Canvas Tarps

Canvas tarps are an alternative to polyethylene, or poly, tarps. The material is either single or double fill 100% cotton military duck and is treated for water and mildew. Sometimes, a canvas tarp is even treated to be flame retardant. A canvas tarp often has a longer lifespan than many plastic tarps and, in addition to not being made of plastic, the amount of usage also makes it more environmentally friendly than a poly tarp. Although the fabric is treated, if a canvas tarp is retreated with such chemicals as Canvak and Iosso, the material will continue to last and be water repellant. In terms of protecting materials, a canvas tarp allows for more breathability than plastic, will not accumulate water or condensation on the inside, and traps less heat. Typically, a canvas tarp is best suited as a ground cover or project cover for wood piles or farm equipment.

Canvas tarps, however, can shrink when the weather changes and are not recommended for use as an outdoor canopy or for a truck tarp. If pulled too tight, a canvas tarp can also rip in the wind if used during transport. However, although a truck tarp may also be water resistant, it is not waterproof, and if water accumulates on it, the water will eventually seep through the material and, when the tarp is wet, the color and coating may rub off onto the covered materials. In addition, a canvas tarp will protect the covered materials from mildew, mold, and rot, but mildew and mold can form on the outside of the fabric when near moisture.

Canvas tarps have another use as drop cloths for painting. In this case, a canvas tarp is also more useful and economical than using a polyethylene tarp because of the longer use. When using a canvas tarp as a drop cloth, the tarp offers better protection and will stay put for better floor coverage, especially on carpet and stairs. Even if a canvas tarp is medium weight, tarp will act more like a floor mat and the dripping paint will not seep through to the other side � and onto any furniture or wood needing protection.