Carpet and Floor Protection Film FAQ

Have a question about carpet protection film or another Plasticover product? Use the links below to find answers by product. Contact us if your question is not covered.

Carpet Protection Film

What is carpet protection film?

Plasticover Carpet Protection Film is a 2.5 mil plastic film with an adhesive coating that sticks to synthetic carpet to protect it from surface damage. The film is reverse wound, with adhesive on the outside of the roll, so you can stick it down and roll it out.

Is the adhesive on the inside or outside of a carpet protection film roll?

Carpet protection film has its adhesive on the outside of the roll, a format called “reverse wound.” To apply it, stick the film down on the carpet and roll it out. The adhesive faces the carpet as you unroll the film.

How long can you leave carpet protection film on carpet?

Plasticover carpet protection film can stay on carpet for a maximum of 60 days when used as directed. Many carpet protection films are rated for 30 or 45 days. Plasticover is intended only for domestic synthetic carpeting and must be removed within its 60-day limit.

Does carpet protection film slip or slide?

Carpet protection film does not slip or slide when its adhesive is firmly attached to the carpet as intended. The adhesive holds the film against the carpeted surface, while the non-skid plastic surface grips the soles of shoes and boots walking over it.

How do you remove carpet protection film?

To remove carpet protection film, lift an edge with your fingernail and pull the film away from the carpet. Remove the film within the maximum use period of 60 days. Carpet protection film is intended only for domestic synthetic carpeting and cannot be reused.

What type of plastic is carpet protection film, and how thick is it?

Plasticover carpet protection film is made from 2.5 mil linear low-density plastic that resists punctures and tears. The plastic conforms to irregular surfaces and allows the film to adhere firmly with less adhesive. Carpet protection film can remain in place for up to 60 days when used as directed.

Can you put signs or decorations under carpet protection film?

Yes, clear carpet protection film lets you place signs, arrows or flat decorations underneath it where people can see them. You can use these to guide people, decorate a space or display a promotion. One school placed stars under the film for a “Hollywood star walk” at a dance.

Where can you buy Plasticover carpet protection film?

You can buy Plasticover carpet protection film through wholesalers, distributors and retail outlets, or on our website if local suppliers do not carry it. We prefer to work through resellers and will contact you to arrange an order through one if available locally. See Bulk and Volume Pricing for larger requirements.

Can you use carpet protection film on any type of carpet?

Plasticover carpet protection film is recommended only for synthetic carpeting; it is not recommended for natural-fiber carpet because adhesive may remain after removal. Some customers have used it successfully on Berber carpet by testing and monitoring it during use, but Plasticover does not warrant that use.

Will carpet protection film leave adhesive residue on carpet?

Plasticover carpet protection film removes without adhesive residue when used as directed on domestic synthetic carpeting. It can remain in place for up to 60 days and is not intended for other surfaces. If adhesive remains on your carpet, see how to remove it.

Can you use carpet protection film on hard floors or other surfaces?

No, Plasticover carpet protection film is intended only for domestic synthetic carpeting; using it on other surfaces will transfer adhesive residue to those surfaces. For hard flooring, review Floor Protection / Multi-Use Film and its recommended surfaces. Rosin Paper and Reinforced Kraft Paper are also covered below.

How do you clean carpet protection film adhesive off the wrong surface?

Remove carpet protection film adhesive from an unintended surface according to that surface manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, using only a cleaner the manufacturer approves. Spot Shot and other citrus-based solvents are generally effective at removing the adhesive, but approval for the particular surface must come first.

Can you reuse carpet protection film?

No, carpet protection film cannot be reused after it has been removed from the carpet. It is intended for one application on domestic synthetic carpeting, with a maximum use period of 60 days. Once you have peeled the film away, do not reapply it.

Floor Protection

What is floor protection film?

Plasticover Floor Protection / Multi-Use Film is a plastic film with a light adhesive coating that protects recommended hard flooring from surface damage. Its adhesive is designed for hard, smooth surfaces. Recommended flooring includes ceramic tile, vinyl, VCT, linoleum, laminate and factory-finished hardwood.

How long can you leave floor protection film on a floor?

Plasticover floor protection film can remain on recommended flooring for a maximum of 60 days when used as directed. It is recommended for ceramic tile, vinyl, linoleum and factory-finished hardwood. Remove the film within that limit by lifting an edge and pulling it away.

How do you remove floor protection film?

