How Long Can Temporary Protective Films Be Left on for?

Most floor protection films offer up to 30 days of coverage, depending on the project. They keep floors and surfaces free from dust, debris, and paint splashes.
May 25, 2024 by
How Long Can Temporary Protective Films Be Left on for?
SP Group Global Ltd

Temporary surface and floor protection films have straightforward use and purpose: set, protect, and peel. Once applied on the surface, they contain dust, debris, and paint splashes off the floor. This saves you time from cleaning and money from damage repair — but how long can you use them?

Temporary Floor and Surface Protection Film Usage

Floor and surface protection films are labelled as ‘temporary’ for a reason. They’re designed for short-term use, whether for covering carpets, hard floors, or surfaces like glass and windows. In the following sections, we’ll explain how each type works and their usage span to give you an idea.

1. Carpet protection films

Carpet protection film has one job: protect carpets from damage caused by foot traffic, spills, and construction debris. It acts as a barrier, preventing what could have permanently degraded the carpet fibres.

Standard films can be left in place for 30 days, while STIXX Carpet Protector offers a longer protection period of 90 days. Factors like high humidity levels may shorten this duration, while minimal foot traffic could extend it.

Carpet film products are easy to apply, with a firm adhesive grip and no sticky residue. They come in handy during building or home improvement projects like painting. Remove the film along with any dirt or debris it has collected when you’re done. This makes cleaning up more convenient.

Tip: Avoid painting rooms on a hot and humid day without proper ventilation. Such conditions can lead to a high-humidity environment, where moisture can become trapped underneath the film and seep into the fibres. While the protection film shields the carpet from paint splatters, trapped moisture could still compromise its condition, possibly leading to mould growth.

2. Multi-surface protection films for floors and various surfaces

Multi-surface protection films are versatile and suitable for a wide range of surfaces, including hard floors, countertops, sinks, and even furniture pieces during transport (e.g., around the legs, edges, and any exposed surfaces of a dining table). The film is highly resistant to tearing and puncturing from sharp tools and equipment — perfect for prolonged use.

For instance, STIXX Multi-Surface Protector can provide temporary cover for 90 days. It can help maintain the pristine condition of floors and hard surfaces from cracks, debris, and footwear that may track paint. This product is one of the go-to solutions builders reach to keep these surfaces clean and damage-free.

3. Glass and window protection

When covering floors near windows, why not extend protection to the windows themselves? Cleaning these glass surfaces after construction can be time-consuming and may even lead to scratches and potential cracks. Luckily for you, there’s one simple solution: glass and window protection films.

Our selection of temporary glass and window films, like the STIXX Window Protector, can last up to 90 days. This top-selling product offers reliable protection without blocking natural light. You can keep your home or any room bright while covered during construction or renovations.

Keep in mind that not all protection films provide the same duration of adherence. While some brands may only offer protection for up to 30 days, products mentioned above can be left in place for 90 days, approximately 3 months or even longer under the best conditions.

Tip: To maintain their longevity, avoid dragging heavy items across them, ensure proper ventilation, and replace any damaged sections for optimal coverage.

SP Group offers a great selection of temporary floors and surface protection to meet various needs. For consultation and quotations, reach out to us at +44 28 9442 8611 or email hello@s-pgroup.com.