time-consuming nature.

This self-adhesive type is frequently used for painting or renovation projects that demand precision and cleanliness. Another advantage is its effortless removal after work, leaving behind no residue and enabling clean cuts.

Areas of application

Masking film can be used in numerous areas where surface protection is needed. These include painting, where the film helps prevent unwanted paint spots. Masking film used during renovations protects against dust, dirt, and various materials that could damage equipment and furniture.

In the automotive industry, it's an indispensable tool, especially during painting. Transparent masking film is particularly popular. It's made of a very strong material capable of protecting parts of the car that do not require repair or painting.

Tricks and tips for effective masking film use

Using masking film is pretty straightforward, but a few handy tips can make it even more efficient. Firstly, apply the film carefully to ensure it sticks properly to the surface.

For larger areas, consider using multiple pieces of film placed side by side. After you're done, remove the film immediately to avoid any adhesive residue or potential damage. Although modern tapes leave little to no trace, it's always good to be cautious.

Masking film is great for protecting surfaces, furniture, equipment, or floors from paint or dirt.

Looking for masking film? Explore our selection in the Flanker online catalogue!

Surface protection is an essential part of the manufacturing process. During storage, material handling, transport and sales, the surface of manufactured products and objects can easily be damaged, which is not only annoying but can also cause considerable financial damage. However, by using surface protection film, we can prevent these mechanical damages.

What is surface protector film?

Surface protector film, as the name suggests, plays a key role in protecting surfaces. It is a transparent, flexible and easy-to-apply material whose primary purpose is to protect surfaces from minor scratches, impacts, abrasion and dirt. It is highly resistant to UV radiation, which also helps to preserve the original colour and condition of surfaces.

Surface protector film is a versatile product that provides excellent service in a wide range of applications. Thanks to its wide range of applications, it is not only used in industrial environments but also in everyday life.

In the home, for example, we can protect furniture, floors and various tools from becoming worn or damaged prematurely. Surface protection film is also often used to protect the bodywork of vehicles. As well as protecting the car from minor stone chips and scratches, its coating can also be a good choice for its appearance. It can be used to protect plastic, wood and metal window frames, for display protection, in the packaging of artefacts, and to protect stainless steel tanks and plastic pressed sheeting.

Why is it beneficial to use surface protection film?

Surface protector film is an excellent way to protect a variety of surfaces, such as vehicle paintwork or displays. Its basic properties include scratch and impact resistance, effectively protecting surfaces from minor damage during everyday use. This allows you to prolong the life of your surfaces and maintain a flawless aesthetic appearance. These properties make surface protection film an ideal choice for vehicle maintenance, display protection and other sensitive surfaces.

Surface protector film can be a very cost-effective solution in the long term. Foiling helps to avoid surface damage that may later require major repairs. Those who regularly apply surface protection film can experience a reduction in maintenance costs as the film effectively protects surfaces, reducing repair and painting costs. This can provide long-term monetary benefits while preserving valuable or sensitive surfaces.

Practical, and easy to apply and remove. Here's how to use surface protection films in general.

Steps for applying surface protector film

There are a few key steps in the surface protection film application process, which we will discuss below. It should be noted that, of course, there may be variations and specific procedures depending on the purpose, but typically the following path is followed by the film until it is applied to the surface.

Basic preparation steps

Clean the surface thoroughly before applying the film. This includes removing dust and dirt to ensure that the film adheres perfectly and provides maximum protection. Make sure the surface is dry and free of grease.

Correct use of the film

Precise application of the film is essential for effective protection. Use a special fluid to help align and secure the film to the surface. Make sure that no bubbles or folds remain and smooth out the film.

Care tips to extend the life of your film

Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure the long life of the film. Clean the foil surface with a mild detergent and avoid harsh abrasion or strong chemicals. This will prolong the protective effectiveness and aesthetic appeal of the film.

Surface protection films at Flanker

The films are available in a variety of material qualities and packaging. Here are a few of Flanker's range!

