Omar Khalid
Covering items with plastic is a great way to protect them. Plastic sheeting is often used to protect concrete from the cold and wet weather conditions. It can also be used to protect books, with libraries using plastic slip covers to protect their books. Rolls of plastic typically come in heights ranging from 9 inches (23 cm) to 16 inches (41 cm). To cover a book with plastic, you can use contact paper, which works like a sticker, or non-adhesive plastic wrap, which needs to be taped down.
Characteristics of Covering Things with Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | Heavy-duty plastic sheet protector, 8-10 mil sheet of clear plastic, contact paper, non-adhesive plastic wrap |
| Plastic thickness | 3 mil is too thin and will tear easily; 5 mil is the minimum, 8-10 mil is better |
| Plastic height | Rolls of plastic typically come in heights ranging from 9 inches (23 cm) to 16 inches (41 cm) |
| Plastic width | Cut the plastic 3 inches (7.6 cm) above and below the object being covered |
| Adhesive | Tape, contact paper (acts like a sticker) |
| Use case | Protecting books, curing concrete, covering electronics |
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What You'll Learn
Covering a book with plastic film
Prepare the Materials
You will need a roll of clear plastic, a sharp pair of scissors, a ruler, and some tape. The thickness of the plastic is measured in mils, and typically ranges from 1-4 mils. For a standard textbook, cut your plastic to be 14.5 inches (37 cm) by 17 inches (43 cm).
Cut the Plastic
Place the book in the centre of the plastic, leaving a border of about 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) of extra plastic on all sides. Cut the plastic along the top and bottom edges, then mark and cut the plastic to size on either side of the book.
Fold and Tape
Fold the plastic around the book, creating two equally-sized flaps on the top, bottom, and one side. Fold the front flap under the front cover, pull tight, and tape it in place. Repeat this process for the back flap, but do not tape it down. Instead, press down firmly across the crease to create a defined fold.
Secure the Spine
Cut two spinal tabs into each flap, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the edge of the spine. Fold the plastic over the spine, pressing firmly to eliminate bubbles and ensure good adhesion.
Finish the Corners
Use scissors to snip off each corner of the plastic cover at an angle, cutting upwards and inwards to create a triangle. Open the book to the back cover and cut off the inner plastic flaps at a slight angle. Repeat this process for the front cover.
Finalize the Cover
Pull the plastic taut and rub the edges to ensure good adhesion and eliminate any remaining bubbles. Tape the inside and outside layers of plastic together along the top and bottom edges of the book, being careful not to stick the tape to the book itself.
Note: This process may reduce or destroy the book's collector value, so it is not recommended for rare or potentially valuable books.
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Using contact paper
Contact paper is a versatile material that can be used for various decorative and functional purposes around the house. Here are some ways to use contact paper to cover things with plastic:
Kitchen and Storage:
Contact paper can be used to cover kitchen cabinets and shelves, giving them a fresh, clean look. For example, you can sand the surface of rough wood shelves and apply solid-coloured contact paper with a vinyl surface. You can also use it to cover #10 cans to be used as storage containers in the kitchen. However, avoid using contact paper on items that involve heat, as it can interfere with heat transfer and cause the paper to fall off or leave behind difficult-to-remove glue residue.
Decorative Purposes:
Chalkboard contact paper can be used to create write-on surfaces on doors, allowing you to leave notes or transform spaces into message boards. You can also cut contact paper into unique shapes and apply them to your fridge, eliminating the need for Post-it notes. Additionally, consider using window film, which comes in various opacities and patterns, to cover windows for added privacy or to enhance the view.
Switch Plate Covers:
Instead of replacing switch plate covers, you can give them a new look by covering them with contact paper. This allows you to be creative and decorative, choosing from various options like antique brass, modern plastic covers with graphics, or even applying wallpaper or fabric.
Flooring:
If you have unattractive concrete or old wooden floors, peel-and-stick tiles made from contact paper can give your floors a new lease of life.
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Using non-adhesive plastic wrap
To get started, select a plastic sheet that is slightly larger than the book you plan to cover. You can also cut the plastic to size, ensuring you have a border of around 3 inches (7.6 cm) of extra plastic around the book. Place the book in the centre of the plastic sheet, and then fold the plastic around it, creating two equally-sized flaps on the top, bottom, and one side. You can use binder clips to keep the plastic in place while you work.
