How to Form a Crease in Plastic Sheet

Plastic sheets provide a malleable material for home and garden projects.

Plastic sheets serve to protect surfaces, keep out moisture and create a range of home and garden projects. To form a crease so you can shape a plastic sheet for a specific purpose, use the techniques used in packaging. The cardboard carton came about by accident, according to Ohio State University's "History of Packaging" fact sheet. A metal ruler created an effective crease that allowed the carton shape. to be formed. The same method works on plastic sheeting.

Things You'll Need

• Table, workbench or board with a square edge
• Large nail, awl or dull utility knife
• Metal ruler

Instructions

1. Score thick plastic first, the entire length of the desired crease. A large nail works well for this. An awl or dull utility knife will work if you're careful with the pressure. The objective is to create a deep scratch without cutting through the plastic sheet.

2. Turn the plastic sheet over if you scored it. Set the desired crease along a table with a square edge. Alternatively, use a square workbench or large board supported on a strong surface. Press a metal ruler along the plastic sheet in the desired location for the crease. Press hard.

3. Lift the plastic sheet and check the crease. For a sharper crease, set the plastic sheet back down and press the ruler along the plastic again.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid causing abrasions on the plastic, hold the tool at an angle so the force is concentrated at the crease. Holding the tool flat against the plastic may cause scratches on the plastic sheet's surface.

• Very thin plastic may not hold a crease.

• Keep plastic sheets out of reach of children.

• Keep work sites or project areas locked. Tack or tie plastic down to reduce the risk of suffocation.

References

• Ohio State University Extension: A History of Packaging