3M™ 8591 Paint Protection Film

This is a clear adhesive film that protects your vehicle's surface from damage, corrosion and wear. It has a thickness of 12 millimetres and is characterised by its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions without staining, shrinking, etc.

3M™ Scotchgard™ SGH6 Paint Protection Film

Used in vehicle protection, this film is a highly durable, long-lasting solution. This is helped by the fact that the Pro Series is shelved with a self-healing formula, meaning that even the smallest damage can self-dissolve from the surface.

Ventureshield™ Paint Protection Film 7510CC/CS

This type of paint protection film is a cost-effective solution for protecting your vehicle's surface from external damage such as stone chipping.

Find more surface protection films in Flanker's online store! Click and have a look!

Contact adhesive is a versatile material widely used in various industries, and it's popular for numerous household and craft projects as well. It provides strong, stable bonding, whether it's used on identical or different materials. Thanks to its bonding strength and beneficial properties, it's commonly utilized, for example, in the construction industry. Stay with us, and you'll learn everything about using contact adhesive from this article!

The universal nature of contact adhesive makes it incredibly appealing, as it can be used on a wide variety of materials. Additionally, its quick bonding and strength enable it to adhere to the most challenging surfaces. So, if you're seeking something reliable, durable, and versatile, contact adhesive might just be the perfect choice.

Contact adhesive: Essential insights

Contact adhesive demonstrates remarkable versatility, proving invaluable in a diverse range of tasks ranging from decorative projects to furniture assembly. It results in strong, durable bonding, forming a solid connection.

There are various types of contact adhesives available. Depending on the application and bonding strength, you can find them in water-based, solvent-based, and polyurethane versions. While water-based variants are more suitable for smaller decorative tasks, solvent-based or polyurethane types with very strong adhesion are used in situations involving heavy objects and where resistance to weather and environmental effects is necessary.

Contact adhesive is surface-independent, working with various materials. It can be used with wood, metal, plastic, glass, paper, fabric, plastic-coated sheets, and many others. When selecting the adhesive, attention should be paid to its composition, as certain types of plastics may react to the solvent. It's always wise to read the manufacturer's instructions and, if necessary, test the adhesive on a less visible area.

Using contact adhesive: How to apply it correctly

Surface Preparation

Before diving into the application of contact adhesive, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of our intended outcome. In most cases meticulous surface preparation is key to success, involving thorough cleaning and often sanding to ensure a the surface is free from dust and grease. A well-prepared prepared surface allows for optimized use of contact adhesive and ensures longer durability.

Bonding

After preparing the surface, it's time to use the contact adhesive. The adhesive is usually applied in an even layer on both surfaces, then the bonded surfaces are pressed together and left to dry. Always check the optimal bonding time on the product packaging, as this may vary by manufacturer.

Drying and post-treatment

After bonding, it's important to allow time for drying. Post-treatment may involve removing excess adhesive, sanding the surface, or using appropriate tools for other tasks.

The most important thing when using contact adhesive is not to rush the process; allow time for the adhesive to bond properly, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions to achieve the best results. Using contact adhesive is an easy, simple, yet effective solution for many tasks!

The benefits of contact adhesive: Why is it worth using?

Contact adhesive offers numerous advantages, let's look at the three most important ones!

Durability

The effectiveness of contact adhesive is limitless; with proper material preparation and correct application of the adhesive, the bond can be so strong that it seems as if the two surfaces were never separated. Durability and reliability go hand in hand with contact adhesive when applied correctly.

Versatile usability

The use of contact adhesive is extremely versatile. Whether bonding wood, metals or plastics, contact adhesive is a great choice. It is widely favoured in both construction industry and households because it can effectively bond identical and different materials as well.

Simple Application

Using contact adhesive does not require extensive preparation or complicated techniques. Its application is straightforward: apply it to both surfaces, wait a few minutes for the adhesive to slightly dry, then press them together.

A wide range of adhesives is available on the Flanker website. Interested in our products? Dive in and take a look around our online catalogue!

