5188 PolyMask
5188 PolyMask is a 0.005″ (5 mil) clear polyolefin film backed with polyethylene, coated with an acrylic-based removable adhesive system. Engineered as a high-adhesion temporary protection film for smooth and lightly/medium textured flat/satin-gloss surfaces, it delivers 12 oz/in adhesion to steel with stable adhesion levels for good removability. Tensile strength is 2,500 psi and elongation 450% per ASTM D882. Target applications include cultured marble, high-pressure laminates, painted surfaces, plastics, and powder coating HP/LSE finishes such as DuPont Kynar®.
Key Properties
- Adhesion to Steel: 12 oz/in (ASTM D3330)
- Tensile Strength: 2,500 psi (ASTM D882)
- Elongation: 450% (ASTM D882)
- Adhesive Type: Acrylic-based
- Material / Substrate: Polyolefin film with Polyethylene backing
- Thickness: 0.005″ (ASTM D3652)
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- Specifications
- Applications
- General Info
- FAQs
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Thickness | 0.005″ | ASTM D3652 |
| Color | Clear | — |
| Material / Substrate | Polyolefin film | — |
| Backing | Polyethylene | — |
| Adhesive System | Removable Adhesive | — |
| Adhesive Side | Single Sided Adhesive | — |
| Adhesive Type | Acrylic-based | — |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Tensile Strength | 2,500 psi | ASTM D882 |
| Elongation | 450% | ASTM D882 |
Adhesion Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Adhesion to Steel | 12 oz/in | ASTM D3330 |
- Surface protection of smooth and lightly/medium textured cultured marble and high-pressure laminates
- Painted smooth and textured flat/satin-gloss surface protection during handling, shipping, and storage
- Plastic surface protection on smooth and lightly/medium textured flat/satin-gloss substrates
- Powder coating HP/LSE finish protection (e.g., DuPont Kynar®)
- Die-cut surface protection components where good stamping and converting characteristics are required
Common industries: Architectural panels, cultured marble, laminate manufacturing, painted surface fabrication, powder-coating operations, surface protection converting.
5188 PolyMask is a temporary protection film designed for surface protection across smooth and lightly-to-medium textured flat/satin-gloss substrates. The construction pairs a 0.005″ clear polyolefin film with a polyethylene backing, coated with an acrylic-based removable adhesive system.
The 12 oz/in adhesion to steel is calibrated as a high-adhesion mid-tier — substantially higher than the 2.0–4.0 oz/in low-tack 4040 grade but lower than the 80 oz/in aggressive 5180C grade — positioning 5188 as the appropriate selection for moderate adhesion requirements where reliable hold matters but aggressive bonding is not needed.
The film provides surface protection against dust, dirt, and moderate abrasion encountered in handling, shipping, and storage. Stable adhesion levels (without the build behavior typical of conventional acrylics) result in good removability across the protection lifecycle. The transparent backing offers excellent contact clarity, allowing visual inspection of protected surfaces through the film.
The backing material is also designed for good stamping and die-cutting performance, making the film practical for converted die-cut parts in addition to standard slit-roll formats. Target applications span smooth and textured cultured marble and high-pressure laminates, painted smooth and textured surfaces, plastics, and powder coating HP/LSE finishes including DuPont Kynar®. Tensile strength is 2,500 psi and elongation 450% per ASTM D882.
What differentiates 5188 from other PolyMask protective films?
5188 occupies the moderate-adhesion middle tier in the PolyMask family at 12 oz/in adhesion to steel — between the 2.0–4.0 oz/in low-tack 4040 and the 80 oz/in aggressive 5180C. It is designed for smooth and lightly-to-medium textured flat/satin-gloss surfaces where reliable protection is needed but aggressive bonding could risk surface damage on removal. The transparent backing with excellent contact clarity is also a notable feature for applications requiring visual inspection through the film.
Why is adhesion important when selecting this film?
For surface protection films, adhesion must match the substrate texture and gloss level. 5188's 12 oz/in is calibrated for smooth and lightly textured satin-gloss substrates — too low and the film won't anchor on textured surfaces; too high and it could damage smooth finished surfaces on removal. The "stable adhesion levels resulting in good removability" language confirms the adhesive does not build excessively over time.
What is the operating temperature range for 5188?
The TDS does not publish a service temperature range for this film. Specifiers requiring temperature service data should contact H-O Products directly.
Is 5188 suitable for die-cut converted components?
Yes. The TDS explicitly states the backing is designed for good stamping and die cutting, supporting use in converted die-cut and kiss-cut surface protection parts. No specific regulatory compliance standards are listed on the TDS for this material.
How should 5188 be specified?
Specify product (5188 PolyMask Protective Film), thickness (0.005"), backing (polyethylene), color (Clear), target substrate (smooth or lightly/medium textured flat/satin-gloss), compliance requirements, dimensional tolerances, and finished format.
