Is Bubble Wrap Safe?

[moondoggy]

A WORD OF CAUTION REGARDING BUBBLEWRAP ..........

It is very tempting to use bubble wrap to protect items for storage or transit. However, it can seriously damage certain polished wooden surfaces, leaving them scarred with unsightly ring marks that are VERY difficult to remove. I have noticed the effect on French polish and cellulose finishes. It seems that the object need only be in contact with the bubblewrap for a relatively short time for the damage to occur.
The problem seems to be caused by plasticizers leaching out of the bubblewrap and reacting with the finish. The advice I am being given by archivists is to first wrap the item in acid-free tissue paper and then in bubblewrap, ensuring that the bubbles face outwards. Do not use bubblewrap for long-term storage. The acid-free tissue paper is not expensive and could well help you avoid expensive damage.

 

[gothica7]

Hi bud,

what do you store in bubble wrap? None of my collection is stored as such.
Its similar with the rubber jelly eels one uses
as bait for fishing. If they come into contact with the takle box they will eat their way through it. Fish lovem though.

Andy

 

[Grenademan2005]

I had a problem with bubble wrap, two waxed boxes and summer, you guess the rest... :sad:

 

[US-Subs]

I had the same on some laquered cases that were shipped - with over a month transit time it can be a while.

 

[Grenademan2005]

Yes, since then I always put a paper between the bubble and the sensitive item.

 

[GTR003121]

Can bubble wrap have a detrimental effect on the painted or marked surfaces of grenades?

 

[Grenademan2005]

On every painted surface with enough time or heat.