Thick Clear PVC Buyers FAQ Everything you need to know

Wow, there are lots of questions about thick clear PVC on this page, it looks more complicated than I thought!
Don’t worry, it’s really not complicated at all. We’ve simply gathered all the most common questions we receive in one place. As one of the UK’s go to specialists for bespoke table protectors, we get a wide range of queries from both new and returning customers who want to understand every detail before ordering.

In reality, 99% of customers just place their order, we process and dispatch it, and everything goes smoothly. Most people never need to contact us at all, other than to send a kind review or a photo of their protector in place.

This page is simply here to help anyone who wants to know a bit more about how PVC works, what to expect when it arrives, or how to choose the perfect option for their table.

I don’t know what shape my table is, or it doesn’t look like any of your standard shapes
That’s no problem at all. Many tables have unusual or custom shapes, and our thick clear PVC protectors can be cut to fit. If your table doesn’t match one of the standard options, you can simply choose the closest size and shape available, then trim it at home with a sharp pair of scissors for a neat finish. If you prefer, you can contact us with your make and model of your table and we will work our a solution for you. This way, you’ll still get a perfectly tailored fit that keeps your table fully protected.

I have an unusual shaped table but I have a digital drawing from the manufacturer or a digital drawing for it, can you cut the shape for me?
Yes, we can work from a digital drawing. If you have a file from the manufacturer or a precise digital outline of your table, you can send it to us and we’ll use it to cut the PVC protector to the exact shape required. We accept common file types such as PDF, DXF, or other vector-based drawings that show clear measurements. This ensures you receive a perfectly accurate fit without the need for trimming at home.

Can I use the item on my table?
Although we can’t guarantee whether a specific protector will be perfectly suited to every table or surface, we can offer some general guidance. Tables come in an enormous range of materials and finishes, and this can influence how clear PVC appears once laid down.

For very glossy or highly polished tables, such as white high gloss lacquered finishes, we normally recommend choosing our matt clear version. The slight texture helps reduce the appearance of small air bubbles or light patches that can sometimes form between the clear PVC and smooth reflective surfaces.

For most wooden, oak, or textured modern-style tables, our standard clear version is normally ideal and gives a beautiful, almost invisible finish. You can see many real customer photos on our website and Instagram showing how the protector looks in everyday homes.

Even when using the matt option, it’s still possible to see small areas of trapped air between the PVC and the surface. This doesn’t affect performance or protection in any way, it’s purely a cosmetic effect that’s more noticeable on certain tables and under particular lighting conditions.

Does thick clear PVC shrink and expand?
Yes, like all thick PVC materials, thick clear PVC can expand and contract slightly depending on temperature. In warmer rooms it may relax and feel a little softer, while in colder conditions it can become firmer and appear fractionally smaller. These changes are minimal and usually not noticeable in everyday use, but it is worth allowing a little tolerance when measuring for a very tight fit. Once laid flat and at room temperature, the protector will settle and stay stable on your table.

My item has arrived rolled up and it’s not laying completely flat on my table. What should I do?
This is completely normal, as we roll the protectors for safe delivery. Once unrolled and placed on your table, the PVC will naturally relax and flatten out over time. To speed up the process, you can lay it out in a warm room and gently press down the edges. If you want an even quicker result, lightly warming the protector with a hairdryer on a low setting or placing it in direct sunlight for a short period will help it soften and settle flat. After a little time in normal room conditions, it will lie smoothly across your table.

I need my clear table protector cutting to an exact size in millimetres, how can I order this?
You can order a clear table protector cut to your required size by entering the measurements in centimetres on our website when placing your order. Simply choose the type and shape, then input the exact dimensions of your table. We use advanced cutting technology to achieve a precise result, but it’s important to note that PVC can naturally contract and expand slightly depending on temperature.

To allow for this, we normally include a small amount of extra length when cutting (for example, around 10mm on a 1-metre length or about 15mm on 2 metres). This ensures that once the material has settled at room temperature, it will sit correctly and give the most accurate fit possible.

The time it takes for the PVC to settle can also vary depending on the ambient temperature of your home. During early autumn, when indoor and outdoor temperatures are similar, it may take several weeks to relax fully. In contrast, during the height of summer or in winter when your heating is on, the material will usually settle much faster.

My clear PVC item has arrived and it’s around 1% longer than the size I ordered. What am I supposed to do?
It’s completely normal for your thick clear PVC protector to arrive slightly longer than the exact size ordered. On an average table length of around 180cm, this can mean an extra 1.5cm overall. We allow for this small tolerance to compensate for natural contraction and expansion as the material adjusts to your home environment.

