do bubble wrap bubbles go in the inside

Bubble Wrap gained popularity in the 1960s, when IBM started using it to protect computers during shipping.

Learning to correctly use Bubble Wrap can help you protect your valuable and breakable items during transit. Bubble Wrap is a well-known and often misused tool. In its basic operation, Bubble Wrap is intended to serve as cushioning for transporting items, but many unconventional users simply enjoy popping the bubbles.

The correct way to use Bubble Wrap is important to know when packing fragile items, and you may soon find yourself wondering why so many people like destroying the efficient air cushions.

Instructions:

Things You’ll Need

• Scissors (we stock perforated bubble so scissors are optional)
• Tape

Lay the item you wish to wrap on a flat surface.

You need to cut enough Bubble Wrap to completely cover your item more than once. If you are wrapping up prized or especially fragile possessions, it is better to be generous with the wrap.

Lay out the Bubble Wrap with the bubble side facing upwards.

You may have noticed that one half of the Bubble Wrap has a completely flat surface, and the other contains all of the tiny bubbles. A common mistake people make is to wrap up the item with the bubbles on the outside and the flat edge against their item. Although this does provide some cushion for the object, it does not take full advantage of the Bubble Wrap.

Place your item on top of the Bubble Wrap.

The item should be resting on the bubble side of the Bubble Wrap. The reason for this is that the bubbles essentially serve as cushions for your object. Each bubble contains an air pocket, which protects your item if it gets bashed around in transit.

When the item is properly wrapped, the bubbles are completely encasing the object and minimizing all damage to it. If the bubbles were on the outside, they would come into direct contact with sharper or tougher objects and end up popped, thus removing a good portion of the protection for your item.

Wrap up the item entirely in the Bubble Wrap multiple times.

For example, if you had a picture frame, you will have cut off a large rectangular piece of Bubble Wrap. Put the long side of the picture frame up to one of the shorter sides of the Bubble Wrap, and hold them together.

Now roll it up to the opposite short edge, picking up layers of wrapping as you flip the frame over and over to the other end. The majority of the frame will now be wrapped, and there should be enough wrap left to cover the gaps on the short sides. If you are wrapping something especially valuable, use another piece to ensure the item is entirely covered.

Pack your wrapped item as desired.

You may wish to use a small bit of tape to hold the bubble wrap in place. Now, the flat edge will be on the outside, which protects the bubbles and therefore protects your possessions more efficiently. Bubble Wrap popping is the worst outcome when it is being used properly.

Which Side of Bubble Wrap Should You Use?

Bubble wraps are a common form of packaging material that has been used to protect delicate items being sent across various states and countries. It’s made of durable plastic and has ‘bubbles’ on one side which makes it perfect for protecting items—while still being relatively lightweight.

However, many don’t realize there’s a right and wrong side to using it. This confusion often leads to the improper use of bubble wraps and consequently, damage and scratches to the items which they’re supposed to protect.

The Correct Side Of Bubble Wraps

There’s a right and wrong side when using bubble wraps. It’s because in most cases, packaging material should provide air pockets on the top, bottom, and sides of the object or item. This way, nothing can touch or hit them in the course of delivery.

Thus, if you’re thinking that bubbles should be facing the outside of the package, you’re wrong. When packaging materials, the bubbles or air pockets should be facing the inside of the package. This way, if any part of it is jostled or hit, it’ll stay protected. It’s because the bubbles act as a soft buffer and provide that extra layer of protection for the items inside the package.

Similarly, with the bubbles facing inwards, packaged items are provided with a better grip. The outer material of the wrap is smooth, which won’t give the same amount of grip. The texture can increase the chances of the item sliding or moving during transport.

Aside from this, with the smooth side of the bubble wrap facing you, it’ll be easier to secure it with packaging tape. It would also offer a better surface for labelling when necessary.

Another reason why the bubbles should be facing the object is to protect the bubbles themselves. By doing so, you’re saving the delicate air pockets from being punctured by sharp objects.

This practice can reduce bubble wastage and allow you to use the wrap repeatedly for packing. This is also the reason why some look at bubble wraps to be an ultimate protection provider and an environmentally friendly material too.

Lastly, the outer part of the wrap is always the side exposed to dirt and outside elements. It may pick up dust or grime while it’s being stored or transferred.

For this reason, the smooth side of the bubble wrap should always face outwards as it’ll be easier to clean. This is contrary to the side with bubbles which are often filled with grooves and nooks where that are hard to clean when dirt gets into them.

What If You Use The Wrong Side Of The Bubble Wrap

Using the wrong side of bubble wrap can mean that you’re risking the bubbles themselves—especially when there are sharp objects inside or outside a package. When this happens, they lose their role as cushions and will expose your item to potential damage.

With the wrong side out, it can also be difficult for you to properly secure the package with tape as it can affect how well the adhesive sticks to it. An uneven surface can make giving enough adhesion difficult.

This also means that if you need additional tapes, you’ll have to replace them regularly as they can come undone more easily.  This could cause the item inside the package to shift around more and increase the likelihood of it getting damaged or scratched.

If you have a particularly fragile item, having the wrong side out could also mean that your package will more likely topple. With the wrong side facing towards your package, it’ll become harder to hold down. During transport, this can cause a problem as your package could shift and require additional tape or other materials to secure the contents.

How To Use Bubble Wrap For Packing

So, you are planning a residential move and looking in dismay at the enormous piles of household goods and personal items that need to be sorted out and packed for shipment? It seems as if you’re going to need the help of a small army of friends and family to get the task done safely and efficiently enough?

The more help you enlist, the faster and the more fun your packing endeavor will be, of course.  However, your new best friend when it comes to packing may be something of a surprise.

Believe it or not, it is the familiar rolls and bags of bubble wrap that will help you the most when packing for moving.

The air-filled material provides the most convenient method for packing and securing your items, as well as the best possible protection for your belongings during shipment – it will prevent scratching and breaking, will absorb any undesirable shocks and vibrations during transit, and will allow you to receive your goods safe and intact.