🧰Top 10 Things to Know About Industrial Shrink Wrap Film
- Ashley Sharp
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Introduction: Shrink Wrap Isn’t Just for Boats Anymore
When most people hear “shrink wrap,” they picture a boat in winter storage — but that’s only the beginning. Industrial shrink wrap is now used in construction, shipping, manufacturing, and long-term preservation across the Gulf Coast and beyond.
At Third Coast Shrink Wrap, we’ve seen shrink film protect million-dollar modules, offshore equipment, pipelines, and entire facilities. And we’ve also seen how the wrong film or installation can cause damage that costs time and money.
Whether you’re a contractor, logistics manager, or preservation lead, these are the top 10 things to know about shrink wrap before your next project.
1. Shrink Wrap Works by Heat and Chemistry
Shrink wrap is made from a special polymer (usually polyethylene) that tightens when heated. When applied with a propane heat gun (which works better than electric), it contracts around your object to form a smooth, sealed barrier.
That seal blocks dust, moisture, salt spray, and debris — protecting your equipment through transport, storage, or outdoor exposure.
Tip: Always keep the heat gun moving and use overlapping seams for best results.
2. Thickness (Mil) Matters More Than You Think
Shrink film comes in multiple thicknesses, measured in mils — one-thousandth of an inch. The thicker the film, the stronger and more puncture-resistant it is.
Typical industrial uses:
7–8 mil: Light duty — typically used for equipment that stays in place. Many companies wrap outdoor furniture with this thickness for seasonal storage.
9–10 mil: Standard strength for most industrial and marine projects.
12 mil: Heavy-duty protection for transport, wind, long-term outdoor exposure, industrial containments, and modules.
The wrong mil can lead to rips, seam failures, or costly rewraps. (See our upcoming post, “What Mil Should I choose?” For a deeper breakdown)
3. UVI Protection Keeps Film from Breaking Down
The sun is your biggest enemy. UV rays degrade plastic over time, making it brittle and weak.
To prevent that, choose a UVI-stabilized film — one formulated to resist ultraviolet light. It keeps the film flexible and strong for months outdoors.
All premium shrink wrap from Third Coast Shrink Wrap is available with UVI protection, so your equipment stays covered, not cracked. We offer 12, 18, and 36-month UVI protection pending the film.
4. Not All Shrink Wrap Is Created Equal
You can’t always see quality by eye. Two rolls may look identical, but their performance tells the truth.
Inferior films often have:
Uneven gauge (thickness varies across the roll)
“Hips and valleys” (texture ripples from bad extrusion or dirty/old dies)
Inconsistent shrink rate
All of that means weaker seams, wasted labor, and higher costs.
If you’d like to dive deeper into how film quality really affects results, read our full guide: Not All Shrink Wrap Is Created Equal: Choosing the Right Industrial Shrink Wrap Film.
5. Bigger Projects Need Bigger Rolls
Seams are your weak spots. The fewer seams you have, the stronger your wrap will be.
That’s why for large projects like modules or oversized equipment, wider rolls are a smart move. Fewer seams mean less taping, faster work, and less risk of tearing during transport.
Our 32', 42', and 48' wide by 100' long rolls are customer favorites for exactly that reason — they wrap large assets seamlessly and save on man-hours.
6. Ventilation Is Key to Longevity
A fully sealed wrap can trap condensation, leading to corrosion or mold inside. The solution: install shrink wrap vents or use corrosion-inhibiting VCI products inside your enclosure.
At Third Coast Shrink Wrap, we stock Zerust® VCI products that emit vapor molecules to protect metal surfaces from rust, even when sealed.
Bonus: We also offer a full line of moisture-reducing desiccants to reduce trapped moisture in your enclosures.
7. Weather Conditions Affect Application
Shrink wrap behaves differently in hot, cold, and high-humidity environments.
In cold weather, it may take longer to shrink and tighten.
In high humidity, ensure surfaces are dry before wrapping.
In high wind, use extra straps and secure your edges firmly.
Tip: High winds can stretch film during heating operations.
8. Maintenance Makes Protection Last
Even the best film needs routine checks. Inspect wraps every few months for:
Tears or punctures
Loose seams or straps
Signs of UV degradation (brittleness or yellowing)
Small tears can be patched with shrink wrap tape or heat patches. Don’t wait for wind to make a small problem a big one.
9. Color Choice Impacts Performance
Color isn’t just for looks — it’s functional.
White film reflects heat and keeps interior temps cooler.
Blue film absorbs warmth, prevents ice buildup in colder climates and shows less dirt.
Clear film allows inspection of parts or barcodes without unwrapping.
Red film adds visibility and branding possibilities.
Tip: Logo printing is available — call us for details!
10. The Best Film Comes with Real Support
Your project deserves more than a product — it deserves a partner.
At Third Coast Shrink Wrap, we’re more than distributors. We stock, custom-order, and bulk ship both nationally and internationally. Our team helps customers choose the right mil, UVI, and size for their exact needs — and we back it with real-world experience from the field.
If you’ve ever lost time or money due to failed wrap, we can help you fix it — and prevent it from happening again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best way to apply shrink wrap for transport?
A: Use high-quality film (10–12 mil), wide rolls to reduce seams, and apply even heat across the surface. Always secure edges tightly, add strapping for structural support, or if exposed to wind.
Q: How long will shrink wrap last outdoors?
A: With UVI protection, up to 12–18 months in most climates. Without UVI, expect only a few months before degradation starts.
Q: Can shrink wrap prevent rust or corrosion?
A: Yes — when combined with VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) products inside the wrap, it forms a complete preservation system.
Q: What’s the advantage of buying from Third Coast Shrink Wrap?
A: We stock industrial-grade film, offer custom sizes and colors, and provide free shipping on 5,000 lbs+ (on select films) — something most manufacturers won’t do.
Conclusion: Wrap It Right, Keep It Protected
Shrink wrap might look simple, but when you choose the right film and apply it correctly, it becomes an industrial-strength barrier against weather, corrosion, and transport damage.
The difference between “good enough” and “built to last” often comes down to the film you choose — and the expertise behind it.
👉 Contact Third Coast Shrink Wrap today to talk bulk pricing, custom orders, or get help choosing the right film for your next project.
Because at Third Coast, we don’t just sell wrap — we sell confidence.