Why Saran Wrap Doesn't Stick To Metal

[Michael_in_TX]

This is something that I have wondered about for years, but tonight, while trying to get Saran Wrap / Cling Film to stick to a metal bowl and failing, I went to figure out why.

It is actually really simple. A metal bowl is a conductor of electrical charge. Glass and ceramic containers are insulators. Cling film works by static electricity; the film is polyethylene plastic, which builds up static electricity -- electrons separated from their atoms, resulting in a charge imbalance -- rather easily.

With glass and ceramic being insulators, it is difficult for the static electricity "the clinginess" to dissipate. With metal, by contrast, it is very easy for the built up electrical charge to dissipate and the film to adhere poorly if at all. (This also explains why the film seems to almost stick at first, but then not at all.)

Better living through chemistry.

[Allon]

If you often have to throw away a crumpled ball of plastic wrap before it even hits the storage container, freeze it for about 10 - 15 minutes before your next attempt

[Michael_in_TX]

At first I was like, huh? But apparently this does work! The cold air of the freezer reduces the static charge, making the wrap less clingy so you can smooth it out.

I think this trick will save me a few dollars from here on out.

[SheilaAnn]

Well, my day is not wasted……

[Huskee]

Why does Glad Press N Seal work better?

[DaveD]

Wow, I have always been a Saran Wrap kinda guy. I have found Glad Wrap to be basically unusably bad...

[FireMan]

Chemicals. Yessir.

[Huskee]

DaveD I meant to say Press N Seal, not their cling wrap, Fixed above.

[Michael_in_TX]

Why does Glad Cling Wrap work better?

There really does seem to be a reason for this! The Glad brand is made from a proprietary polyvinylidene chloride plastic rather than the more common polyethylene. Supposedly it has better adhesive properties, although it is utterly unclear to me why this is.

In fact, it appears that two different types of Glad cling wrap are available and Glad may be phasing out the polyvinylidene chloride version for a "modified" polyethylene version. The drivers are cost and that the original version does not degrade in landfills as well as the polyethylene films.

I am learning way too much about this consumer product this evening!

[SheilaAnn]

Sounds like just the thing I want touching my food……

[FireMan]

Yup, see, chemicals.

[Huskee]

I mean to say Press N Seal.

[Dan Deter]

You may be learning way to much, but its very interesting! And my metal bowls make me glad for the invention of Press-n-Seal!

[Huskee]

Press & seal might be what I meant by Glad Cling Wrap, I'm not sure which is which but I know one of them works great.

[FireMan]

Git yer chemicals straight.

[Uncle Bob]

For a couple decades I've been using the Costco Kirkland brand in the large box......even with some level of daily use a box lasts us 10-12 years........yes, I date the box to keep track...........don't ask. I haven't taken time to check the chemistry, but it clings to metal or glass/ceramic equally well and/or annoying. On rare occasions it doesn't stick which I've never taken the time or interest to figure out why.

[shify]

Yup - just got that big box a few weeks ago and it works/sticks to everything infinitely better than Saran Wrap

[klflowers]

I won't ask Unc. But if I side eye you next time I see you you'll know why

[FireMan]

Kostco uses nuthin but the finest chemicals.

[Draznnl]

Is plastic also an insulator? Doesn't cling wrap also work on plastic bowls? I can't check this because we're a Press 'N' Seal household.

[DaveD]

Sometimes I have a hard time getting purchase on plastic with Saran...

[DaveD]

Excellent forensic work there Michael! I had not ever thought about it, but I am sure you're spot on. SCIENCE!

[klflowers]

If you aren't at the next meat up I attend in TX I am going to come find you so you can edumacate me more

[Michael_in_TX]

My goal is to be there! I have missed far too many!

[SheilaAnn]

I use the commercial, made for food service commercial stuff. BPA free, as well.