Canvas tarps are a durable material made from cotton fibers, and because they’re more durable than some (disposable) options, they’re 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 the canvas in general
Tarpaulin or tarpaulin is ideal in almost any situation to protect valuable items from the weather (sun, rain, wind, snow, hail, etc.) and in certain cases from prying eyes. Securely covered property is much less likely to be stolen or damaged, but the tarp material to use does matter depending on its purpose.
Treated or not treated?
Treated canvas is designed to be more resistant to water, mildew and rot. It can also be made fire resistant when treated with flame retardant chemicals. Waxes, dyes, and chemicals are used on the canvas to make the canvas more useful in certain applications. However, this also makes the treated tarp less useful in other situations, so it’s important to choose the right tarp for the job.
Uses for Canvas Tarp
Canvas tarps allow air to pass through the fabric, making them ideal for covering items that may need to breathe. For that reason, it can be used to cover things that might get moldy or rust due to lack of oxygen.
Examples include:
• Construction projects
• Machinery and heavy equipment
• Plastic garden toys
• Garden furniture
• Strung between trees to provide shade while camping or playing outside
Additionally, canvas prints are a popular medium for artists to paint on.
Bad Ideas While there are many situations where canvas is better, there are others where canvas is simply a bad idea. If treated, they may not even be suitable for use indoors or as vehicle covers, as waxes and stains can flake off and cause unpleasant stains or odors. Furthermore, tarpaulin is not a safe material to cover cargo being transported in any truck because it can be easily torn and does not offer any protection against rain or other severe weather circumstances.
take care of the canvas
Soapy water or detergent can be used to clean treated canvas, which should never be cleaned in a washer or dryer. Untreated canvas can be cared for in the same way as any other cotton fabric.