To remove floor protection film, lift an edge of the plastic with your fingernail and pull it away from the floor. Floor protection film must be removed within its maximum 60-day use period. The film cannot be reused after you remove it.

What type of plastic is floor protection film, and how thick is it?

Plasticover floor protection film is made from 2.5 mil linear low-density plastic that resists punctures and tears. It has a light adhesive coating designed for hard, smooth surfaces. Recommended flooring includes ceramic tile, vinyl, linoleum and factory-finished hardwood, rather than carpet.

Does floor protection film slip or slide?

Floor protection film does not slip or slide when its adhesive is firmly attached to the recommended flooring surface as intended. The adhesive holds the plastic against the floor, while the non-skid surface grips the soles of shoes and boots walking over the film.

Can you use floor protection film on any type of flooring?

Plasticover floor protection film is recommended for ceramic tile, vinyl, VCT, linoleum, laminate and factory-finished hardwood, and also for glass, stainless steel, marble and granite countertops and mantels. It is not recommended for natural tile, site-finished hardwood or carpet. For other protection materials, see the Rosin and Kraft Paper section below.

Will floor protection film leave adhesive residue?

Plasticover floor protection film removes without adhesive residue when used as directed on recommended flooring. These surfaces include ceramic tile, vinyl, linoleum and factory-finished hardwood. The film protects against surface damage and may remain in place for a maximum of 60 days.

Does floor protection film work on carpet?

No, floor protection film does not have enough adhesive to stick to carpet; its light adhesive is designed exclusively for hard, smooth surfaces. For domestic synthetic carpeting, use Carpet Protection Film, which is designed to adhere to that surface and protect it from surface damage.

Can you reuse floor protection film?

No, floor protection film cannot be reused after removal from the floor. It is intended for one application on recommended hard, smooth surfaces, with a maximum use period of 60 days. Once you have lifted an edge and pulled the film away, do not reapply it.

Why is floor protection film blue?

Floor protection film is blue so it is easier to see on hard flooring, where clear film can be difficult to spot. Plasticover floor protection film is sometimes available in clear for a less visible appearance. The blue color makes the applied film more noticeable.

Rosin and Kraft Paper

What is rosin paper made from?

Rosin Paper is a single-ply protection paper made from 100% recycled fibers. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, formaldehyde free and CARB 2 compliant. Rosin paper is used to protect floors, windows, countertops, fixtures and fireplace mantels, and as sheathing paper in walls, roofing and under wood flooring.

What surfaces can you protect with rosin paper?

Rosin paper is used to protect floors, windows, countertops, fixtures and fireplace mantels. It is a single-ply paper made from 100% recycled fibers. Rosin paper is available in red or brown, with each 36-inch by 200-foot roll covering 600 square feet.

Can you use rosin paper in walls, roofing or under wood flooring?

Yes, rosin paper is used as sheathing paper in walls, roofing and under wood flooring to block wind and dust and reduce squeaks. Rosin paper is compatible with coal tar and asphalt-based roofing. It is a single-ply paper made from 100% recycled fibers.

What roll sizes and colors does rosin paper come in?

Rosin paper comes in red or brown 36-inch by 200-foot rolls, with 600 square feet per roll, and is also sold by the pallet of 64. The paper is single-ply and made from 100% recycled fibers for floor and surface protection and sheathing applications.

What is reinforced kraft paper?

Reinforced Kraft Paper is a three-ply protection paper made with kraft paper, a poly-coated sheet and a threaded reinforcement layer. Also called poly-craft mask, it is waterproof and tear-resistant. Reinforced kraft paper is used on marble, hardwood, tile and granite surfaces.

What is the difference between reinforced kraft paper and rosin paper?

Reinforced kraft paper is waterproof and tear-resistant, while rosin paper and ordinary kraft paper will tear and let liquid spills through. Reinforced kraft paper has three plies: kraft paper, a poly-coated sheet and a threaded reinforcement layer. Rosin paper is single-ply and made from 100% recycled fibers.

What surfaces can you protect with reinforced kraft paper?

Reinforced kraft paper is used to protect marble, hardwood, tile and granite. Its three-ply construction combines kraft paper, a poly-coated sheet and a threaded reinforcement layer. The material is waterproof and tear-resistant, unlike ordinary kraft paper and rosin paper, which tear and let liquid spills through.

What roll sizes does reinforced kraft paper come in?

