General Transhield Covers & Corrosion Protection
Why should I cover something that’s going to be outside anyway?
Nature’s elements (moisture, debris, salt, dust, dirt, and UV rays) will eventually deteriorate your equipment assets. Damage comes in the form of rust, surface delamination, paint chips, and similar wear. Equipment degradation speeds up the depreciation of your assets, causing cosmetic damage and sometimes functional damage. Having a Transhield protective cover on your equipment is a proactive measure that extends the life of your assets.
What is the difference between shrink wrap and Shrinkable Fabric®?
Shrink wrap is a film, of varying weight, that comes in rolls and can be applied to any large or small item that needs protection. The installer shapes the film from the roll sheet by using folds, tape and rope. When using a high-powered heat tool, the film shrinks and conforms to the object. One big downside with this application is that it traps humidity inside the shrink wrap, where it can condensate on the film, and the droplets may drop back onto the object being wrapped.
Transhield Shrinkable Fabric® is a film and a nonwoven in one fabric. The outer layer is a film that shrinks just like shrink wrap. The difference is on the inside. Shrinkable Fabric® has an inner layer of soft nonwoven material that does not scratch or otherwise damage the surface of whatever it is covering. The nonwoven material is engineered to pull moisture from inside the cover and transfer it to the outside of the cover. This “laminated technology” sets Transhield apart from shrink wrap. Like shrink wrap, a high-powered heat tool is required to shrink the material.
How and what makes Transhield reusable?
Transhield Shrinkable Fabric® is a laminated material composed of three separate layers: a polyethylene layer on the outside (like shrink wrap), a hot-melt adhesive in the middle, and a soft non-woven on the inner, underside layer. These three layers combined give the Transhield Shrinkable Fabric® structure and durable toughness versus shrink wrap, making it less likely to rip after heat shrinking and multiple uses. The nonwoven inner layer also provides a soft surface against valuable painted surfaces.
Do I need to vent the cover like I do for shrink wrap?
No, you do not need to vent a Transhield cover. Moisture under the cover is pulled toward the outside of the cover via the capillary and moisture surface tension properties of the material technology. Moisture is removed and relative humidity is reduced, rendering a vent unnecessary.
That being said, we often recommend vents for added ventilation as they help regulate air pressure inside the covers when they are travelling on the highway, during transport. The vents come pre-installed and are strategically placed depending on the use case of the cover (transit, storage, etc).
Will Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors (VCIs) remove rust?
No. VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) is not a chemical that eradicates rust. It is an inhibitor that will reduce the formation of rust by as much as 85% to 95%.
How can I prevent rust on equipment that sits outside for extended periods?
Transhield custom equipment covers prevent rust by combining a water-resistant outer shell with patented Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) technology that is compounded into the adhesive layer. The VCI emits a protective vapor that bonds to metal surfaces, inhibiting corrosion by 85% to 95% during long-term outdoor storage. The breathable nonwoven layer also pulls moisture away from the equipment toward the exterior of the cover, preventing the condensation buildup that causes rust under non-breathable tarps or standard shrink wrap.
At Transhield, we offer several cover lines built around this VCI technology, including ArmorDillo® for the harshest environments, such as naval military applications, XT Heavy-Duty Covers for extreme weather and daily on/off use, such as military ground vehicles and high value industrial equipment, and custom 5-10 mil Shrinkable Fabric® for general industrial and equipment storage.
Custom Industrial & Equipment Covers
Should I use bulk shrink wrap rolls or custom-fit covers for industrial equipment?
Bulk shrink wrap rolls require labor-intensive wrapping and trimming for each piece of equipment and often leave loose flaps, weak seams, and tear points. Transhield manufactures custom-fit shrink wrap covers in 5 mil, 7 mil, and 10.25 mil Shrinkable Fabric® material, engineered to your equipment’s exact dimensions.
The custom approach typically requires only one or two people to install, eliminates the cutting and seam-taping work that bulk rolls demand, and delivers a more uniform, tighter, more aerodynamic fit. The soft nonwoven inner layer also protects Class A finishes during transport, and optional features like vents, zipper access doors, custom labeling, and VCI integration can be built into the cover, which standard bulk shrink wrap film cannot provide.
What mil thickness do I need for heavy equipment covers?
For heavy equipment, Transhield offers several material options depending on weight, durability needs, and use case.
- The 5-10 mil Shrinkable Fabric® line covers most general industrial storage, with thicker mils providing heavier protection for larger or more abrasion-prone equipment.
- Transhield XT Heavy-Duty Covers are engineered for daily on/off use across extreme heat, cold, and snow, and are widely used by military ground forces.