Packaging tape is not just a tool for sealing boxes. It has many roles and functions, depending on the type and type of adhesive you choose. In our blog post, we've collected everything you need to know about packaging tapes!

Packaging tapes play an essential role in the packaging process, from preserving products to guaranteeing the safety of transport to transferring information. As simple as its function may seem, packaging tape can have a significant impact on the customer experience and therefore on your business as a whole. The wrong choice of packaging tape can not only make the parcel delivery process more difficult but also more costly, while the right type can increase parcel security and improve the customer experience.

Here we look at the different types of packaging tape, their features, advantages and disadvantages!

Types of packaging tapes

Packaging tapes are used in many areas of life, both in everyday life and in industry. So let's take a look at the different types and their characteristics.

BOPP packaging tapes

These tapes are made from bioriented polypropylene or BOPP. Their characteristics include high tensile strength and good elasticity, which is why they are often used in logistics or general applications. They have the advantage of being extremely durable and resistant, not to mention economical. Their disadvantage is that they produce large amounts of plastic waste.

Paper packaging tapes

Paper packaging tapes, as their name suggests, are made of paper. Their main advantages are that they are recyclable and environmentally friendly. Their disadvantage is that they are less resistant to extreme temperatures and humidity.

PVC packaging tapes

PVC packaging tapes are made of polyvinyl chloride, a very strong raw material, which makes them ideal for heavier packages. As well as being hard-wearing, they stretch well and are resistant to chemicals and weathering. On the downside, they use a lot of energy to make and are difficult to recycle.

Fibre-reinforced packaging tapes

Fibre-reinforced packaging tapes are usually reinforced with fibres made of glass fibre or polyester, which makes them strong enough to withstand any packaging task. The fibre reinforcement makes them particularly resistant, but they have the disadvantage that they are typically more expensive than other types of packaging tape.

Now that we're familiar with the types of packaging tapes, let's move on to how adhesive tapes adhere to surfaces!

Adhesives for packaging tapes

It's not enough to know the material of the tape, you also need to know what adhesive it is made with, as this will affect its use. Let's look at the types of adhesives!

Acrylic

Acrylic adhesive-based packaging tapes are widely used for light and medium-weight packages. Acrylic-based products are characterised by their long-lasting adhesion, which ensures the durability of the packaging. An additional advantage is that acrylic is resistant to UV radiation and weathering, protecting packages during long-term storage and transport.

Nevertheless, acrylic adhesive does have its drawbacks. For example, it does not provide instant adhesion, so manual application can sometimes be difficult. Extreme cold weather can also cause problems, as adhesion may be weaker.

Solvent

Packaging tapes with solvent, also known as solvent-based adhesives, are a great choice when extreme adhesive strength is required. A major advantage is their fast and strong adhesion, which makes them easy to work with, both manually and mechanically. Another plus is their resistance to weathering and heat.

On the downside, solvents often have a strong odour, which can be unpleasant to use. Also, despite its high resistance to heat and extreme cold, solvent-based adhesives tend to discolour in light stronger than medium.

Hotmelt

Packaging tapes with hotmelt adhesive provide an instant and extremely strong adhesion, which can be useful for both manual and mechanical applications. Another advantage is that they are much less prone to discolouration than other types.

However, this adhesive method requires higher temperatures, which are not always easy to achieve in manual applications. In addition, although hotmelt provides very strong adhesive strength, it is less resistant to the cold effect.

Natural rubber

Packaging tapes made with natural rubber-based adhesives also provide strong, instant adhesion. A positive feature is that they are suitable for all surfaces, including cartons made from recycled materials. Natural rubber-based adhesive packaging tapes are resistant to moisture and heat and perform well in low-temperature environments.

The main drawback, however, is that the strength of the adhesive can diminish over the years, especially if storage conditions are not suitable. In addition, the odour associated with natural rubber-based adhesives can also be a nuisance.

Choosing the right type of packaging tape can make packaging easier, faster and less costly. It is therefore worth taking care when choosing one.

Flanker is a supplier of raw materials to industry players. Have a look around our webcatalogue!