Shrink wrapping outdoor furniture is an effective way to protect it from the elements when storing it outdoors. Proper shrink wrapping creates an airtight seal that prevents damage from moisture, dirt, pests, and UV rays. With some basic supplies and following key steps, you can shrink wrap your outdoor furniture like a professional.
Introduction
Outdoor furniture is designed for exposure to the elements. However, prolonged exposure can lead to fading, cracking, mold, and other damage. Shrink wrap creates a protective barrier that prevents damage while furniture is in storage. It’s useful for off-season storage or for furniture that is displayed outdoors year-round.
Shrink wrap is an affordable and easy alternative to buying expensive outdoor furniture covers. Once secured, the tight plastic wrap prevents rain, snow, dirt, and pests from reaching your furniture. It also blocks UV rays to prevent fading. With just a few supplies and proper technique, you can wrap your furniture items snugly and securely.
Supplies Needed
Shrink wrapping outdoor furniture requires just a few simple supplies:
- Shrink wrap film – Use thick polyethylene film designed specifically for shrink wrapping. It should be at least 6mm thick. Purchase film wide enough to fully cover your furniture items.
- Scissors or utility knife – Choose sturdy, sharp scissors or a utility knife to cut the shrink wrap film.
- Heat gun or industrial-strength hair dryer – Aim for a heat tool that gets at hot, ideally around 250°F to 300°F. The concentrated heat will tighten and shrink the film.
- Masking tape – Masking tape temporarily holds the shrink wrap in place while you heat seal it.
- Gloves – Wear heavy work gloves to protect your hands from the heat. Chemical-resistant gloves also protect against the shrink film.
Steps to Shrink Wrap Outdoor Furniture
Follow these key steps to properly shrink wrap outdoor furniture:
1. Clean the Furniture
Give your outdoor furniture a thorough cleaning before shrink wrapping. Use soap and water or furniture cleaner to remove dirt, debris, bird droppings, and other impurities from the surfaces. Let the furniture air dry completely.
2. Place Furniture Items Together
Arrange the pieces tightly together before wrapping. Push tables, chairs, love seats, etc. closely together to use the shrink wrap efficiently. Angle chair legs inward so they take up less space. If possible, group items back-to-back for a tighter arrangement.
3. Cut Shrink Wrap to Size
Cut a piece of shrink wrap about 12 inches longer and wider than the furniture grouping. It’s better for the plastic to be slightly too big rather than too small. The excess will shrink down tight.
4. Cover the Furniture
Starting at the bottom or back, loosely cover the furniture with the shrink film. The film will shrink later to hug the contours tightly. For long/large items, use multiple pieces of shrink film, overlapping the edges by 6 inches and taping them together.
5. Tape Edges
Secure the shrink wrap film in place with masking tape around the bottom and perimeter edges. Use many small pieces to hold the film temporarily. Do not tape over parts that will be heat shrunk.
6. Shrink the Film
Working in sections, use a heat gun or hair dryer on the highest setting to gently heat the film. Move the heat tool up, down, and across each section while avoiding staying in one spot. Shrink and smooth out each area before moving to the next.
7. Smooth and Re-heat
Run your gloved hands over the surface while reheating areas to remove any air bubbles and ensure it’s smooth and tight. Work from the top down, finishing by re-heating corners and edges for a snug fit.
8. Seal the Bottom
For extra protection, tape the bottom edges again with a continuous strip of tape after shrinking. Heavy objects like rocks or bricks on the bottom help keep it held down.
9. Inspect and Test
Inspect the shrink wrapped furniture from all angles looking for holes or loose areas. Test the tightness by gently pressing and pulling on the film. Re-heat and smooth any problem spots.
And that’s it! Properly shrink wrapped furniture can withstand being outdoors for many months. Check periodically for rips or holes which can be patched with tape. When ready to use, simply cut away the shrink film.
Tips for Effective Shrink Wrapping
Follow these pro tips when shrink wrapping outdoor furniture:
- Work in sunny outdoor areas for fastest film shrinking.
- Move the heat tool constantly to prevent burning through the film.
- Reheat corners, edges, and seams until tight. These are weak points for water intrusion.
- Wrap tile, metal, or glass table tops separately prior to covering with furniture shrink wrap.
- Use foam pads and moving blankets underneath to cushion and fill gaps if needed.
- Face chair and love seat cushions downward to protect from water damage.
- Use an industrial-strength heat gun for large/thick items like sofas, beds, and dining sets.
- For sectionals and irregular furniture, overlap multiple pieces of shrink film, securing seams with tape.
Storing Shrink Wrapped Furniture
To maximize the life of your shrink wrapped outdoor furniture:
- Place on pallets or blocks to raise up off damp ground.
- Keep away from areas that accumulate standing water.
- Shelter under roof overhangs or sheds to avoid excess rain or snow accumulation.
- Avoid locations with rodents or pets that could scratch or puncture the plastic.
- Check periodically and patch any tears immediately with tape.
- Unwrap within 6-8 months for inspection and rewrapping if needed.
With proper materials, technique, storage, and maintenance, shrink wrap keeps your outdoor furniture protected from the elements when not in use. Just remember to allow condensation to dissipate before unwrapping to prevent potential mold or mildew issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does shrink wrap last outside?
Thick polyethylene shrink wrap film can last 4 to 6 months outside. Check frequently for tears and re-tape as needed. Unwrap and rewrap seasonally if storing furniture long term.
Does shrink wrap protect from sun damage?
Yes, shrink film blocks UV rays that cause fading and deterioration of outdoor furniture fabrics and materials. Keep wrapped when not in use.
What temperature is needed for shrink wrapping?
Use a heat gun or hair dryer on the highest heat setting around 250°F to 300°F to adequately shrink the film. Lower temperatures won’t tighten it sufficiently.
Can I shrink wrap cushions and pillows?
Yes, use shrink film to wrap cushions and pillows separately before covering the furniture frame and shrink wrapping the entire piece.
What if water gets under the shrink wrap?
Check for water intrusion frequently. Patch holes immediately with tape. Unwrap to let moisture evaporate before rewrapping to prevent mold.
Can I reuse shrink wrap?
Shrink wrap can only be shrunk once, so new film is needed each time. However, inspect salvageable pieces for holes and tape tears to reuse scraps for smaller items.
Conclusion
Shrink wrapping is an easy and affordable way to protect outdoor furniture from weather damage, dirt, and UV rays while in storage. With the right materials and proper technique, you can securely wrap your furniture to keep it looking its best for years to come. Just remember to tape edges, shrink film incrementally, check for water intrusion, and rewrap seasonally. Your patio sets, lawn chairs, tables, and other outdoor items will be prepped and ready to enjoy next season.