Getting Ready for Winter
As the air cools down and leaves start turning vibrant hues of red and orange, it’s that time again – winter has arrived! And while you might be excited about cozy nights by the fireplace and indulging in warm soups, another task awaits: preparing your patio furniture for a long, cold sleep.
Whether you have comfy chairs, a sturdy table with benches, or a whimsical hammock swing, all of your cherished pieces deserve protection from the elements. Shrink wrapping is a simple yet effective way to keep them safe and extend their lifespan throughout winter.
What is Shrink Wrapping?
Shrink wrapping, also known as plastic wrap-wrapping, is a technique used to protect outdoor furniture during storage. It involves covering your furniture with durable plastic sheets that are sealed tightly around the items. This method creates a waterproof barrier, offering protection against moisture, snow, ice, and even sunlight.
Unlike other protective methods like painting or storing in closed containers, shrink wrapping offers superior protection. It can withstand extreme weather conditions, ensuring that your furniture stays safe and sound throughout winter.
Benefits of Shrink Wrapping
There’s a lot to appreciate about utilizing shrink wrap for your patio furniture storage. Here are some key benefits:
**Protection from the elements:** This is where it gets really good! Shrink wrapping acts like an invisible shield, keeping your patio furniture dry and safe from rain, snow, and even hailstorms.
**Prevent damage:** It’s a superhero against sunburns. The plastic wrap protects your furniture from harmful UV rays that can fade colors and weaken materials over time. It’s also resistant to wind and strong gusts of wind which would otherwise roughen up the surface and cause wear.
**Extend lifespan:** Shrink wrapping can extend the life expectancy of your furniture by protecting it from moisture, dust, and pests. This is a wise investment for both your wallet and your time – no need to replace items every year!
**Easy to apply and remove:** Many people find shrink-wrapping their patio furniture easy and straightforward. It’s essentially just wrapping the furniture with plastic sheets, which then get secured tightly. No complicated steps or installations need to be done.
**Affordable solution:** Shrink wrapping is surprisingly affordable compared to other storage methods. You can buy a roll of shrink wrap for under $20, and that should be more than enough for your patio furniture – especially if it’s not super large!
Step-by-step Guide on How to Shrink Wrap Your Patio Furniture
Don’t worry, we’ll break down the process into manageable steps. It’s easier than you think!
1. Preparation is Key:**
Before you begin, gather your supplies: a roll of shrink wrap (consider getting one that’s large enough to cover all your furniture), a pair of scissors, a measuring tape or ruler, and some stakes or rope for securing the plastic.
2. Laying Down the Base:**
Firstly, lay your furniture on a flat surface like a driveway, garage floor, or even an open lawn if it’s not too windy. Ensure you have ample space for all of your patio items to be placed without overlapping!
3. Secure the Furniture:**
Next, use stakes and rope to tie down the furniture in place, ensuring that it stays where you want it. This will create a secure base. Be extremely careful as moving or shifting the furniture while still covered can damage the plastic.
4. Wrapping Up:
It’s time for the actual wrapping process! Take the shrink wrap and carefully cover the entire piece of furniture, ensuring it goes all the way around to seal the edges with no gaps. Make sure you use a firm and even pressure while wrapping it to achieve a tight fit.
5. Seal Everything Tightly:**
After wrapping your furniture, make sure there are no air pockets or wrinkles between the plastic and the furniture. For extra protection, tuck any loose ends of the shrink wrap into the corners and ensure that none of the edges have gaps.
6. Store with Care:
Find a safe place to store your wrapped furniture, preferably in a shed or garage where it’s protected from the elements. This will help avoid any damage caused by wind or heavy rainfall during storage.
Important Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips for shrink wrapping patio furniture like magic:
**Consider using furniture covers:** If you have particularly delicate pieces, using a specialized furniture cover instead of just the shrink wrap might be a better option. This helps provide extra protection from dust and debris.
**Use markers to mark sections:** If your furniture is intricate or has multiple sections, use a marker to identify each part for easier wrapping and unpacking in the spring.
**Keep it neat and tidy:** A smooth and well-organized approach will make things much easier during storage and unpacking.
**Clean up your space:** Before you begin shrink wrapping, ensure that your patio furniture is free from dirt, grime, or any debris. This will help prevent the plastic wrap from getting dirty.
**Practice makes perfect:** If you’re a first-timer, don’t worry! There’s always room to learn and improve our shrink wrapping techniques. The more you do it, the easier and faster it will become.
