The Best Plastic Covering - 2022

Plastics can be helpful when it comes to protecting things — whether you’re protecting your floors from the ice rink you made in your basement or covering wood dining tables and windows.  It could be that one of your windows is broken and you need to keep rain or snow out until you can get it fixed. Maybe you’re tackling a painting project and you need to keep your floors and furnishings safe from paint splatters. If you work in construction, your need to protect surfaces is likely part of the job.

Polyethylene is a type of plastic that offers an impressive level of protection against the elements. Made in varying levels of density, this material is great for offering heavy-duty protection in a lightweight build. There are different types of polyethylene materials, though, and some are better for various types of projects. If you’re going to cover your floor before you start painting, you’ll need different qualities in your plastic than if you’re covering up your table before a party or temporarily shielding a broken window.

Greenhouse owners also use protective plastics. Plants require a thinner layer of plastic that’s specially designed to keep dangerous UV rays out while still letting in enough light to ensure your greenery thrives. If you’re installing plastic in an area that’s affected by outdoor conditions, you’ll need to make sure you get a type that can weather the elements.

The transparency of any plastic you’re considering using is another issue. In some cases, you’ll want a plastic that will show the surfaces beneath. With protective plastics for furniture, for example, you might want your wood or upholstery to show through. But if you’re simply dropping down some plastic to keep your floors safe while you work, this transparency won’t matter as much.

Also, check the size of any plastic you buy. Often, it’s sold in sheets, so you can cut it if you need a specific size. But while you can reduce the size of your plastic before installing it, you can’t increase it, so it’s important to order what you need and maybe even a little extra.

• Durability might not matter if you’re using your plastic for a one-time project. But if you’re planning to protect an area for a long time period, especially outdoors, look for plastic that’s built to last.
• The thickness of plastic sheeting is a great gauge of its protectiveness. You can find sheeting that’s .006 inches, but the .003 range is more common.
• For long-term use, you’ll also want plastic you can clean as needed, particularly outdoors. Make sure you can simply wipe it clean occasionally to keep things looking fresh.
• Installation can be challenging with some applications. For a greenhouse, this is especially complicated since you might need a ladder and another pair of hands.
• If you’re looking for protection for surfaces, make sure your plastic of choice will absorb any scratches or debris. This may require a thicker, more durable type.
• Some plastics can be used multiple times. This can come in handy, especially if you have an ongoing regular need for plastic protection. Just make sure you choose a product designed for multiple uses and that you have somewhere to keep it when not in use.
• Plastic can come in handy for protecting things in storage. If you have a storage facility, the right plastic can ensure your items stay in good condition over the months and years.
• If you need to take your plastic from one location to another for site projects, look for sheets that come in a portable format. You might also want to invest in more than one roll so you’ll always be prepared for a last-minute project.
• Your plastic will need to be both waterproof and spill-proof to be effective. Test this capacity on a small area before relying on it to do the job.