However, as important as drop cloths are in the painting industry, they can really be a pain. Not only are they always cumbersome and sometimes smelly, but they can also end up causing real problems on a jobsite.
Here are four reasons why we all hate drop clothes:
1. They Don’t Stay in Place
Anyone who has ever used a drop cloth knows how annoying they can be to place. Every time someone walks over them, they move. Every time a ladder is adjusted on top of them, they move. Every time a ladder is moved to a different place, the drop cloths must also be moved to accommodate it. Because of this annoying process, it can be easy to slack off with the drop cloths, not taking the time to place them correctly which can end up in accidents.
2. They Are a Tripping Hazard
If a drop cloth is not completely secured from all sides, it is likely going to end up wrinkling and sticking up at certain points along the sides. When this happens, not only does it limit the amount of coverage the cloth provides, it also creates a tripping hazard. If someone walks by and doesn’t see the upturned edge of the drop cloth, they can trip and fall. Even worse still, they could end up knocking over a ladder with someone on top!
3. They’re Bulky to Transport
With all of the equipment that has to be transported and stored at a jobsite, the last thing you want taking up space is a massive pile of drop cloths. They take up a big chunk of trailer/trunk space, and they can make your supplies look messy if not properly stowed at the end of the day. Nothing is worse than getting stuck carrying the drop cloths, especially on an outdoor job if it rained the day before.
4. They Must Be Washed
When drop cloths do get splashed with paint or drenched with water, they have to be washed before they’re used again. This a logistical pain that someone is probably going to have to take care of off the clock. On the other hand, if you don’t wash a sopping wet drop cloth, it will eventually dry out but it will smell awful! Paint that isn’t washed off of a drop cloth can stay wet and smear on the ground if you forget about it.
Are They a Necessary Evil?
Sure there are a lot of downsides to using drop cloths, but in the end, they’re a necessity on the jobsite… right? Believe it or not, there is an alternative to drop cloths that does the same essential job without the various drawbacks. Carpet Protection Film and Floor Protection Films are adhesive films that stick right to the surface of the floor and stay there. There’s no difficult transport, no risk of it moving until you remove it, and no need to wash them; simply stick it to the floor at the beginning of the job, then remove it when the job is done.
These floor protection films can defend your floors from dirt, dust, foot traffic, paint spills, construction debris, and a great deal of other variables that could cause damage. With large rolls that are easy to apply and come off cleanly, these surface protection films will revolutionize the way you paint, providing less hassle and more security. If you’re fed up with dealing with finicky drop cloths, give protective films a try!
