Blue tarps and white tarps are the most common tarps, but tarps are available in silver, red, brown, camo, and many other colors.
Heavy duty truck tarps should be constructed of the strongest poly material.
Canvas tarps are available in a wide variety of sizes, colors and weights, so that you can be sure exactly the right tarp is available for your specific need. Tarps can also be constructed of poly, mesh, or nylon laminate. Such tarps are strong and flexible, yet lightweight and easy to handle and to fold for storage. The versatility of quality tarps makes a good tarp one of the most useful items for homeowners, gardeners, boaters, campers, and farmers, and for general all-purpose use, including swimming pool covers, outdoor storage, shade covers, wind screens, and dust protection. Canvas tarps are truly a multi-purpose cover with numerous uses too many to list.
Quality canvas tarps are usually constructed of heavy weight absorbent fabric made of top-grade 100 percent natural cotton canvas, using double-stitched hems and seams. Look for heat-sealed edges, a fire-retardant coating, and rust-proof reinforced grommets no more than 24" to 48" apart. This type of construction offers long-lasting durability to stand up to the toughest jobs. Tarps often include rope sewn into the hem for reinforcement and easy tie-down. A waterproof canvas tarp will protect your equipment or belongings against rain and dew, paint spills, and other moisture.
Canvas tarps can be used as painting dropcloths, as grill covers and covers for boats, plants, or lawn furniture, during home construction projects, as boat lift covers and motor covers, as awnings, shelters for shade or protection from rain. If the tarp will be used in wet or damp conditions, water resistance and rot-proof thread are a plus. Mildew resistance offers benefits regardless of where or how the tarp will be used, and UV resistance helps the tarp last longer in the sun.
Heavy Duty Canvas Tarps
A heavy duty tarp is extremely versatile and can be used about anywhere for just about anything. Heavy duty canvas tarps will have reinforced grommets at least every 18". They can be used in arctic cold and desert heat. If you need a high quality heavy duty canvas tarp, look for one that is waterproof, tear-resistant, mildewproof, acid resistant, and treated on both sides for UV protection. Heavy duty tarps can run from a few dollars for a small about 6' x 8' up to hundreds of dollars for a honking big 50' x 100' canvas tarp.
Heavy duty canvas tarp covers and super heavy duty canvas tarps can be used for truck covers, boat covers, farm equipment, roof covers, and any other use that requires protection against several elements, high winds, moisture or spills.
White canvas tarps are great for outdoor use and as painters' drop cloths, while brown and green canvas tarps are used when you want to blend them into the natural surroundings. Hunters might prefer green canvas tarps, for example, while sailors usually prefer blue boat tarps.
Tips for Choosing the Right Canvas Tarp
Sun Resistance: If you want your tarp to last through more than one summer season, be sure to look for a tarp with UV resistance. Most canvas and poly tarps are UV resistant.
Water and Rain: Most tarps made of canvas or poly have a natural water repellant quality. But if you plan to use your tarp in a damp area, or in a high-humidity climate, look for a waterproof canvas tarp that is specifically designed and constructed to be resistant to rot, mildew and mold.
Fire: Polyethylene tarps will burn — and melt — more easily than a canvas tarp, unless specially treated for flame retardance. Even a treated poly tarp can be damaged by flames or high heat more readily than canvas — so if your tarp will be used near open flames or high heat sources, you should consider a quality flame-resistant canvas tarp.
Wind: A sufficient number of grommets spaced properly will allow you to tie down your tarp securely for trailering or use in other high-wind situations. Proper tie-downs and reinforced grommets are also important. The extreme "fluttering" while trailering a covered boat or other equipment on the highway can destroy a tarp quickly, if it is not snugly and tightly secured.
Truck Tarps: A truck tarp should be a super heavy duty tarp, with more reinforced grommets, reinforced folded-over seams, heavier canvas at 12 mil. in thickness, and with sewn-in reinforced D-rings every 2 feet for strong tie-down capabilities. Truck tarps can be purchased in pre-configured sizes, or you can buy custom tarps.