Canvas tarps are a durable material made from cotton fibers, and because they are longer lasting than certain (disposable) options they are also good for the environment. They are a popular household item that serves many purposes. There are many sizes, colors, and thicknesses available, making it easy to find the right variety for the right job.

About Tarp In General

Tarpaulin, or tarp, is great in almost any situation for protecting valuable items from weather (sun, rain, wind, snow, hail, etc.), during transporting on the highways and in certain cases from prying eyes. Securely covered property is much less likely to be stolen or damage, but the material of the tarp, which should be used, does matter depending on its purpose. Tarps are made out of cotton which make them a very durable, and easy to use product.

Treated, Or Untreated?

Canvas tarps come in two different types, treated or untreated. Treated canvas is designed to be more resistant to water, mildew, and rot. It can also be made resistant to fire when treated with flame retardant chemicals. Waxes, dyes, and chemicals are used on canvas to make the tarp more useful in certain applications. However, this also makes treated canvas less helpful in other situations, so it's important to choose the right tarp for the job. You would never want to use an untreated tarp that would be placed permanently outside and be subject to wet conditions, as this would call for a treated tarp that could withstand the water and mildew build-up.

Uses For Canvas Tarp

Canvas tarps allow air through the fabric, and so they are ideal for covering items which may need to breathe. For that reason, it can be used to cover things that might mold or rust due to lack of oxygen.

Examples include:

• Construction projects

• Heavy machinery and equipment

• Plastic yard toys

• Patio furniture

• Strung between trees to provide shade while camping or playing a game outside

In addition, canvas tarps are a popular medium for artists to paint on or for transporting items on a pick up truck for additional protection.

Bad Ideas

While there are many situations where canvas is best, there are others where this material is just a bad idea. If treated, they might not even be appropriate for indoor use or as vehicle covers, because waxes and dyes can rub off and cause stains or unpleasant odors. Also, canvas is not a safe material to cover freight being transported on any truck because it can tear easily and does not offer any protection from the rain or other severe weather circumstances.

Caring for Canvas

Soapy water or detergent can be used to clean treated canvas, which should never be cleaned using a washing machine or a dryer. Hand-washing methods are best for getting any dirt off of tarpaulins and keeping them looking brand new. Untreated canvas can be cared for the same way as any other cotton fabric.