When the texture of bubble cells or packaging papers may affect the surface of the item being packaged, a layer of soft polyethylene foam if often used to wrap it first, followed by a layer of bubble wrap or paper packaging to provide the more robust cushioning required to protect the product. 
So why take the time wrapping your item twice? Laminated bubble wrap and polyethylene foam is available by special order, the cost is similar to purchasing the two materials individually, the product is more professionally packaged, and you save on labour. 
Laminated foam and bubble tubing is also available increasing packaging efficiency even further, it is exactly what it sounds like, a continuous sleeve of polyethylene foam laminated to bubble wrap offering the flexibility to be cut and sealed at your desired length. Ideal for creating a pouch or bag for long or awkward shaped items.
For details on laminated bubble wrap dispensers please contact our sales team.

Small bubble is not as soft as large bubble but can support more weight. It is the most popular, or commonly used size. 3/16” bubble has less impact or shock protection than large bubble, it is ideally used for protection against dents, chips, scrapes and scratches.
Common Uses: Protecting glass and chinaware, jewelry, small appliances and digital items including cell phones. With its lightweight and versatile properties, it is often used by moving companies.
Medium bubble is used for heavier or larger items, 5/16” bubble provides more shock absorption than 3/16” while still offering the surface protection that 3/16 bubble offers. 
Common Uses: It’s ideal for wrapping more bulky items that require thicker cushioning including artwork, mirrors and frames, heavier machinery or components.
Large bubble has the greatest shock or impact resistance of all bubble sizes and therefore often used to fill the empty spaces in larger containers to protect grouped items. Its large, 1/2" soft cells are ideal for protecting those extra delicate items or simply just offering cushioning between layered products. 
Common Uses: These large cells offer great extra thickness void fill for large cases, cartons, containers or crates.

This is an important question, and requires consideration, firstly what is the application? Is the foam purpose a surface protection, a shock absorber, or both? If the foam is strictly being used for keeping surfaces free from abrasion damage during transit, usually a thinner foam would be adequate protection. However, the heavier the parts get and, especially if they are packed together inside the same box, there is a higher likelihood of impact between the products, causing paint chips and possibly even dents in the surface. In these instances, thicker foam providing a higher level of surface protection and shock resistance is better. 
Lastly, as always, as labour is often a greater expense than materials, it is the balance of material usage and labour that we’re trying to achieve. You can always wrap something more than once, but this option brings added labour cost to the packing process, which could be eliminated by using thicker foam.
Below is a basic guideline for suggested uses, however in some cases we recommend testing to ensure complete satisfaction is met.
1/32” Polyethylene Foam common uses; automotive parts, household appliances
1/16” Polyethylene Foam common uses; polished surfaces, glass & crystal, mirrored surfaces
3/32” Polyethylene Foam common uses; metal parts, artwork & plaques
1/8” Polyethylene Foam common uses; aircraft parts, furniture
1/4” Polyethylene Foam common uses; electronic equipment, interleaving between heavy components
1/2" Polyethylene Foam common uses; sharp edged products, heavy items, light fixtures