When using adhesive products for surface protection in a workplace, there is always a small risk of adhesive transfer. Improper installation, high temperatures, high traffic, and exceeding the recommended “remove by” date can all cause problems with carpet films and masks. Below are some recommendations to avoid any transfer of adhesive.

  1. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when using carpet film. Carpet film wear ratings range from 30 to 60 days. Leaving the film on carpets beyond the recommended rate of use voids all manufacturers’ warranties.
  2. Use films made in the USA for the best warranty protection and highest quality.
  3. Carpet films use water-based or solvent-based adhesives. Water-based adhesives are easier to remove if a problem arises.
  4. Never install adhesive carpet backing on wet or damp carpets.
  5. Never install adhesive carpet backing over glued-down carpet for a minimum of 72 hours to allow the glue to “breathe.”
  6. If the carpet was installed over a freshly poured cement slab that is not fully cured, avoid using carpet backing as it can trap moisture from the cement and discolor the carpet.
  7. In cases of extreme heat, shorten the recommended application time by 50%.
  8. As stated in each film manufacturer’s installation instructions, no warranty is offered for application to wool carpet.

If the above steps are followed, the chance of adhesive transfer when using a carpet film is negligible. In cases where the steps have NOT been followed, one of two problems may occur: 1) sticky adhesive residue on the carpet, or 2) discoloration of the carpet where the plastic was used. It is important in this step to know the type of adhesive used, water-based or solvent-based.

Water-based cling film residue is easily removed with warm water and can be quickly removed by steam cleaning carpets. Solvent-based adhesive residue can also be removed by steam cleaning; however, more than one cleaning may be needed to completely remove the adhesive. Citrus cleaners available at any hardware store can sometimes help remove solvent-based adhesive residue. If further problems persist, contact your local surface protection provider to discuss other possible solutions.

Carpet discoloration is caused by moisture retention under the film and the subsequent reaction of moisture and chemicals in the plastic film. Unfortunately, this situation can only be remedied by removing the affected area of ​​carpet. This situation most commonly occurs where users have carpeted over slabs that were not fully cured.

Carpet cling films are a great time-saving surface protection product when used correctly. Users who choose high-quality products made in the USA and fully follow the manufacturers’ recommendations should never have a problem.