What is CushionCraft® EZ Film?

EZ Film, also known as cushion silk film, foam insertion film, or cushion wrap film, is an ultra-thin, smooth film placed around foam before the foam is inserted into its cover. Despite the name “silk film,” the material is not made from silk. The term describes its unusually smooth, slippery feel. CushionCraft EZ Film is only 0.4 mil thick. It adds virtually no bulk but creates a low-friction surface around the foam. Instead of dragging against the fabric, the covered foam slides more easily through the opening and into position.

EZ Film may be used in two ways:
1. As a low-friction slip layer for manually inserting foam
2. With a vacuum to temporarily compress the foam before insertion

The vacuum method is particularly helpful for oversized inserts, foam wrapped in polyester batting, irregularly shaped cushions, and covers with narrow zipper openings.

How to Put Foam Into a Cushion Cover Using CushionCraft® EZ Film

What Makes CushionCraft® EZ Film Different?

Ordinary plastic sheeting may appear similar, but it is not designed for use inside an upholstered cushion. It may be too thick, create unnecessary bulk, or produce distracting crinkling and rustling when the cushion is used.CushionCraft EZ Film combines three distinctive qualities.

Exceptionally Thin: At just 0.4 mil thick, CushionCraft EZ Film adds virtually no noticeable thickness to the finished cushion. This is particularly important when installing foam into a cover already designed for a precise, close fit. The film conforms readily to the foam and adds minimal material around seams, edges, and corners.

Incredibly Slick: The silk-like, ultra-low-friction surface helps foam and batting slide past the upholstery fabric instead of catching against it. This makes it easier to:
- Move the foam through the zipper opening
- Position it inside the cover
- Align it with seams and contours
- Fill corners completely
- Make final adjustments

Less friction can translate into faster fabrication and fewer installation frustrations.

Virtually Silent: CushionCraft EZ Film is engineered to remain virtually silent beneath decorative and contract upholstery fabrics. This is essential when the film remains inside the finished cushion. The installer gets the benefit of an extremely slippery installation surface without leaving behind the distracting crinkling commonly associated with ordinary plastic. Once properly installed, the film practically disappears inside the cushion.

How to Insert Foam Using CushionCraft® EZ Film Without a Vacuum

For relatively simple cushions, EZ Film can be used as a slip layer without vacuum compression.

Step 1: Prepare the FoamCut the foam to the required dimensions and confirm that it fits the intended cushion-cover measurements.If polyester batting is being used, attach and trim the batting before applying the EZ Film. Make sure the batting is smooth and securely positioned around the foam.
Step 2: Cut the EZ FilmCut enough film to cover the foam and the surfaces most likely to catch against the upholstery fabric.The film should lie smoothly around the cushion without creating large folds or unnecessary layers.
Step 3: Wrap the FoamPosition the EZ Film around the foam or batting-wrapped insert. The slick surface should create a smooth exterior that can slide against the inside of the cushion cover.
Step 4: Insert the CushionGuide the wrapped foam through the cushion opening. Work gradually rather than forcing one section.Because the film reduces friction, the foam should slide and turn more easily inside the cover.
Step 5: Align the FoamPosition the foam so its edges align with the cushion seams. Work the foam completely into the corners and make any final adjustments before closing the zipper.

How to Compress Cushion Foam With a Vacuum

Using EZ Film with a vacuum temporarily reduces the foam’s profile and makes it easier to fit through a narrow opening.The vacuum does not permanently shrink or change the foam. It removes air from the open cells, temporarily compressing the cushion. When the suction is released, the foam expands back toward its original size.

Step 1: Prepare the Cushion InsertComplete all foam cutting, contouring, and batting installation before beginning the compression process.Inspect the insert and make sure the batting is secure.
Step 2: Loosely Enclose the FoamWrap the foam with CushionCraft EZ Film. Tuck the film around the insert so air cannot easily enter, but leave a small opening for the vacuum hose.The film does not need to be pulled tightly. The vacuum will draw it against the foam.
Step 3: Insert the Vacuum HosePlace the vacuum hose inside the opening with the hose directed against the foam rather than loose film. Hold the surrounding film around the hose to limit incoming air.
Step 4: Apply VacuumTurn on the vacuum. As air is removed from the foam, the insert will temporarily become thinner and easier to handle.Make sure the foam compresses evenly. Reposition the hose if necessary.
Step 5: Insert the Compressed FoamWhile maintaining suction, guide the compressed cushion through the cover opening. The reduced profile and slippery surface make it easier to move the insert into place.
Step 6: Position the CushionAlign the compressed foam with the cover’s seams, corners, and contours before releasing the vacuum.The foam is much easier to reposition while compressed.
Step 7: Release the VacuumTurn off the vacuum and remove the hose. The foam will gradually expand and begin filling the cushion cover.
Step 8: Make Final AdjustmentsSmooth the fabric, align the seams, and work the foam fully into each corner. Close the zipper after confirming that the insert is positioned correctly.

Can CushionCraft® EZ Film Be Used Over Polyester Batting?

