How to remove the protective “Laserfilm” from the stainless steel products

Removing a stainless steel product’s protective covering

So you finally bought a stainless steel product for use in your home or business, and you were most excited when the restaurant equipment arrived and was installed. Almost all stainless steel equipment products, especially appliances, come with a “laserfilm”, a thin sheet of protective covering which looks like a plastic covering air-vacuumed or baked into the surface. After trying many times but being unsuccessful in neatly removing all of the protective covering and feeling your time and efforts have been wasted instead of being used productively, you either call the manufacturer and ask how to remove it, or check the solution on the internet.

What was that “laserfilm” anyway, and why is it there in the first place?

The protective white, black or blue film that is giving you grief is most probably LDPE, or low density polyethylene. It is put on stainless steel products to protect it from scratches, elements, and to make the equipment look brand new and sealed before being sold. The protective plastic covering has to be removed right after assembly or installation, or else it may leave traces on the surface of the stainless steel equipment. It is easier said than done, because LDPE plastic could not be removed by most adhesive dissolving agents.

What to do then?

First off, we would recommend contacting your manufacturer by phone – they are the experts and they surely know what to do. Normally these companies can be contacted by phone, email or if they have a website, a message can be left at the “contact us” page. Second, a quick look online shows that solvents like MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) and eucalyptus oil are used with a clean and grit-free cloth, applied to the affected surface, and left to soak for a while. Once it appears that the plastic is dissolved in the solvent, wipe the residue off and use elbow grease, being careful not to leave scratches while cleaning. A mark may appear after it is done, but that can easily be removed using hot water and alkaline detergent.