Reinforced kraft paper comes in 36-inch by 200-foot, 36-inch by 600-foot and 60-inch by 600-foot rolls. Also known as poly-craft mask, this three-ply paper is waterproof and tear-resistant. It is used on marble, hardwood, tile and granite for surface protection.

Auto Carpet Protection Film

What is automotive carpet protection film?

Plasticover Automotive Carpet Protection Film is a 3 mil adhesive plastic film with perforations every 21 inches that protects automotive carpet from damage. It adheres to carpet while vehicles are being serviced or displayed on a car sales lot and is printed with a “dealer must remove protective cover” pattern.

Is automotive carpet protection film printed?

Yes, Plasticover automotive carpet protection film is printed with the industry-standard “dealer must remove protective cover” pattern. The printed film adheres to automotive carpet to protect it while a vehicle is in service or on a sales lot. The film is 3 mil thick, with perforations every 21 inches.

How sticky is Plasticover automotive carpet protection film?

Plasticover automotive carpet protection film is very sticky and was developed to stay down on automotive carpet. Plasticover tested the product with car dealers before finalizing its adhesion levels. The film uses a solvent-based adhesive; for best results after shampooing or steam cleaning, wait 24 hours for the carpet to dry fully.

Does automotive carpet protection film use water-based or solvent-based adhesive?

Plasticover automotive carpet protection film uses a solvent-based adhesive to adhere firmly to automotive carpet. The product was tested with car dealers before its adhesion levels were finalized. After shampooing or steam cleaning, we strongly recommend waiting 24 hours for the carpet to dry fully before applying the film.

Can you apply automotive carpet protection film immediately after detailing?

Automotive carpet protection film can be applied after detailing, but if carpets were shampooed or steam cleaned, wait 24 hours for them to dry fully for best results. Plasticover strongly recommends applying the film to fully dried carpet, even though its solvent-based adhesive can stick to wet carpet.

Carpet Film Applicator

How do you assemble a carpet film applicator?

To set up the Carpet Film Applicator, adjust its width, insert the correct-size carpet protection film roll and roller tube, and snap on the handle. These are the only setup steps required; there is no additional assembly beyond adjusting the width, loading the roll and attaching the handle.

When does a carpet film applicator save time?

A carpet film applicator saves time when applying film to two or more sets of stairs or rolling out more than 20 feet at a time. That is our rule of thumb. We do not recommend one for small pieces in tight spaces, such as inside an RV.

Can you use a carpet film applicator with hard floor protection film?

A carpet film applicator can help in a large space with hard floor protection film, but we do not normally recommend it because the lighter adhesive may not stay down during application. Some customers find it useful, especially when they walk on the film as they roll it out.

Sticky Mats

How do sticky mats work?

Sticky Mats, also called clean room mats, remove dirt from shoes and boots by catching it with adhesive as you step on the mat. This helps keep dirt off your floors. As dirt builds up on the exposed sheet, change the sheet to maintain effectiveness.

How often should you change a sticky mat sheet?

Change a sticky mat sheet when trapped dirt makes it less effective; monitor the surface and change sheets frequently to maximize the dirt kept outside. Sticky mats catch dirt with adhesive, so their effectiveness decreases as the exposed sheet collects more dirt from shoes and boots.

Do sticky mats come with a base?

No, sticky mats do not include a base; the base is purchased separately. Each box contains two sticky mats, with 30 numbered sheets per mat. The numbered sheets show how many you have used and how many remain in the stack.

How many sticky mats and sheets are in each box?

Each box of sticky mats contains two mats, and each mat is a stack of 30 numbered sheets. The numbers show how many sheets you have used and how many remain. See the photos on the Sticky Mat page for packaging details.

Do sticky mats need a base?

Sticky mats do not require a base, but we highly recommend one to help keep the mat on the ground as you step off. You can attach a mat directly to the floor, provided the floor is very clean and smooth so the mat adheres adequately.

Window Protection

What is Plasticover window protection film?

Plasticover window protection film is discontinued; Floor Protection / Multi-Use Film is the current replacement for use on glass. If you need the discontinued window protection film itself, contact us about a custom run. We can still make window protection film as a custom product.

RV Carpet Protection

How does RV carpet protection film differ from standard carpet protection film?

Discontinued RV carpet protection film was the same product as standard Plasticover carpet protection film, but in a 21-inch width; the current replacement is 24-inch Carpet Protection Film. As trailers and RVs grew in size, the 24-inch film served that use, so the separate RV product was discontinued.