Yes. EZ Film is especially useful when foam has been wrapped with polyester batting.Batting adds loft, softens foam edges, and helps create a fuller cushion, but its fibers can catch against the inside of the upholstery cover. This friction may pull the batting out of position or make the cushion difficult to install.EZ Film creates a smooth exterior around the batting. The complete cushion assembly can then slide into the cover with less dragging and disruption.For professional results:Cut and shape the foam.Attach CushionCraft® PolyWrap or the selected batting.Trim and smooth the batting.Apply CushionCraft EZ Film.Insert the cushion manually or use vacuum compression.Each product performs a different job: the foam provides support, the batting adds surface softness and loft, and EZ Film simplifies installation.

Can CushionCraft® EZ Film Remain Inside the Cushion?

CushionCraft EZ Film is designed to be virtually silent, allowing it to remain inside appropriate cushion constructions without the crinkling associated with ordinary plastic.Whether it should remain inside depends on the cushion design, foam type, intended environment, and desired moisture management.If the film is left inside a cushion, avoid sealing the foam so completely that displaced air has nowhere to escape. Appropriate ventilation helps prevent the film from ballooning when the cushion is compressed.For applications where substantial moisture protection is the primary objective, use CushionCraft Moisture Barrier rather than relying on the lighter EZ Film.

Should CushionCraft® EZ Film Be Used With Quick-Dry Foam?

EZ Film can be used temporarily to compress quick-dry or reticulated foam during cushion installation, but it should not remain wrapped around the foam.Quick-dry foam is engineered with an open structure that allows water and air to pass through it. Leaving film around the foam may interfere with the drainage and airflow that allow the cushion to dry rapidly.After inserting quick-dry foam into the cover, remove the EZ Film so the foam can function as intended.

CushionCraft® EZ Film Versus CushionCraft® Moisture Barrier

CushionCraft EZ Film and CushionCraft Moisture Barrier can both make foam easier to insert, but they are designed around different primary benefits.

Choose CushionCraft EZ Film When:
- Easy foam installation is the primary objective
- Minimal thickness is important
- An exceptionally slick surface is desired
- The film must remain virtually silent
- The cushion does not require a heavy-duty moisture barrier

Choose CushionCraft Moisture Barrier When:
- Moisture protection is a primary requirement
- Greater tear resistance is needed
- The cushion will be used in a more demanding environment
- A heavier and more protective film is appropriate

CushionCraft EZ Film is 0.4 mil thick. CushionCraft Moisture Barrier is 1 mil thick—more than twice as thick—and is designed for more substantial protection.

What Types of Cushions Can Be Installed With CushionCraft® EZ Film?

CushionCraft EZ Film can simplify the installation of foam in many upholstery applications, including:
- Sofa and chair cushions
- Bench seating
- Marine seats and interior cushions
- Patio cushions
- Automotive and RV upholstery
- Bolsters
- Window seats
- Contract furniture
- Custom-shaped cushions
- Foam wrapped with polyester batting
- Production upholstery assemblies

The greater the friction or the tighter the cover opening, the more valuable an ultra-thin insertion film becomes.

Frequently Asked Questions About CushionCraft® EZ Film

Is silk film actually made from silk?
No. “Silk film” describes the film’s extremely smooth, slippery surface. CushionCraft EZ Film is an upholstery fabrication material, not a textile made from natural silk.

Does EZ Film permanently compress foam?
No. Vacuum compression is temporary. Once suction is released, the foam gradually returns to its original size and fills the cushion cover.

Will EZ Film make noise inside the cushion?
CushionCraft EZ Film is specially engineered to be virtually silent beneath upholstery fabric. It does not produce the pronounced crinkling associated with ordinary plastic sheeting.

Does EZ Film add thickness to the cushion?
At only 0.4 mil thick, CushionCraft EZ Film adds virtually no noticeable bulk to the finished cushion.

Can I use ordinary plastic instead?
Ordinary plastic may help compress foam, but it is not necessarily thin, slippery, or quiet enough to remain inside an upholstered cushion. CushionCraft EZ Film is designed specifically for cushion fabrication.

Is EZ Film a moisture barrier?
EZ Film may provide some incidental separation between foam and upholstery, but its primary purpose is easy cushion installation. Choose CushionCraft Moisture Barrier when stronger film and more substantial moisture protection are required.

Can I use EZ Film with batting-wrapped foam?
Yes. Its slippery surface is particularly helpful when polyester batting would otherwise catch against the inside of the cover.

Make Tight Cushion Installation Easier

A properly fitted cushion should be full, smooth, and aligned with its cover—but installing the foam should not require a wrestling match. CushionCraft® EZ Film creates an exceptionally thin, incredibly slick, and virtually silent surface around the foam. Use it manually to reduce friction or combine it with a vacuum to temporarily compress the cushion for even easier installation. The foam slides into place more easily, reaches the corners more completely, and expands to create the full, professional appearance the cover was designed to deliver.

CushionCraft® EZ Film: Slides in easily, stays quiet, and practically disappears.