Today we are going to take a look at shrink wrap and its varying abilities by looking at what different advantages different colored shrink wraps can offer. Color makes a difference when using shrink wrap for different applications and choosing the right color for the job is important. The most common shrink wrap options are blue, white, and clear; however, black shrink wrap is also available.
Blue is best used for winter storage, especially for boats, because blue shrink wrap absorbs the sunlight and allows snow and ice to melt and slide off the cover easily. Blue, however, is not great to be used for transportation covers because it has a tendency to loosen up in hot conditions. This means it can have a bit of movement and there is the potential for chafing against whatever is covered.
White shrink is the color that is used most often. White shrink wrap reflects the sunlight and UV rays, making it the best choice for outside storage, like scaffolding and enclosures, because it allows sunlight into the enclosure and reduces the need for secondary lighting; this, in turn, lowers costs. Unlike blue wrap, white shrink wrap stays tight in all weather conditions, which also makes it ideal to use as transportation cover.
Clear shrink wrap is often used for greenhouses, but can also be used for making windows or doors in items covered in white or blue shrink wrap; thus giving you viewing access into whatever is covered. The disadvantage of clear wrap is that the sun is able to penetrate the cover, which can accentuate the buildup of moisture under the cover. Because of this, it’s important to ventilate clear shrink wrap covers or put desiccants underneath them.
Black shrink wrap is rarely recommended for outdoor use, as it will absorb light and get extremely hot in the sun. However, if you are intentionally trying to capture UV rays, then black is your answer. While it is an option, ZAP Shrink Wrap does not utilize black shrink wrap at this time.
Hopefully you’ve learned a bit more about how and why we choose the color shrink wrap we do for your job. But don’t worry if you’re not an expert just yet, whenever you work with ZAP, we make sure to expertly assess all aspects of the job to choose which one is perfect for you.