Canvas tarps are some of our most popular tarpaulins, especially among our industrial clients across Australia. Since we fabricate tarps for our clients’ specific needs, we’ve seen canvas tarps used in a huge number of applications. If you’re in need of a tarp and are considering canvas as your material of choice, here are some important things you need to know about this particular option.
1. What is it and what are its main advantages?
Many of our clients praise canvas not only for its durability but also for its low environmental impact. Canvas tarps are made using 100% cotton duck fibres, unlike PVC tarps or poly tarps (which are made using either polypropylene or polyethylene). This makes them friendlier to the environment while maintaining the longevity and versatility that our tarps are essentially known for.
2. What are their unique qualities?
- Water-resistant – Perhaps one weakness of canvas tarps is that they are not 100% waterproof. At most, they are water-resistant, which means they can withstand mild water exposure during short periods of time.
- Slip-proof – Unlike PVC and poly tarps, canvas tarps do not have a slippery surface, making them a better choice when work safety is a concern.
- Breathable – The breathable nature of canvas tarps allows air to flow freely through the material, thus preventing condensation and keeping rust at bay. This means it’s great for protecting items that are prone to rust. Also worth mentioning due to breathability, canvas tarps are widely used to transport fruit and produce because it limits sweating.
3. What are the different types of canvas tarps?
- Treated – Treated tarps come with a special protective element that helps them resist UV exposure, moulds, mildew and rotting.
- Untreated – Untreated tarps come in their natural woven form. Although resistant to water, they are not waterproof and can only be used in certain conditions within a limited period of time.
- Flame retardant – Our treated tarps are capable of withstanding water, rot and mildew, but not fire. Thus, we also offer flame retardant treatments to make your canvas tarp safer for use, especially in industrial settings.
4. What are they good for?
Our treated canvas tarps are commonly used to provide protection from the elements. Therefore, they are used for the following applications:
- Residential – Canvas tarps are great around the house because they are easier to handle and store than PVC or poly tarps. You can use them to cover items in your garage or as a temporary furniture cover. In fact, there are so many possible uses for tarps at home, the possibilities are endless.
- Construction – Canvas tarps are useful for covering construction materials, such as sand, gravel, wood, lumber and metal, as well as all kinds of construction tools and equipment.
- Farming – Canvas can effectively protect industrial-grade farming equipment because of its breathable nature guards against rusting. This helps you store your equipment while keeping them in great working condition.
- Transportation – Canvas tarps are commonly used for the transportation of fruit and produce.
- Events – We often make custom outdoor marquees and canopies using canvas. This is one of our many contract fabrication services, which we can also offer at wholesale rates.
Our untreated canvas tarps are all-natural and therefore, are not resistant to water. Such traps are widely used for:
- Painting – The textured surface of natural untreated canvas makes them ideal ‘drop sheets’ for professional painters.
- Hay tarps – Untreated canvas retains its natural breathability, making it ideal for agriculture clients looking to protect hay and other farm goods.
5. How are they used or applied?
Canvas tarps are fastened into place using built-in grommets that we at D&R Liners can place at your request. To maintain the integrity of the material, we also make sure the edges of the tarps are finished and stitched well.
6. What are their limitations?
There really aren’t any! Canvas tarps are the hardest wearing of all tarp fabrics. They offer excellent prolonged exposure to UV and are therefore suitable for a range of applications.
Conclusion
Eco-friendly, durable and versatile, canvas tarps have some unique features that make them very effective coverings especially in the farming, construction and machinery industries. These features include a slip-proof surface and unique breathability. Thus, despite the higher cost and lower weatherproof rating, we still receive a high demand for them.
If you are considering canvas as your tarp material of choice, check out our extensive range of canvas tarps available for retail and wholesale here at D&R Liners. Since we specialise in tarpaulin fabrication at our large factory, we can give you canvas tarps that will serve your specific purpose, from the exact size that you need down to your ideal fitting option. For more information, feel free to visit or call us anytime on 07 3393 3477.