Tarps, Drop Cloths and Plastic Sheeting

Mil, ounces and fabric: how tarp thickness is stated

Plastic sheeting and vinyl tarps are measured in mils, thousandths of an inch. A 2 mil clear polyethylene drop cloth is a light, disposable cover for painting, while 14 to 20 mil clear vinyl is a heavy, flexible sheet used for enclosures and weather barriers. Canvas and coated-fabric tarps are rated by weight in ounces per square yard, such as 8 oz, with heavier meaning tougher.

The material decides the use. Clear vinyl lets light through for patio and greenhouse enclosures. Polyethylene tarps are waterproof and light for covering firewood, vehicles and roofs. Canvas breathes and is the traditional painter's drop cloth, absorbing drips and lying flat, while plastic sheeting is slippery underfoot. Thicker sheets resist tearing but fold less easily. Look for UV-treated material for tarps left outdoors.

Cut size, grommets and edges: what covers your area

Tarps are sold by nominal cut size, and the finished size of woven poly or fabric tarps is usually a few inches smaller after hemming, so allow for that when covering a load. Grommets, the metal eyelets along the edge, take rope or bungee cords, and closer spacing spreads the strain. Reinforced hems and corners resist tearing, and heat-sealed or sewn seams matter more than the headline thickness.

Sheeting sold as drop cloths comes in set sizes, such as 9 by 12 feet, and thin sheets tear easily when snagged. For painting, cover furniture with plastic and walk-on areas with canvas or a grip-backed cloth. Weigh down loose edges, never leave plastic across stairs, and dispose of cloths soaked with oil-based finishes properly, since they can heat up as they dry.

Questions about Tarps, Drop Cloths and Plastic Sheeting

What does 14 mil mean on a tarp?

A mil is one thousandth of an inch, so 14 mil is 0.014 inch thick. Thicker sheets resist tearing and wind better but are heavier and stiffer to fold. Clear vinyl at 14 to 20 mil is typical for enclosures, while 2 mil sheeting is only for light-duty covering.

Should I use plastic or canvas for painting?

Canvas stays flat, absorbs drips and is safe to walk on, so it suits floors. Plastic is waterproof and good for covering furniture and shelves, but it is slippery and can let wet paint pool and be tracked around. Many painters use both.

Is a tarp fully waterproof?

Polyethylene and vinyl sheet is waterproof, but seams, stitching holes and grommets can leak, and canvas is water-resistant rather than waterproof. Slope the tarp so water runs off, and tie it down to prevent pooling and flapping.