HDPE film is an innovative masking solution that is growing more and more popular among car painting professionals. The reason of its success lies in its ease of use and effectiveness: HDPE masking film is perfect to mask off vehicles for booth painting, with a unique, fast and easy application. In this article, we deepen all the details about this product.
HDPE films take their effectiveness in masking operations from the material they are made of and from specific treatments made to enhance their qualities. Their special composition and electrostatic properties make them a light, easy-to-use solution to prevent overspray.
HDPE: an economic, resistant and versatile material for masking operations
The first element boosting the effectiveness of masking films is the material they are made of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is renowned for its strength in resisting mechanical stress, due to its high strength-to-density ratio. At the same time, HDPE features strong intermolecular forces that gift it with great conformability and tensile strength, the ideal qualities to wrap it around curves and irregular shapes. Thanks to its stress crack resistance, you won’t be afraid to tear it involuntarily.
HDPE film is light and clear: films made with this material can be used by one person and are easy to adjust on the vehicle thanks to their clearness. In addition, HDPE is known for resisting high temperature exposition for short times, making masking films a great tool for professional painting application in spray booth. This kind of masking film is also known for its chemical resistance, which makes it comfortable to use with solvents.
Corona treatment: the secret for perfect clinging and paint adhesion
To further increase their effectiveness, HDPE masking films are subjected to a special process known as corona treatment. Corona treatment is widely used in the extrusion and converting sector to modify the electrostatic properties of a surface, giving the material an electrical charge that results in several advantages.
As far as HDPE masking films are concerned, the electrostatic charge resulted from corona treatment guarantees two advantages:
- Helps the film cling on the vehicle
- Attracts paint overspray and retains it on the film, preventing bleeding on the floor.
How to use HDPE films for masking
The most recommended use of HDPE masking films is for giving a unique, fast and easy-to-apply protection during booth painting.
Once you have masked the car and you are ready for painting in booth, unwind the film and spread it on the entire vehicle: the best products have a centered printed mark that helps with alignment during this operation. Then, cut the film over the area you have to paint, and fasten it to the edges of the surface with the help of masking tape. At this point, you are ready to paint.