To put this into perspective, 1.5cm is roughly the width of a baby’s finger. When placed on the table, that difference is divided between both ends, leaving only about 7mm overhang on each side, roughly the size of a lentil. This small amount will usually settle as the protector relaxes and adjusts to room temperature.

We recommend laying the protector flat on your table and starting to use it as normal. Over time, especially once it has been in a warm room for a few weeks, it will settle closer to the intended size.

Why has my protector arrived slightly longer but not wider?
I understand why this feels confusing. We do add a very small allowance to the length, and not to the width. That is intentional. Clear PVC is produced and wound on a roll in the length direction, so any settling, relaxation, or temperature movement happens mainly along the length. The width is far more stable, so adding to the width is not required.

What you are seeing is our standard length allowance of about 1 percent. For a 180 cm table that is roughly 1.5 cm overall, which settles as the material relaxes at room temperature. Width is cut to your order size without added allowance, aside from normal manufacturing tolerances.

Is thick clear PVC the same as glass?
No, thick clear PVC is not the same as glass. While it gives a similar transparent appearance, PVC is a flexible plastic material that is much lighter and safer to use in everyday settings. Unlike glass, it will not shatter or crack if knocked, making it ideal for protecting tables while still showing the surface underneath. It also has a softer feel and can be cut to size, which glass cannot.

Can it be used outside?
no, clear PVC table protectors are not designed to be used outside,  they are designed primarily for indoor use. The material is water resistant and easy to wipe clean, so occasional outdoor use such as covering a garden table is fine. However, you should avoid direct sunlight or hot warm days, rain, or frost can cause the PVC to harden. For the best results and longest life, it is recommended to use the item indoors.

Will thick clear PVC be as flat as glass?
Glass can offer a perfectly flat surface when new, but it also comes with several disadvantages compared to thick clear PVC. While glass may appear smoother, it can be noisy when placing items down, is more expensive, can scratch or chip easily, and will only sit perfectly flat on a completely even table. It’s also not practical to trim or resize glass if you order slightly too large or move to a new table.

Thick clear PVC, on the other hand, provides a smooth and protective surface at a lower cost. It’s flexible, safer, and easier to handle, roll up, or store when not in use. You can also trim it at home with simple tools for a precise fit. Because PVC is a flexible material, if you look closely at certain angles or under particular lighting conditions, the surface may appear to have a slight lines. This is completely normal for flexible PVC and would not usually be noticeable during everyday use.

Although it may not be as rigid as glass, most people find the small difference in flatness is outweighed by the many practical benefits of PVC. Ultimately, it comes down to balancing the pros and cons of each option and choosing what works best for your needs.

Maybe I should consider a glass top instead of thick PVC
Glass and thick clear PVC both offer table protection, but they serve different purposes. Glass is rigid, heavy, and provides a permanent surface that cannot be trimmed or adjusted once made. It also comes at a much higher cost and requires careful handling, as it can chip or crack. Thick PVC, on the other hand, is flexible, safer, lighter, and can be cut precisely to fit any size or shape, even unusual or extending tables. It protects the table without hiding its appearance and can easily be replaced or updated if needed. For most customers, PVC offers a more practical and versatile option compared to glass.

Can I use the item on my antique table?
We have many customers using thick clear on a range of tables of various ages, a clear PVC table protector is often used on antique or valuable tables as it provides a strong barrier against scratches, spills, and everyday wear. It allows you to enjoy the look of the original surface while keeping it safe. However, since antiques can have delicate finishes, it is important to make sure the table is completely clean and dry before laying the protector down. For long term use, we recommend lifting the protector from time to time to allow the wood to breathe, ultimately due to so many different types and finishes existing we recommend checking with the manufacturer or a table finisher as they would be best to advise on your exact table.   

Does it protect against hot items from the oven or stove?
Clear PVC table protectors are heat resistant to a certain level, but they are not designed to withstand direct contact with very hot items such as pans, trays, or dishes straight from the oven or stove. Placing extremely hot items directly on the PVC can cause marks, warping, or discolouration. We recommend always using heatproof mats, trivets, or placemats under hot cookware to keep both your table and the protector in perfect condition.

You have a lot of questions and answers on this page, but you don’t have the answer to my question!
No problem at all, we’ll be happy to help. If your question isn’t covered here, please send us a message through our Contact Us page or use our Live Chat system for the fastest reply. Be sure to include your email address so we can get back to you even if you leave the chat. One of our team will review your query and respond as soon as we have the right answer for you.