Next, fold the front flap under the front cover and tape it in place. Pull the plastic tight to ensure a snug fit, but be careful not to apply adhesive to the book itself, as this could damage the cover when you remove the tape. Repeat the process for the back cover, but do not tape this flap. Instead, press down firmly across the crease to create a defined fold.
Finally, cut two spinal tabs about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from where the plastic folds around the spine. Cut right up to the edge of the book, being careful not to cut the cover. You can now slide the plastic cover off the back cover, fold in the spinal tabs, and then slide the cover back on. Fold in the remaining flaps and tape them in place, ensuring you only tape plastic to plastic.
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Covering concrete with plastic sheeting
Preparing the Concrete:
Firstly, understand that plastic sheeting is most effective when applied immediately after freshly poured concrete. The early curing phase, known as hydration, is critical as the concrete absorbs moisture from the mix to gain strength and durability. Applying plastic sheeting helps maintain a controlled moisture environment, ensuring proper curing and preventing the surface from drying out too quickly.
Unrolling the Plastic Sheeting:
Once you have prepared the concrete, it's time to unroll the plastic sheeting. Ensure you have enough sheeting to cover the entire concrete area without any gaps or exposed sections. The sheeting should be large enough to cover all edges and corners of the concrete, preventing any environmental factors from affecting the curing process.
Securing the Edges:
After the sheeting is in place, use heavy objects such as sandbags or boards to anchor the edges. This step is crucial to prevent the sheeting from being blown away by the wind or displaced. Ensure that all edges are secure, creating a controlled environment for the concrete to cure effectively.
Timing Considerations:
Remember that timing is an art when it comes to concrete curing. There are variables like weather conditions and late bleed water that can impact the process. Consult with professionals or those experienced in concrete behaviour to ensure you're applying the plastic sheeting at the right time for optimal curing.
Outdoor Concrete:
If your concrete is situated outdoors, plastic sheeting becomes even more crucial. Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or freezing temperatures can impact the curing process and the final aesthetic of the concrete. Ensure you take the necessary precautions to protect your concrete from these elements.
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Types of plastic for covering things
When it comes to covering things with plastic, there are various types of plastic available, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. Here is a detailed guide to some of the commonly used plastics for covering items:
Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene is one of the most common plastics globally and is classified into three types: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). HDPE is strong and resistant to moisture and chemicals, making it ideal for cartons, containers, pipes, and building materials. LDPE, on the other hand, is flexible and often used for plastic bags and food storage containers. LLDPE combines the benefits of HDPE and LDPE, offering improved strength and flexibility.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is a widely used plastic known for its durability and versatility. It is commonly used for pipes, wire insulation, and various consumer products such as bottles and food packaging. PVC is also used in construction due to its strength and durability.
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is a versatile plastic known for its fatigue resistance and flexibility. It is often used for living hinges, allowing products to bend or fold. PP is also commonly used for packaging, containers, and disposable items such as cups and containers.
Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, is a rigid and low-cost plastic. It is widely used in the food, packaging, and construction industries for items like beverage cups, insulation, packing materials, and disposable dinnerware. However, polystyrene is considered dangerous due to its ability to leach harmful toxins, especially when heated.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is a strong and tough plastic often used for eye protection, such as lenses for sunglasses, sports goggles, and safety goggles. It can also be found in electronic devices like mobile phones and compact discs (CDs). However, polycarbonate has faced controversy due to the potential environmental hazards associated with the release of bisphenol A (BPA) during its decomposition.
When selecting a plastic to cover items, it is essential to consider the specific requirements, such as durability, flexibility, and environmental impact. Different types of plastic have unique properties that make them suitable for various applications.
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Frequently asked questions
Covering a book with plastic is a great way to protect it. You can use a heavy-duty plastic sheet protector or a clear plastic sheet. First, measure and cut the plastic to fit your book, leaving a border of around 3 inches (7.6 cm). Then, fold the plastic around the book and tape it in place, making sure not to stick the tape to the book itself.
Yes, you can use contact paper, which works like a sticker. Peel off the backing paper to expose the sticky plastic underneath, then stick the book cover onto the contact paper.
When covering concrete with plastic, it's important to use a product called "visquene", which is a type of plastic sheeting. This will protect the concrete from cold and wet weather conditions.
First, measure the object and cut a piece of plastic that is slightly larger on all sides. Then, fold the plastic around the object and secure it with tape or contact paper. Make sure to cut off the corners of the plastic at an angle before folding to ensure a snug fit.
Yes, you can use a book sleeve made of fabric or cardboard. This is a more sustainable option as it can be reused, whereas plastic covers may need to be replaced over time.