- ArmorDillo® is Transhield’s most durable material, custom-fit for the harshest industrial and military environments, and is NAVSEA-approved for use on naval surface combatants.
The Transhield team can help you select the right material based on your exact needs. Reach out today!
What is the best shrink wrap for protecting equipment stored outdoors?
For long-term outdoor storage, Transhield’s 7 mil or 10 mil Shrinkable Fabric® delivers strong weather protection and durability. The material blocks more than 80% of UV rays (tested per ASTM D1003), repels rain, snow, dust, and pollutants, and carries an expected outdoor lifespan of about two years. When custom-fit and heat-shrunk, the cover forms a tight, aerodynamic cover that resists wind lift while the breathable nonwoven liner prevents interior condensation.
How long do heavy duty equipment covers last when used outdoors?
Transhield’s 5-10 mil Shrinkable Fabric® covers have an expected outdoor lifespan of about two years under standard environmental exposure. XT Heavy-Duty Covers and ArmorDillo® typically last two to four years depending on use and environment. Marine covers used seasonally can be reused for two to three storage seasons with proper handling. Lifespan depends on climate, UV intensity, mechanical handling, and how often the cover is removed and reinstalled.
How do you shrink wrap oddly shaped or irregularly sized machinery?
Transhield specializes in custom-fit covers for irregular and oddly shaped equipment across all product lines. Shrinkable Fabric® covers are engineered to your equipment’s exact dimensions and then heat-shrunk in place. When heat from a propane-powered shrink tool increases film temperatures to around 160°F (71°C), the outer film begins shrinking and conforms tightly to complex contours, while the nonwoven inner layer cushions Class A surfaces. ArmorDillo® and XT Heavy-Duty Covers are also custom-fit to your equipment without the heat shrink step. This range of custom-fit options makes Transhield a strong alternative to flat shrink wrap rolls for equipment with attachments, antennas, booms, exhaust stacks, or other protrusions.
What shrink wrap is best for storing construction equipment over the winter?
For winter storage of construction equipment such as excavators, skid steers, loaders, generators, and attachments, Transhield’s 5-10 mil Shrinkable Fabric® covers with multi-metal VCI provide reliable protection. The covers keep out snow, ice, road salt, and freezing rain while the VCI formulation inhibits corrosion on exposed metal by 85% to 95%. When heat-shrunk, the cover sheds snow load and prevents the water pooling that often damages tarp-covered equipment. Each cover is custom-fit, which eliminates the loose flaps and tear points that come with freeform shrink wrap on irregular machinery shapes.
Marine & Boat Covers
Are the marine covers reusable?
Yes, the Transhield Boat Covers are reusable when designed and handled accordingly. Our internal testing demonstrated that an aftermarket boat cover can be placed up to 6-times and shrunk and placed back to storage again, when handled properly. Bear in mind the cover will be tighter to put on the second time around due to shrinkage. It is highly recommended that you shrink the cover when used for storage.
The cover IS NOT a daily on/off cover. It should not be used as a mooring cover. It is not designed for such use and will not perform like a mooring cover.
I need to buy a cover for my boat. Can I get those from you?
We do offer a line of aftermarket covers for common boat types and sizes on our Amazon store. Should you have any questions about fit or application, please feel free to call us at 888-731-7700. You can also visit our YouTube page for basic covering methods.
Do you have covers to go over a wake tower?
Yes. There are two kinds: the standard V bow of a boat type and the type with two tips. The two tips are often referred to as “forked nose” or Pickle Fork Nose.
To measure, use a tape measure at the bow and run all the way back to the platform to get the proper measurement. If the end measurement falls close, go with the larger model. If you want to cover the full length of the boat, measure to the end of the swim platform or outboard motor if you have one. You can see how it’s done by watching our YouTube video series, “How to measure your boat.”
Will any universal cover fit a T-top or cabin cruiser?
Our universal covers are designed to fit most pontoons, v-hulls, and runabouts but are not designed to accommodate the height a T-top or cabin cruiser would require. We do not recommend using the individual cover offerings if you have such a model.
While we do not currently offer an aftermarket cover that fits a T-top, we can produce a custom-fit cover for boat manufacturers that offer a T-top line of boats.
Do I have to shrink the boat cover?
FOR STORAGE: Our covers are designed for use during transportation and storage. If you are using the cover for storage only, it is recommended that you shrink the cover; however, it is not mandatory. Just be sure that you tie down the cover to make sure it does not blow away or gather too much snow or water. Because the cover is not shrunk, it will collect water in depression areas. It is best to use a center pole to avoid the possibility of pooling water in the center of the boat. Shrinking the cover provides strength to the material and resists water and snow build up.
