Friends who do not know may have this question because in the market above, there are many styles, colors, and manufacturers, but also the materials used to illustrate, you can see, are talking about the different materials used then today this article for you to fully explain, tarpaulin total of those materials to make.
There are five materials total for the production of tarpaulin: polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester (Polyester), nylon (Nylon), and polyurethane (PU) coating. All the manufacturers of tarpaulin production can not be separated from these five materials.
So what are the characteristics of these materials, and what scenarios are they suitable for?
1. Polyethylene (PE) Tarpaulin
Characteristics:
It is lighter and softer than other tarpaulins.
It has better waterproof performance and a smooth surface.
Lower cost and general durability.
It is less resistant to ultraviolet rays and will deteriorate when exposed to sunlight for an extended period.
Applications:
- Temporary shelter: commonly used as temporary waterproof cover in construction sites, open-air markets and other places.
- Outdoor awning: used for waterproofing and shading during open-air activities.
- Ground waterproofing: used to build temporary waterproof ground when camping on rainy days, for example.
- Billboard background cloth: a large area for making advertisements or banners cloth.
2. polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tarpaulin
Characteristics:
It is mainly very durable for industrial-type use and tear and abrasion-resistant.
Waterproof performance. Excellent resistance to UV rays, chemicals, oil and most weather conditions.
Weight is heavier than other tarps and less flexible than PE and nylon.
Applications:
- Heavy duty tents: such as commercial tents, rally tents, large event tents, etc.
- Awnings are used for outdoor shading, extensive parking and boat sheds.
- Car tarpaulin: commonly used for vehicle covering and protection.
- Advertising cloth: Because of its durability, it is often used as the cover of advertising boards.
3. Polyester Tarpaulin
Characteristics:
Lightweight, very durable
Better breathability, suitable for long-time outdoor use.
Often coated with PVC or PU layer to improve waterproofing.
Soft and easy to process into various shapes.
Applications:
- Tents: polyester fabric is used for lightweight and medium-sized tents, especially for camping, hiking and other outdoor activities.
- Backpacks and luggage bags: Due to their lightweight and durability, they are commonly used in outdoor backpacks and travel bags.
- Umbrella Fabrics: Fabrics used in the manufacture of umbrellas and parasols.
- Outdoor seats and sofas: durable and waterproof, commonly used for outdoor furniture.
4. Nylon Waterproof Fabrics
Features:
High strength, stretch resistance, abrasion resistance.
Lightweight and flexible, suitable for outdoor activities.
To enhance waterproof performance, the material needs to be coated with a waterproof layer (such as PU or silicone).
It is not as durable as PVC, but it has better breathability.
Applications:
Outdoor tents are commonly used for lightweight tents and are suitable for backpacking and camping.
- Outdoor clothing: such as waterproof jackets and hiking pants.
- Backpacks: suitable for traveling bags, hiking bags, daily backpacks, etc.
- Sleeping bag: Waterproof nylon is often used to make sleeping bag shells, increasing their waterproofness.
5. polyurethane (PU) coated fabric
Features:
Lighter than PVC, better breathability.
Excellent waterproof performance and soft.
PU material is more environmentally friendly than PVC, making it suitable for products that require environmental protection.
Coated PU tarpaulin is usually lighter and less prone to breakage.
Applications:
- Lightweight tents: These are commonly used for outdoor lightweight tents and are suitable for hiking, backpacking, and camping.
- Backpacks: PU-coated nylon fabrics are commonly used for waterproof backpacks.
- Raincoat and Rain Shoes: waterproof, commonly used for making outdoor rain gear.
- Outdoor equipment: used to manufacture waterproof mats, portable umbrellas and other equipment.
6. Silicone coated fabric
Features:
Silicone-coated tarpaulin is more environmentally friendly than PU and PVC and will not pollute the environment.
It is highly waterproof and durable, high temperature, UV, and tear-resistant.
Silicone coating makes the fabric softer and has better elasticity.
