Pros and Cons of Canvas tarps

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PROS &
M Y TAC
R P . C O
O M
A
NS OF
CANVAS TARPS
Unlike the popular, economical blue tarps
Treated Or Untreated
designed for short term use, or the heavy
Canvas Tarps?
duty, 18-ounce vinyl coated polyester
lumber tarps, canvas tarps are made
anvas tarps come treated or
from 100% cotton fibers, making them a
untreated. The treatments make
C
sturdy product that is good for the
the fabric resistant to water, rot, and
environment. They come in many sizes,
mildew. Canvas tarps may be also
colors, and thicknesses, making them
treated with flame retardant chemicals to
useful in many, but not all, applications.
make flame retardant canvas tarps. They
There are distinct pros and cons with
are also treated with waxes and dyes that
regards to canvas tarps. Understanding
make them useful in some applications
these factors can help you select the best
and inappropriate for others. They can be
tarpaulin for your needs.
retreated with products such as Canvak.
While these treatments provide benefits,
they can also make the
Canvas tarps are ideal for covering
material inappropriate for
stationary construction machinery and
some uses, such as
equipment outdoors. The point of using
indoor furniture covers.
any tarpaulin is to provide protection from
sun, wind, rain, and even prying eyes. If
your property is securely covered, it is far
Cleaning methods vary
less likely to be stolen or damaged. Many
depending upon
states require that loads be secured and
whether or not the
covered while on public roads, but this is
fabric has been
one case in which they should not be
treated. Cleaning treated canvas can
used. Canvas tarps are non-trailerable
be done with soapy water or detergent.
and too likely to tear, resulting in a
Treated canvas should not be washed in
damaged canvas tarp and unprotected
a washing machine or dried in a dryer,
cargo. On the other hand, they last longer
however. Untreated products can be
than poly tarps and their breathability
handled in the same way as any other
make them an ideal choice for many
cotton fabric.
applications.

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indoor use. The waxes and dyes used can rub
off and stain boat or car exteriors. The chemical
Best Uses of Truck Tarps
treatments also have an odor that many may
find offensive. While the odor is usually
Canvas tarps are best used to cover stationary
temporary, the staining factor is not.
items where air can breathe through the fabric.
Heavy construction machinery and equipment,
construction projects, plastic yard toys, and
As stated earlier, they are not ideal choice for
patio furniture are excellent examples of times
trailering. This means they should not be used
when this material can provide the best
to cover truck loads. At the same time,
coverage and protection. The air flow keeps the
untreated canvas tarps are big favorites among
items from molding, rusting, or heat related
painters and students. These natural fabrics are
damages, while the sun and wind protection
sturdy enough to be used in a variety of
keep them from deteriorating prematurely or
environments and they make incredible painting
disappearing altogether.
canvases of practically any size!
Camping is another excellent time to put these
products to work for you and your family. They
can be used to provide shade, shelter, and
Chris Harmen is a writer for
privacy. While not 100% waterproof, the water
MyTarp.com, which produces high
resistance combined with a reasonable angle
quality canvas tarps for work and home
use. Highly flexible and inexpensive, a
can provide shelter from rain. Strung between
canvas tarp can pr
trees, they can provide shade on even the
ovide inexpensive and
environmentally sound pr
hottest days.
otection,
security, shade, or privacy.
Not Always The Best Choice
There are situations for which canvas is not
your best choice. The treatments used make
them inappropriate as vehicle covers or for

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