More Than a Feeling: The Appeal of Stainless Steel Protection Film

There’s something for everyone on the internet — even for people who love peeling plastic off new objects. We’re not kidding: There are approximately 128,000 members inside a hugely popular subreddit, where users actively post photos and videos of themselves stripping plastic and film from all sorts of objects, including electronics and appliances.

Basically, if you love the feeling of peeling, you’re clearly not alone. There’s a cult-like following of people on the web who discuss their obsession with removing protective layers of film from brand-new items. And it’s nothing new: the subreddit was founded in March 2013, though the most recent peeling post was less than 24 hours ago. People live and love to peel.

Whether or not you consider yourself a devoted peeler, it’s safe to assume we’re all familiar with the concept of protective film and plastic. After all, they’re used to protect most items during packaging and shipping. Maybe your laptop or smartphone screen was layered with a thin, clear film? Or, perhaps you purchased a new dishwasher, microwave, or television, which was covered in blue-hued plastic? Wherever you’ve encountered film, you’ve probably wondered: What’s the point? And, weirdly enough, why do I find it so soothing? Let’s dive into the world of stainless steel protection film:

What’s the Deal with Protective Film?

The term temporary “protective film” includes any film that sticks to a surface, including countertops, appliances, and electronics, and offers protection from scratches, stains, and marring. The film requires someone (or something) to apply pressure to it, which results in it sticking to a surface. It stays on — and protects an item — until a customer decides it's time to peel it off. This is the time where, if you consider yourself peel-obsessed, you would grab your smartphone, film the experience, and post it to the subreddit page.

Though protective film is practical and simple, why does it spark a reaction strong enough to inspire message boards? For starters, there’s a physical aspect to the act of peeling. Some say it provides a comforting sound, like a soft sizzle. Think of it as unleashing something new and exciting. Apple even released an ad with a slow peeling sound to mimic the undeniable feeling.

But beyond how protective film makes you feel, there are quite a few useful applications associated with it, too.

The Practical Side: It Communicates Value

When companies use protective film, they ensure products arrive unscathed, which adds to the consumer experience. People pay a significant amount of money for new items. For example, the average cost of a dishwasher is anywhere from $400 to $700. When a customer invests that kind of money, they want to be sure their product doesn’t have a single scratch or dent. And the only way to guarantee that is by applying stainless steel protection film — or similar film that has been tested and verified not to leave adhesive residue behind on the surface after removal.

Temporary protective films protect finished surfaces against abrasion, scratches and other damage during transit and installation. The film is effective because it attaches to the stainless steel exterior and remains in place until the consumer removes it. When they do, they’re left with a sleek, smooth surface to complement their home.

What Kind of Film Causes This Reaction?

Not all protective film will give consumers the kind of peeling satisfaction posted thousands of times on Reddit. The film needs to firmly stick to the surface to allow for a slow peel or fast zipping. And, most importantly, generate sound. From a functional point of view, the film needs to protect the product so once it’s off, the surface underneath is absolutely pristine.

Companies aren’t limited to just one type of film, even for stainless steel. Pregis offers a range of Pregis PolyMask™ protective films suited for appliances, tools, control panels, consumer electronics, and other products. Hey, before you know it, your company’s product may be the next one featured on Reddit.

Give consumers a reason to peel — and ensure their items arrive in top condition:

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