Applications:
- High-end tents: silicone coating is often used to make high-end camping tents.
- Outdoor equipment: waterproof mats, backpacks, military equipment, etc.
- The emergency tarpaulin is highly strong and durable and is used in rescue, disaster area material transportation and other fields.
Each kind of tarpaulin has different advantages. It would help you choose the tarpaulin according to the scene you are using. If you have any questions about the choice, you can contact us; our experts will answer for you.
The importance of tarpaulin color
For tarpaulin colors only, you may often see the color blue; this is mainly because this color is usually found in trucks or food, and other colors for such scenes rarely use blue. Still, the tarp, in fact, has a lot of colors; these are customizable, and you can choose according to your company’s branding or the need for color.
Yellow, Orange and Red
Red is primarily used to show the visual importance of materials or hazardous locations on construction sites. It warns workers to be extra careful in these areas, thus reducing the risk of accidents. Different colors can also be used to show various stages of construction. For example, orange represents the first stage, yellow represents the second stage, and red represents the third stage.
Black and Dark Gray
Most companies use these colors for heavy-duty tarps. They absorb sunlight instead of reflecting it, making them ideal for transporting asphalt that requires high temperatures.
White and Silver
These tarps reflect the sun’s rays and are primarily used for shade. They are suitable for tent canopies as they provide coolness. White is the best choice for hot weather as it is the best color for reflecting sunlight and heat.
Brown, blue and green
This is one of the basic colors of tarps. It is usually used for basic and general-purpose tarpaulins. It is suitable for light industrial activities and consumer goods. It is used by construction workers, contractors, farmers and roofers.
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What are the benefits of using tarpaulins?
Tarps are usually made of woven polyethylene and coated with a water-resistant or UV-coated membrane. They come in a variety of weights and sizes. The most common uses for tarps are in construction to protect floors and walls from paint, dirt and debris or as waterproof covers for outdoor equipment such as boats and trailers, lumber, machinery or picnic mats.
In general, there are two benefits to using a tarp:
1. It is versatile and can be used for various purposes. It can be used in multiple industries, including roofing during building construction and repair work, transport vehicle covers for trucks and boats, temporary storage of outdoor equipment or ground cover to protect an area from sun and rain, and as a privacy screen.
2. Another advantage is that it is robust and durable because it is made of PE (polyethylene), a rigid synthetic material. This makes it ideal for use in harsh conditions, such as on construction sites or during extreme weather.
How do I calculate the weight of a tarp?
When calculating the weight of a tarp, you need to consider the fabric’s thickness and the tarpaulin’s size. The weight of a tarp is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). To calculate the GSM, divide the tarp’s weight by the square meters it covers.
For example, if you have a 5mx5m tarpaulin weighing 10kg, its GSM is 10 ÷ 25 = 400gsm. This figure is useful when comparing different tarpaulins as it shows how durable they are.
The GSM of a tarpaulin is affected by its construction. For example, a tarpaulin with multiple layers of fabric will have a higher GSM than a tarpaulin with only a single layer.
How to choose the right tarp
In the great outdoors, whether you’re an experienced camper, an avid gardener, or someone who wants to protect your belongings from the harsh weather, having the right tarp can make a big difference. Tarps come in all shapes, sizes and materials, each with a specific purpose. To ensure you choose the perfect tarp for your needs, consider a few key factors: how you plan to use it, what material it’s made of, and its size. In this guide, we’ll explore these key considerations to help you make an informed decision and ensure your investment is safe and secure.
How will your tarp be used?
The first and most critical step in choosing the right tarp is determining its intended use. Tarps are used for various purposes, and your choice should be tailored to your specific needs. Here are some common scenarios where a tarp will come in handy:
Camping and outdoor adventures: If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a heavy-duty tarp is essential for building shelters, covering equipment, or protecting your campsite from rain and UV rays.
Gardening and agriculture: Gardeners often use canvas tarps to protect plants from frost, control weeds or provide shade. In such cases, the durability of a heavy-duty tarp is a must.
