Bubble Wrap Abrasion

[BadBob]

I have seen it stated many places that bubble wrap is abrasive and that you should always pack with the bubbles on the outside. I have been using bubble wrap for years, and I have seen no evidence that this is true. The few reliable sources I have found that talk about abrasion say it prevents abrasion.

Can someone point me to a reliable source for bubble wrap being abrasive?

Also, a good source that says the bubbles should always be on the outside?

 

[GrampaJim]

I have used it for years also, shipping my work all over the country without any issues.  I agree and am waiting for answers to your  questions.

[Phantom Scroller]

It's addiction when you start popping it.

Edited March 21, 2020 by Phantom Scroller

[teachnlearn]

I used it for shipping knives and scissors, used either side. Logically one side is complete plastic contact, the bubble side has less contact. I wrapped it so it didn't move. Unless there is sand or grit between the plastic wrap and item, I can't figure what would cause abrasion. RJF

[WayneMahler]

I have been using bubble wrap for years, for storing, shipping and transporting items to and from shows. Never had a issue with it being abrasive or anything else. 

[JustLarry]

I would think the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" would apply here. 

Lary

[jerrye]

I sold industrial packaging for more than a decade. Bubble wrap is abrasive, though with the things made here it would be less obvious. For some of my customers it was much more obvious. This tends to occur more with painted metal products, and when bubble is loosely wrapped. I did have a customer that shipped framed artwork who had an issue with abrasion.

I always advised my customers to wrap bubble out, or use packaging foam which also comes in rolls and pre-perfed for easier use.

Then again, if you're had no issues, there may be no reason to change.

Edited March 21, 2020 by jerrye

[amazingkevin]

friction is wear, but bubble wrap is minimal.

[BadBob]

Don't see how sheets of packaging foam would be less abrasive. It is made from polyethylene the same as bubble wrap.

 

I worked for Union Carbide for a while making many miles of polyethylene.

 

[jerrye]

17 hours ago, BadBob said:

Don't see how sheets of packaging foam would be less abrasive. It is made from polyethylene the same as bubble wrap.

 

I worked for Union Carbide for a while making many miles of polyethylene.

 

I don't understand it either, but switching the framer to foam solved their problem.

[BadBob]

30 minutes ago, jerrye said:

I don't understand it either, but switching the framer to foam solved their problem.

Maybe it was a packing technique problem.

 

When I pack my items for shipping number one on the list is that it can't move. I roll the item tightly in bubble wrap and tape it. Once it is in the box I put in enough packing material so it is wedged tight in the center with two inches of padding all round if I can manage it. Before sealing the box I close the lid and shake it. If I hear anything move I pack some more. My customers have commented on on how well I pack things.

 

[teachnlearn]

I wonder if any left over sawdust is wrapped in the packing and creating abrasion, like sand paper. Goes up in the air and covers everything. RJF

[dgman]

3 hours ago, teachnlearn said:

I wonder if any left over sawdust is wrapped in the packing and creating abrasion, like sand paper. Goes up in the air and covers everything. RJF

A properly finished project should not have any sawdust on it!

[teachnlearn]

21 hours ago, dgman said:

A properly finished project should not have any sawdust on it!

But the woodshop  is saw dust free? RJF

Edited March 24, 2020 by teachnlearn

[jerrye]

On 3/23/2020 at 7:31 AM, BadBob said:

When I pack my items for shipping number one on the list is that it can't move. I roll the item tightly in bubble wrap and tape it. Once it is in the box I put in enough packing material so it is wedged tight in the center with two inches of padding all round if I can manage it.

 

Something that I found that makes great void fill for cartons is empty half liter water bottles. They are light enough to not impact package weight, strong enough to hold things in place, and fairly moldable when emptied of some of its air. I shipped a laptop using water bottles as void fill and it arrived undamaged.

I'm well known for thinking of ways to use things in a manner they were never intended to be used...which makes life interesting at times!

[BadBob]

On 3/24/2020 at 7:42 AM, jerrye said:

Something that I found that makes great void fill for cartons is empty half liter water bottles.

That is a good idea. I don't know what my customers would think about it.

I save most of the packaging materials that come to my house and my family will bring some from work. My favorite filler is air pillows. I reuse a lot of amazon envelopes. I cut the top and sides off of them and roll my items inside of them so there is several layers of bubble wrap. The bubbles are on the inside of the envelopes.

[jerrye]

44 minutes ago, BadBob said:

That is a good idea. I don't know what my customers would think about it.

I save most of the packaging materials that come to my house and my family will bring some from work. My favorite filler is air pillows. I reuse a lot of amazon envelopes. I cut the top and sides off of them and roll my items inside of them so there is several layers of bubble wrap. The bubbles are on the inside of the envelopes.

Great idea using the Amazon padded envelopes like that!

For smaller stuff like what is scrolled the water bottles likely don't make much sense, but many of us ship larger packages from time to time.

I have a hoarding problem when it comes to saving packaging from Amazon and others. I have a bulk bag filled with bubble, air pillows, and foam...more than I could use in my lifetime!

[BadBob]

3 hours ago, jerrye said:

I have a hoarding problem when it comes to saving packaging from Amazon and others. I have a bulk bag filled with bubble, air pillows, and foam...more than I could use in my lifetime!

 I rarely use any purchased packing material. I keep boxes 12 inches or smaller and any reusable packing material my grandson doesn't get first. I also save double thickness box panels cut to save space.  I use it as a stiffener for shipping puzzles in padded envelopes. Most things I ship weigh less than 16 ounces so unless the customer requests priority shipping it get sent first class.

 

[John B]

On 3/22/2020 at 1:09 AM, Phantom Scroller said:

It's addiction when you start popping it.

Especially those BIG bubbles. They sound like a gunshot in the house, and If the War Office had access to one, I'd be shot. I think the cat and dog feel the same way