How to Apply a Shrink Band Without a Heat Gun

1. Choose a shrink band sized for your container's diameter - Shrink bands are sold by height and are cut to size, but the band's unstretched diameter needs to start larger than your container's widest point so it can slip on before shrinking down. Our shrink bands come in a range of sizes - check the band's listed diameter against your container's widest point before ordering, or use our convenient Add-ons to easily locate matching shrink bands for any container.
2. Slip the band over the cap and neck before heating - Place the band over the closed cap so it sits where you want the finished seal to land, typically spanning the seam between the cap and the neck of the container. The band should sit loosely at this stage - it hasn't shrunk yet, so it will look oversized and slightly baggy.
3. Bring a pot of water to a near-boil, around 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit - The water needs to be hot enough to shrink the band quickly, but a full boil isn't necessary and can cause uneven shrinking if the water is turbulent. A gentle near-boil, just below full boiling, gives more even, controllable results than a rapidly bubbling pot.

4. Dip the banded container into the water for 2 to 4 seconds at a time - Submerge just the banded portion of the container into the hot water briefly, rotating it as you go so the band shrinks evenly on all sides rather than puckering unevenly on one side. Short, repeated dips work better than one long soak, which risks warping the container itself if it's plastic.
5. Rotate and re-dip until the band has shrunk fully and evenly - Continue the brief dip-and-rotate process, checking the band's appearance between dips, until it has conformed tightly to the container's shape with no loose or baggy sections remaining.
6. Let the container cool completely before handling further - The band will feel warm and slightly tacky right after shrinking - let it cool to room temperature undisturbed before labeling, boxing, or stacking the container, since handling it too soon can distort the still-soft band.

Related Containers & Closures You May Like

Clear PVC Shrink Bands, 60 mm - 165 mm HeightClear PVC Shrink Bands, 25 mm - 58 mm HeightShrink Bands, Clear PVC Shrink Bands For .15 oz Standard Lip Balm Tubes

Colored Shrink Bands, Shiny Black PVC Shrink BandsColored Shrink Bands, Red PVC Shrink BandsColored Shrink Bands, Yellow PVC Shrink Bands

Colored Shrink Bands, Dark Green PVC Shrink BandsColored Shrink Bands, White PVC Shrink BandsColored Shrink Bands, Matte Black PVC Shrink Bands

How to Apply a Shrink Band Without a Heat Gun FAQ

Applying a shrink band without a heat gun comes down to controlled, brief dips in near-boiling water rather than one long soak, with even rotation to avoid a lopsided seal.

What Temperature Water Do I Need to Shrink a Band?

Water just below a full boil, around 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, shrinks most shrink bands quickly without the uneven turbulence of a rapidly boiling pot.

How Long Should I Dip the Container in the Water?

Short, repeated dips of 2 to 4 seconds each, with rotation between dips, give more even results than one long soak.

Can This Method Damage a Plastic Container?

A prolonged soak in near-boiling water can warp some plastics, which is why brief, repeated dips are safer than fully submerging a container for an extended time.

What Size Shrink Band Do I Need?

The band's unstretched diameter needs to be larger than your container's widest point so it slips on before shrinking - check the listed diameter against your container before ordering. You can also use our convenient Addons on any product page to locate compatible caps or shrink bands for your container.

Why Does My Shrink Band Look Uneven After Shrinking?

Uneven shrinking is usually caused by not rotating the container during dips, or by water that's boiling too vigorously - a gentler near-boil with steady rotation gives more even results.

Related Packaging Information

• Buyer's Guide: Cannabis Packaging Containers
• How to Test a Cap for a Proper Seal Before Shipping