Construction and DIY projects: heavy-duty tarps are helpful for outdoor projects. They can protect building materials from the elements or hold debris during home projects.
Transportation and storage: Whether you need a large tarp to move furniture or a custom-sized tarp to transport specialized goods, tarps can protect your property from dust, moisture, and potential damage during transport.
Which tarp material is best for me?
The material of a tarp is critical because it directly affects its durability, weather resistance, and longevity. Different materials offer different levels of protection and versatility. Here are some common tarp materials and their characteristics:
- Polyester Tarpaulins: Polyester tarpaulins are cost-effective and come in a variety of thicknesses, so you can customize their weight and durability to suit your needs. They are known for being waterproof and are suitable for protecting items from rain and snow. Polyester tarps can be used all year round in all weather conditions.
- Vinyl Tarps: vinyl tarps are lightweight and waterproof, making them ideal for projects that face heavy rain. Vinyl tarps are susceptible to UV damage if left for long periods, so we do not recommend long-term storage.
- Canvas Tarpaulin: Canvas tarps are breathable and suitable for covering items that require air circulation. They are commonly used for painting, dust cloths, or furniture protection.
The choice of material depends on your intended use and the conditions the tarp will face. For long-term outdoor use, consider investing in a high-quality material such as polyester, which provides strong protection against harsh weather.
Understanding Poly Tarp Size
1. Evaluate Your Coverage Area
Before purchasing a tarp, it is essential to determine the size of the area to be covered. Please measure the length and width of the space, whether it’s a vehicle, piece of equipment or outdoor structure. Knowing the size, you can choose a tarp that adequately protects and covers the entire area.
2. Consider drape and anchoring
When choosing a tarp size, consider whether draping is required. Adding additional material outside the covered area will ensure better protection against wind, rain and other weather elements. Also, consider the method of fastening you plan to use. If you need to attach the tarp or use grommets, ensure the dimensions allow proper fastening.
3. Check standard tarp sizes
Tarps come in various standard sizes, including 6×8 feet, 10×12 feet, and 20×30 feet. These sizes are standard; they will be a convenient choice if they meet your requirements. However, only limit yourself to these sizes if they meet your needs. Additionally, unless otherwise noted, the industry standard for tarps is cut-to-size. This means that after the edges are folded and sewn, the finished size is approximately 6 inches or 3-5% shorter.
4. Consider a customized tarp
If your coverage area is unsuitable for a standard-sized tarp, consider opting for a personalized tarp. Many manufacturers offer the flexibility to customize the tarp to your exact measurements. While custom tarps may be slightly more expensive, they ensure a perfect fit and maximize protection for your items.
Understanding Tarp Thickness Measurements
The thickness of a tarp is usually measured in mils, which represent thousandths of an inch. The higher the mils, the thicker and more durable the tarp. A thicker tarp provides better protection and a longer lifespan.
Determine your intended use.
Consider the tarp’s intended use to determine the appropriate thickness. If you need the tarp for light-duty use, such as covering furniture or providing temporary shade, a thinner tarp with a lower lug count (e.g., 6 or 8 mils) may be sufficient. On the other hand, heavy-duty tasks (such as covering a construction site or protecting equipment from extreme weather conditions) may require a tarp with a higher lug count, typically between 10 and 20 miles.
Consider Durability and Longevity
Thicker tarps are more durable and less prone to tearing and puncturing. If you anticipate rough handling, frequent use or exposure to harsh environments, investing in a thicker tarp will ensure its longevity and provide better protection over time.
Consider weight and maneuverability.
Remember that thicker tarps are typically heavier and more challenging to lift and maneuver. If you need a tarp that is easy to transport or install, consider the balance between thickness and weight to meet your actual needs.
Summarizing
When you understand the tarpaulin material, you can better choose the tarpaulin according to your needs. Remember that the thickness of the tarpaulin is an important indicator. If you still don’t understand the above, feel free to communicate with us.