canvas tarp which is made by muslin is considered the best tarps for campers. They’ve two variants as per the manufacturing process. These are treated canvas tarps and untreated canvas tarps. Treated canvas tarps are treated with a special waterproof chemical during manufacturing. That’s why it shows more water-resistant properties in comparison to the other one. The untreated tarps are manufactured using the normal methodology. That’s why these tarps are affordable.
Canvas tarps are also used as a stage curtain. That’s because being in the stage background, it gives a perfect display. However, many users seek other options before purchasing canvas tarps. That’s because they want to be ensured about the cost and quality of the product. So let’s evaluate canvas tarps according to multiple factors. This can help us in finding the pros and cons of using it.
Water-resistant: Water-resistance is an important aspect while discussing canvas tarps. That’s because the tarps are mainly used by campers. Additionally, their priority is to have 100% waterproof tarps. So, accordingly, canvas tarps are divided into two variants. These are treated and untreated canvas tarps.
Treated canvas tarps are 100% waterproof. They are treated with additional chemicals. These chemicals are mainly responsible for increasing waterproofing. In comparison to this untreated canvas, tarps are not 100% waterproof. However, for a short time, they can hold the flow.
When it comes to waterproofing, there are other options too. A plastic tarp is one of them. As plastic is by default waterproof in nature, it is also preferred by some campers. But due to reasons like pollution, they don’t carry it. According to them using plastic tarp affects the environment of hill stations or mountains.
Breathability: Breathability is also an important aspect that is not fulfilled while using plastic tarps. Though plastic tarps are more efficient in waterproofing but they’re not breathable. Breathability means the passing of air so that campers can breathe. In case plastic tarps are used, the campers may die because of suffocation.
Both treated canvas tarps and untreated canvas tarps are breathable. Because of their breathable property, they’re widely used by campers and farmers. However, mesh tarps are also breathable but are not waterproof. Thus, they’re only used by farmers.
Fire-resistant: Fire-resistant tarps are important for safety in public and private areas. The federal government also advice using fire-resistant tarps as they help in case of emergencies. However, both treated and untreated canvas tarps are not fire-resistant. Also, they cannot be made fire-resistant using any special chemicals. That’s why users should choose other options for fire-resistant tarps.
Note: There are two types of fire-resistant tarps in the market. The first variant is 100% fireproof in all conditions. However, the second one loses fire-resistant property in contact with water. Thus, it is important to test the fire-resistant property after dry cleaning multiple times.
Abrasion resistance: Canvas tarps are easily damaged in case of high tension. Don’t use them for covering sharp or heavy objects. However, poly tarps may help in similar cases of handling load.
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