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1)
Walk around the object you are going to cover to look for problem
areas. It’s much better to do it now rather than when
you are actually shrinking. Determine what sharp areas may need
to be padded off to keep the wrap from tearing or areas that
need extra protection (electrical panels, hoses, any delicate
surfaces). Also decide how you will wrap the object, either
partial wrap using hard attachment (tape, strapping, nailed
wood strips) or wrapping 100%.
2)
Pad the areas you previously discovered and measure the object
to see what size wrap you will need to use.
3)
If partial wrapping the object, bring the shrink wrap over
the top of the object (try not to let roll of material drag/roll
on the floor to keep free of dirt and possible tears) making
sure you have enough material to cover over both ends of the
object.
4)
Start attaching material to the object by way of tape, nailing
on wood strips or wrapping around strapping and heat seaming.
If using tape (most common), start on one side and attach,
working your way all the way around. On any corners or odd
angled areas, form pleats (as you would when wrapping a present)
and use spray adhesive or a small amount of tape to “tack”
the pleats down until time to heat seam those areas with the
heat tool.
5)
Depending on what is being shrink wrapped, you may need to
use strapping around the base for added security. If using
strapping as your base attachment, simply wrap the strapping
around the object and tighten making sure about 6-8 inches
of material hangs below the strapping. Take the material and
fold up over the strapping and “tack” to the material
above using spray adhesive. Using the heat tool, heat seam
the tacked area to secure.
6)
If doing a 100% wrap of the object, measure and cut the length
of material needed to go completely around the object. Lay
material, semi-unfolded; down in a clean dry area. Place object
in the center of the material and continue by bringing up
the sides and “tacking” the ends together using
spray adhesive or tape. Continue as you were wrapping a present,
using the above mentioned pleating technique.
7)
Using your propane fired heat tool, at the base of the object
start heat shrinking the material, making sure you keep the
heat tool moving in a slow “sweeping” motion.
Move upward shrinking the material, saving the top for last.
Try not to stay in one section for too long. It’s better
to keep moving along with the heat tool even if the material
hasn’t shrunk completely. You can always go back over
it later to finish shrinking.
8)
Once the object is completely shrunk, go over the entire unit
and check for any holes or thin spots (darkened areas) and
tape them off. Also tape off all seams and pleats for extra
security.
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