Tarps can be used a couple of ways in painting. In the case of this article, the tarps are tied to the scaffolding to protect the mural in progress from being damaged by the weather. This use of a tarp is a more common use, especially if the tarps in use are poly tarps. Much like a canopy used to protect a vehicle, these tarps in the article are tied to the scaffold in front of and surrounding the mural to protect the new paint from damage due to rain and sun exposure. In addition, tarps are used in a similar manner on construction sites to protect the building in progress and the workers.

Another use for tarps in painting is as a drop cloth. A drop cloth is usually used in painting the outside of a house or a room, although it can be used when painting a mural, as well, outdoors. The primary use of a drop cloth is to protect any furniture and to prevent paint from getting on the floor. While any poly tarp can be used as a drop cloth, the ideal tarp for use as a drop cloth is a canvas tarp. The benefits of a canvas tarp in painting include staying in place easier than a plastic or poly tarp, making this type of surface for painting less prone to slipping. This factor also makes a canvas tarp an ideal surface for covering when painting above a staircase. In addition, a cotton canvas tarp absorbs the paint, if any drips on it, making it ideal for protecting furniture, as well, as the paint won’t run off or seep through to the other side.

With a paraffin coat and Kanvak-treated fabric, a canvas tarp has many of the same properties as a poly or any other plastic tarp, except the nature of cotton makes it more breathable. This aspect makes it ideal for an outdoor cover for wood piles, hay, or farm equipment. Like a poly tarp, a canvas tarp can keep out the moisture and mildew and the weave and natural properties of cotton allow for more air circulation than a poly or plastic tarp. However, although a canvas tarp can protect your investments from mildew and moisture, the outside of the tarp may build up mildew and other molds with prolonged use and will need to be replaced. Canvas tarps shouldn’t be used as an outdoor canopy or truck tarp, either, as the material can shrink when exposed to the elements.

What canvas tarps are best suited for is painting. A canvas tarp makes the ideal drop cloth for indoor house painting, as it is thick enough to remain stationary – which is crucial when painting around stairs and furniture – and acts like a floor mat. The material is thick enough so that paint drops won’t seep through and damage your carpet or wood floors, and the thickness of the material will allow it to stay in place so that when you paint, you won’t need to worry about slipping on the surface of the tarp.