Paint splashes, tool drops, adhesive residue, and foot traffic can all be prevented with the right surface protection. We offer solutions for different tasks and surfaces, including alternatives that can help you avoid delays and damage. Take a look at what works best for your situation.
Overview
Self-Adhesive Surface Film
A self-adhesive surface film is a thin plastic sheet with low-tack backing that adheres to smooth, non-porous surfaces like:
Glass (windows and internal glazing)
UPVC window and door frames
Aluminium and powder-coated metal surfaces
Laminate worktops and counters
Stainless steel appliances and fixtures
And many more when using a multi-surface protector.
When applied, it creates a temporary protective layer between the surface beneath it and anything that comes into contact with it. This can include paint splashes, dust build-up, and light scratches. Thanks to its light adhesive, it’s easy to apply and remove without leaving residue.
Perfect for light, short-term protection, especially during decorating, snagging, or final-fit stages.
Foam Roll
Foam roll is a soft, flexible protective material made from lightweight polyethylene foam. It can be cut to size, wrapped around items, or layered* without adding bulk.
This makes foam rolls ideal as a cushion for furniture, fitted units, glass panels, doors, or finished fixtures during transport, storage, or installation. Protected from knocks, pressure marks, scratches, and movement.
* Do not use foam roll as a base layer under a rigid material, as it will compress and lose its cushioning effect. But we do have another solution for this (we’ll get into that later).
Corrugated Card
Corrugated card is a lightweight, cushioned material strengthened by a ribbed inner layer. Unlike standard cardboard, it works better as a protective barrier for floors and other flat surfaces.
It can protect areas from dirt, minimal impact, and scuffing caused by tools or light foot traffic in dry environments. However, if exposed to moisture, it can lose strength and begin to break down. It’s best suited for use in decorating, refurbishment, or light construction work.
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap is made up of air-filled pockets that create a shock buffer around whatever you’re wrapping. Those air pockets do the work. They absorb knocks and reduce vibration, useful for fragile items with flat or irregular shapes, such as:
Glass panels (windows, internal glazing, mirrors)
Light fittings and decorative fixtures
Sanitary ware (basins, taps, shower fittings during handling)
Kitchen components (doors, panels, splash backs)
Electrical faceplates and finished accessories
Where it falls short is on anything underfoot or load bearing. It isn’t designed to take weight. In practice, use it for packing, wrapping, and separating items during transport or storage.
Dust Sheets
Dust sheets come in cotton or polythene form and are mainly used to cover and shield items from general debris during work. They’re not for impact or heavy-duty protection use, but they work as a quick barrier for the following, where film, foam, or board protection would be unnecessary:
Furniture
Stored materials
Protected zones in rooms (as a dust containment solution)
Dust sheets also work alongside other surface protection products. For instance, a floor may be covered with a corrugated board while dust sheets are used over furniture, kitchen units, or fixtures in the same space.
In some cases, they’re layered over items already wrapped in foam or bubble wrap to keep dust off during longer projects.
Corry Board
When foam rolls and corrugated cards aren’t strong enough for the job, corry board steps in. With its core made from strong polypropylene with a corrugated twin-wall structure, it can be used as a load-bearing floor protection layer underneath or directly on surfaces.
The boards can also work as surface protection for tables, countertops, and other flat furniture. Even better, the sheet doesn’t absorb moisture and won’t soak through or break down when exposed to water, spills, or wet boots on site.
Though it’s more expensive upfront than other options on this list, it’s reusable*, which offsets the cost on longer or repeated jobs.
* Only reuse boards that are in good shape and condition.
If you’re interested in stocking up, we have a variety of options, including standard corry board, FR corry board, custom print corry board, corry board stair tread, and corry board handy pack. All mentioned products are also available for bulk orders.
Disclaimer: As the installation and handling of this product are beyond our control, the user must ensure that it’s suitable for the application.
For enquiries and fast quotes, email our team at customercare@s-pgroup.com or call 028 9411 0032. SP Group is a temporary protection and scaffold supplier based in the UK and Ireland.