How to Protect Counters During Construction or Remodel

What is GPS Countertop Plastic?

Countertop Plastic is a fantastic self-adhesive plastic film that contractors and homeowners alike use to protect countertops during remodeling jobs, or any type of work that is done in the vicinity.

Question:   I am hoping to use GPS Countertop Plastic to cover a variety of items during various assembly processes and projects some examples of use would be:  cushioned seat pads, wall pads, glass,  fiber glass (painted/gel coated/unpainted) , composite material,  painted steel frames/structures (all types steel/aluminum painted and unpainted), etc... As you can see I have a lot of different types products that may need covering but in order to consider using your product to protect some of our assemblies I need a one type fits all material.  I was wondering if Countertop Plastic would be the best choice? Can you offer some advice?

Answer:  I (Lee Hinsley) have been involved with self-adhesive films for over 25 years, so have quite a lot of experience to draw upon. 

In the real world, many customers want one film that will cover a huge number of surfaces. Where this is concerned, you have chosen well with the GPS Countertop Plastic. This is the most versatile film and adhesive system we have available today.  I will point out some of the reasons below. 

 This was originally an adhesive system designed by the metals group at our plant to try to protect as many different surfaces as possible. Today this is by far the most popular adhesive system within the metals group (out of over 200 different adhesive systems for metals alone). 

 We began using it about 14 years ago for countertop protection. During the years following the introduction of Corian countertops and all of the later knockoffs, most adhesive systems left a ghosting on the surface of the Corian and many other similar products. DuPont tested products from 12 or 13 different companies and this was the only product they approved. 

 A few years following this a large glass manufacturer was looking for a single film for both the window frames and glass, and after testing products from several manufacturers, they chose this product and continue to use it today. 

GPS Countertop Plastic has successfully been used on a great number of surfaces for 180 days. When we sell this as Glass Plastic, we rate it for 180 days for both indoor and outdoor applications. 

Customers also report using this film long-term on countertops regardless of whether they are natural stone, high pressure laminates, epoxies...

We have many other customers using this film on a wide variety of surfaces, quite successfully. That being said, we have not tested and approved this product for many of the hundreds of possible surfaces. We cannot guarantee suitability of use. We cannot guarantee there will not be any adhesive residue on any given surface. It is our recommendation that you test this film on surfaces you wish to protect so you can determine how well it will work. 

We have not had any adhesive residue complaints on this product that I know about. That is one of the reasons I so strongly favor this product. 

Things that increase the chance of adhesive residue with this or any other self-adhesive water-based adhesive system include:

• Exposure to water I any form, including steam and high humidity. This film is likely to fail if a protected part is submerged in a water bath, for instance
• Pressure. The higher the pressure applied to the surface, the more likely adhesive residue transfer could occur
• UV radiation- basically the sun, but some processes and curing procedures use UV, which breaks down the film, plus the bond between the film and adhesive systems over time. 
• Some fabricating procedures, like bending and shaping can increase the likelihood of problems. 
• Exposure to high heat, chemicals, solvents, oils, greases, or the application to surfaces containing any of these items. 

This film can be hand or machine applied.  No special dispensing tools are required, but if you have a process where machine applied film is beneficial, there is equipment out there designed for such purposes. 

The GPS Countertop Plastic will not adhere to all surfaces. If the surface has texturing, or is not fairly smooth, this may not have enough adhesive to get a good grip to the surface. There is not another single adhesive system that works on nearly as many surfaces as this one. 

May I suggest you test a sample of the product on your potential surface to make sure it will perform to your necessary requirements.

This film is available in many different widths, and in clear. It lasts the same amount of time in clear as blue. 

"Countertop Protection Tape"

Question:  Is, "counterop protection tape" the same thing as your GPS Countertop Plastic?

Answer:  Yes, some contractors refer to the film that adheres to counters as, countertop protection tape. This could be due to the self adhering quality of GPS Countertop Plastic.  If your goal is to keep your grout clean and countertop protected from paint or unwanted dirt during construction, GPS Countertop Plastic will do the job well.