# 5 common mistakes when shrink-wrapping… and how to avoid them > This guide explains four common shrink-wrapping mistakes that can damage film or reduce finish quality. It covers flame distance, heating technique, film selection and pallet preparation for loads such as pallets, machines, boats and worksites. - URL : https://ripack.com/en/non-classe-en/5-common-mistakes-when-shrink-wrapping-and-how-to-avoid-them/ - Mis à jour : 2025-11-24 - Langue : en-US - Auteur : Julien MARIGOT - Source : ripack Shrink-wrapping with film is a simple and effective solution to protect pallets, machines, boats or worksites. But like any thermal process, a few bad habits can quickly waste time, damage the film… or even create holes. ![](https://ripack.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/9.-Ripack-3000-with-palet-and-black-hose-2-869x1024.png) Here are 5 very common mistakes we see in the field, and more importantly, how to avoid them. ### 1. Holding the flame too close to the film **The problem:** When you hold the shrink gun too close to the film, the heat is too concentrated. The result is: - film that burns through or gets holes, - overconsumption of film, - an uneven, unprofessional finish. **How to avoid it:** - Respect the recommended distance (usually around 30 to 40 cm). - Keep the gun moving continuously, as if you were “sweeping” the surface. - Always start by heating the thickest areas (corners, folds) instead of insisting on one fixed point. ### 2. Heating the same area for too long **The problem:** Even at the right distance, staying too long on one spot creates over-thicknesses, burns or holes in the film. You lose quality, strength and time. **How to avoid it:** - Keep moving constantly. - Work in sections: first the base of the pallet, then the sides, then the top. - Use a wide back-and-forth motion rather than small, jerky movements. - Check the overall shrink result before “touching up” details. ### 3. Using an unsuitable film (too thin, too thick or wrong format) **The problem:** A film that doesn’t match your needs leads to: - repeated tearing if the film is too thin, - wasted time shrinking if the film is too thick, - an unattractive or poorly covered wrap if the size isn’t right. **How to avoid it:** - Define your needs: load weight, storage duration, exposure (indoor / outdoor / sea / UV). - Adjust the thickness (µm) to the type of application: a light pallet ? a machine exported in a container. - Choose a cover or sleeve size that matches the real dimensions of the products, to avoid excess material or excessive tension. ### 4. Not preparing the pallet or the area properly **The problem:** Even with the best shrink gun, a poorly prepared pallet will only give an average result: - edges sticking out, - sharp corners piercing the film, - unstable loads that move during transport. **How to avoid it:** - Check the stability of the load before wrapping (brace if needed). - Remove or protect sharp edges (corners, metal parts). - Position the cover or film correctly before starting to shrink, using a pallet riser if necessary. - Make sure the pallet is accessible all around so the operator can move freely. ### In summary Shrink-wrapping problems are rarely caused by the equipment alone: they usually come from small habits, approximate movements or an unsuitable film. By correcting these 4 points, you improve safety, the final appearance and the overall cost of your operations: - Flame / film distance - Heating time on the same spot - Film selection - Load preparation For more information, feel free to contact our team on [this page](https://ripack.com/en/contacts/) .