Canvas Tarps vs Vinyl Tarps: Which is Best? | Tarps America (2024)

FAQs

Canvas Tarps vs Vinyl Tarps: Which is Best? | Tarps America? ›

Canvas tarps are considered water-resistant, meaning if water pools on the tarp, it may seep through. Also, the sewn seams may allow water to seep through the tarp. Vinyl tarps can be welded together to make the waterproof. Both canvas and vinyl can be made with fire retardant additives.

While canvas tarps are less durable than vinyl tarps and may not hold up well in extreme weather or heavy use, they are still popular for outdoor applications, camping, and equipment covers. Poly tarps are made from polyethylene, which makes them lightweight, waterproof, and resistant to tearing and UV rays.

Tarps made from polyethylene or vinyl are excellent choices as they are waterproof, UV-resistant, and tear-resistant. Canvas tarps are also a popular option due to their breathability and mildew resistance.

Their versatility shines through an array of uses, from enwrapping machinery to cradling outdoor furniture and treasured belongings. The lifespan of canvas tarps typically range from 3-5 years depending on the weather elements.

Vinyl tarps are poly tarps that have been coated, laminated, or tempered with vinyl. As they're designed for industrial use, they are strong and resist tearing. Expect these tarps to last several years in severe conditions like heat, heavy rain or snow, or cold temperatures.

In summary, you need to consider all of your requirements in selecting a tarp. If you are dealing with high temperatures (above 250 degrees F), canvas is the best choice. If you require waterproofing, vinyl is your best choice.

Black tarps: Usually treated with UV coatings to provide extended life in sunlight, black tarps absorb heat and allow your covered objects to remain cool. If you're looking for a tarp designed to withstand continuous, extended outdoor exposure, black is the way to go.

Demolition Tarp

Demolition tarps, also called snow tarps, are the strongest tarps on the market.

Vinyl tarps are more long-lasting than poly tarps. They are designed to endure rough conditions and last for extended periods. Poly tarps are inferior to vinyl tarps in terms of durability and water resistance. Poly tarps can be used for jobs when durability is secondary.

With a wide variety of tarp materials including Canvas, Vinyl, Poly, and Mesh there can be some fluctuations in what is considered Heavy Duty. As a general starting point for many of these fabrics and types of covers, a thickness of 12 mils will typically begin to classify what is a Heavy Duty Tarp.

What tarps don't rip? ›

Vinyl coated polyester tarps are durable and waterproof. They don't rip, tear, or wear down due to abrasion.

Breathability: Unlike other types of tarps, canvas tarps are breathable. This means that they allow air to circulate, preventing moisture from building up and reducing the risk of mold and mildew. This makes them ideal for covering items that need to be stored for long periods of time.

However, as the tarp ages, the fibers will loosen, and start allowing water to pass through the canvas, risking damage to items under the tarp. Using a canvas waterproofing product prevents water from making its way through the material and helps to extend the life of the tarpaulin.

Poly Tarps, Vinyl Tarps, and Waterproof Canvas Tarps are excellent tarps for these applications.

For a solo camper, a tarp measuring 7' x 9' is a good size, while a 8' x 9' tarp will be big enough for two. If buying a tarp for hammock camping, you will want to consider the length of your hammock. You want a tarp that extends about 8-12 inches past the ends of your hammock.

White is the best color tarp to reflect heat. Black and dark gray tarps absorb sunlight, rather than reflect it. That makes them idea for applications where you need to keep objects cool, without snow-blinding everyone looking at the outside of the tarp.

Fine art prints are fantastic for showcasing the finer detail of photographs, but if you want something more visually interesting on your wall, consider a canvas print.

Because yes, it will stick, but there are techniques to make this project possible since by default heat transfer vinyl is the vinyl of choice for fabric and canvas. But if you don't have heat transfer vinyl, don't fret, you can use permanent vinyl instead. This will work well on plain and painted canvas.

Canvas may be the winner here because the wind won't bounce noisily off of it as it may with a vinyl top. However, since many riders will generally drive with the top down as often as possible, this may not be an issue.

Stayfast is commonly used in replacement convertible tops. Stayfast canvas has an acrylic square weave facing, a rubber inner-layer, and a cotton backing. As with other canvases, the rubber core gives the fabric long-lasting durability.