1. Material and Construction
Canvas Tarpaulin: Traditionally made from cotton duck cloth, but modern versions are almost always a cotton-polyester blend. This blend improves mildew resistance and strength. It is a woven fabric that is then treated (often with wax or oil) to become water-resistant. It is not laminated or coated like other tarps, which is why it remains breathable.
PVC Tarpaulin: Made from a grid of polyester scrim (which provides incredible tensile strength) that is then completely coated and laminated on both sides with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). This creates a solid, impermeable sheet. Additives are mixed into the PVC for UV resistance, flexibility, and color.
2. Waterproofness vs. Breathability (The Core Difference)
Canvas Tarpaulin: It is water-resistant, not fully waterproof. A heavy, prolonged downpour will eventually soak through. However, its key advantage is breathability. It allows moisture vapor to pass through it.
If you cover a piece of metal equipment or a wooden boat with a non-breathable tarp, trapped moisture will condense underneath, leading to rust, mold, and rot. A canvas tarp prevents this "sweating" effect.
PVC Tarpaulin: It is 100% waterproof. The PVC coating forms an impenetrable barrier against water. This makes it ideal for containing liquids or protecting items from heavy rain. However, it is not breathable and will trap any moisture underneath it.
3. Durability and Lifespan
Canvas Tarpaulin: Durable against punctures and tears, but it has specific vulnerabilities. If it is stored while damp, it will develop mildew and rot, which destroys the fabric fibers. Its lifespan is highly dependent on care and storage. The water-repellent treatment can also wear off over time and may need reapplication.
PVC Tarpaulin: Generally, more durable in harsh conditions. It is highly resistant to:
(1) Abrasion: Scraping against rough surfaces.
(2) Tearing: The polyester mesh provides high tensile strength.
(3) Chemicals & Oils: Resists many industrial chemicals.
(4) Mildew & Rot: Since it's a synthetic plastic, it won't mildew.
With good UV resistance, a heavy-duty PVC tarp can last for many years outdoors.
4. Weight and Handling
Canvas Tarpaulin: A heavyweight canvas tarp is very dense and can be stiff and difficult to fold, especially when new. It absorbs water, making it even heavier when wet.
PVC Tarpaulin: Also heavy, but it tends to remain more flexible across a wider temperature range, making it easier to handle and fold, even in cold weather.
5. Common Applications
Canvas Tarpaulin:
(1) Covering equipment that needs to "breathe" (lawn mowers, tractors, classic cars, boats in storage).
(2) Temporary shelters or tents where condensation from people breathing is an issue.
(3) Painting and construction sites as a breathable dust barrier.
(4) Any application where preventing internal moisture buildup is the top priority.
PVC Tarpaulin
(1) Truck Tarps: Covering flatbed loads due to abrasion resistance.
(2) Industrial Curtains: For warehouses, welding stations (available in Fire-Retardant versions).
(3) Containment Liners: For ponds, manure piles, or chemical containment.
(4) Permanent Outdoor Covers: For machinery, hay bales, or construction materials that need long-term, 100% waterproof protection.
6.Which One Should You Choose?
(1) Choose canvas tarpaulin: Your primary concern is preventing condensation and mildew on the item you are covering. You are okay with it being water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, and you are committed to letting it dry out before storage.
(2) Choose PVC tarpaulin: Your primary concern is 100% waterproof protection, extreme durability, and a long service life in tough conditions. The item being covered is not susceptible to damage from trapped humidity.
Post time: Nov-28-2025