FOR TRANSPORTING: It is highly recommended that you shrink the cover prior to transporting your boat long distances to avoid potential fly-offs or any movement of the cover. Remember that movement equals etching. Transhield’s soft interior prevents most scratching and etching, but if there is a great deal of movement with the cover, there is a higher percentage of some surface etching.
How do you shrink wrap a boat for winter storage?
For winter storage, a Transhield boat cover can be installed over the boat, tied down at the perimeter, and heated with a propane-powered shrink tool. The outer film begins shrinking at around 160°F (71°C) and conforms to the hull shape, sealing out snow, ice, and moisture. Unlike traditional shrink wrap that gets cut off and discarded each spring, Transhield boat covers are reusable for two to three storage seasons, and the soft nonwoven inner layer pulls condensation outward through the cover without requiring vents.
How do you protect marine equipment from moisture and condensation during storage?
Marine equipment is best protected with Transhield’s cover technology, which use a three-layer construction: a water-resistant polyethylene outer film, a hot-melt adhesive middle layer, and a soft polyester nonwoven inner layer. The nonwoven layer absorbs interior moisture through capillary action and transfers it to the outside of the cover, where it evaporates. This design prevents the trapped condensation that damages gel coats, electronics, and painted surfaces during off-season storage, and it removes the need for the vents required by traditional shrink wrap.
TransTape® Heat Shrink Tape
What is the shelf life of Transhield heat shrink tape?
Under normal dry conditions, TransTape® has a shelf life of 5 years. The tape should not be exposed to excessive temperature, as the adhesive may run.
What is the difference between heat shrink tape and standard shrink wrap sealing tape?
The main difference is that standard shrink wrap sealing tape does not contract when heated, while heat shrink tape does. Standard sealing tape is typically used to close seams during shrink wrap installation. TransTape® is Transhield’s heat shrink tape, designed to repair and reinforce Transhield’s protective covers. When heated with a heat gun, it shrinks and bonds tightly to the cover surface, forming a water-resistant seal. TransTape is also color-matched to the color of our white 5-10 mil shrinkable fabric.
How long does a heat shrink tape bond last when exposed to outdoor conditions?
TransTape® is engineered for long-term outdoor performance on Transhield covers. The white polyethylene backing reflects UV light, the S-EB-S saturated adhesive bonds aggressively to the cover surface, and the outer film blocks water penetration to protect the seam underneath from corrosion. Once applied and heat-shrunk to a cover, the repair typically lasts the remaining service life of the cover.
How do you use heat shrink tape on irregular or uneven surfaces?
TransTape® works well on irregular surfaces because it shrinks and conforms when heated. Clean the repair area to remove dirt, oil, and moisture, peel off the release liner, and press the tape firmly over the damaged or stress area, overlapping the surrounding cover by at least one inch on each side. Apply a heat gun evenly across the tape until the polyethylene backing contracts and bonds to the cover. The tape pulls tight around contours, seams, corners, and curved sections without lifting at the edges. TransTape is designed only for Transhield protective covers and should not be used as a cable or pipe wrap.
TopCure® Concrete Curing Blankets
How long should concrete cure under a curing blanket?
TopCure® Concrete Curing Blankets from Transhield are designed as a seven-day wet cure cover for slab-on-grade and slab-on-deck applications. However, the duration period is usually stated in the design specification and could be only three or five days. Consult your specification for what is required for the job. During the curing period, the 24-mil blanket retains moisture against the concrete surface, limits evaporation, and helps control surface temperature.
How do you retain moisture in concrete during the curing process?
TopCure® Concrete Curing Blankets retain moisture through hydrating pods that absorb water and keep the concrete hydrated throughout the curing period. The proprietary white film layer reflects sunlight to limit surface evaporation and help control temperature under the cover. The material’s low water vapor transmission rate of less than 6 g/sqm/24h (tested per ASTM F1249) keeps moisture from escaping.
Is a concrete curing blanket better than plastic sheeting for concrete curing?
For most slab-on-grade and slab-on-deck applications, TopCure® Concrete Curing Blankets outperform standard plastic sheeting. Plastic sheets seal the slab but do not hold moisture against the surface, which can cause uneven evaporation, surface discoloration, and weak spots where the sheet contacts the concrete. TopCure’s hydrating pods hold water against the surface for consistent hydration, the reflective white film layer limits temperature rise, and the anti-slip grit top surface reduces slip-and-fall risk on the job site.