Best Tarps and Drop Cloths for Your Project

Published August 27, 2024
Painting almost always results in a few drips, splatters and spills. Before those accidents happen, cover your floors, valuables and furnishings with drop cloths and tarps. These protective coverings come in handy for other purposes as well. The key is to choose a good option for your needs. This buying guide highlights the best tarps and drop cloths for your project so that you can select the right ones for any job.
Table of Contents
What Is a Drop Cloth?
What is a Tarp?
Canvas Drop Cloths
Plastic Sheeting
Paper Drop Cloths
Rosin Drop Cloths
What Is a Drop Cloth?

A drop cloth is a protective covering. Most drop cloths are thin and lightweight, making them easy to handle. Drop cloths are generally good options for indoor projects like painting or capturing dust when sawing or sanding in your shop.
Some drop cloths are reusable, while others are disposable, meaning you use them once and then recycle or throw them away. Manufacturers produce drop cloths out of many different materials. Each type has its own benefits, which the guide will cover in later sections.
What is a Tarp?

When water damage is a threat, tarps are a great solution. Often, people use tarps outdoors. However, they can work indoors as well, depending on the project.
Waterproof tarps cause water to roll off rather than allowing it to soak through. As a result, they are good for covering homes during repairs and renovations, protecting outdoor furniture and grills, and shielding vehicles like boats and motorcycles from rain and snow.
Water-resistant tarps keep out water up to a point. They're good for sun protection or light rain, and they're more breathable since air can also get through. But they won't block water completely, like in heavy rains or underwater, the way waterproof tarps will.
A useful feature of tarps is that they have grommets, or metal rings, in their corners or all along their edges. As a result, you can attach them with hooks or tie them down as needed.
The biggest difference between tarps is their special features. This guide will explain some of the most popular ones and tell you when you might want to use them.
Tip: Whether you opt for a tarp or a drop cloth, size is important. Measure the item or area that you want to cover before you shop, so you get the right fit.
Canvas Drop Cloths

Canvas drop cloths are covers made of woven fabric. Fiber contents vary but often include cotton.
Due to their woven construction, canvas drop cloths are durable and can hold up to repeated use. The fabric makes them breathable, meaning that air can pass through. Use them as furniture covers in storage facilities to keep upholstery fresh but free of dust.
Highly flexible, canvas drop cloths are simple to drape and spread out. As a result, they are a convenient option for covering up before you paint.
Tip: Large spills can soak through canvas drop cloths. Consider placing a different type of drop cloth under open containers of liquids like paint.
Plastic Sheeting

Plastic sheeting is a disposable drop cloth. The material does a good job of keeping spills, drips and splatters off surfaces. As a result, it’s great to put underneath cans and bottles of liquid that could get knocked over accidentally while you work.
Because of its properties, plastic sheeting is also an excellent choice for plumbing projects. Spread it out beneath the sink or around the toilet before you get to work to keep surfaces clean and dry.
Tip: If you want to cover an entire floor with plastic sheeting, secure it along the walls with painter’s tape to reduce the risk of shifting or bunching.
Paper Drop Cloths

Paper drop cloths are another convenient disposable option for your projects. Often, the drop cloths come in rolls, so you can tear off as much as you need to cover an area.
Use paper drop cloths for jobs that might cause light splattering or drops. They’re also great for unrolling in hallways and entryways to prevent shoes from tracking dirt and mud through homes. Because they lie flat, paper drop cloths can also work as table coverings when performing messy jobs.
Rosin Drop Cloths

Rosin paper is a thick paper that has a felt-like surface. Manufacturers most commonly use it to produce underlayment for siding and flooring, but you can also find rosin-paper drop cloths.
Like regular paper drop cloths, rosin-paper covers usually come in rolls for ease of use. Their unique texture allows them to retain more liquid than ordinary paper. Plus, it provides traction so you can walk over it with less risk of slippage. As a result, rosin-paper drop cloths can be a great option for covering stairs while you paint or make repairs.
Heavy-Duty Tarps

Heavy-duty tarps offer a high degree of protection. Their materials are usually extra thick and resistant to rips and tears. As a result, these coverings work well in tough conditions. Reach for them when working in exposed outdoor areas, damp basements, cramped crawl spaces and other challenging locations.
You can use heavy-duty tarps for many tasks, like covering firewood or assembling an emergency canopy in bad weather.
Mesh Tarps

Mesh tarps feature tiny openings that allow air and some sunlight to pass through. Manufacturers produce them from different materials, but many are polyethylene tarps.
Because they permit airflow, mesh tarps are a good choice when you want to provide shade and keep out large debris. They are popular for enclosing buildings during remodeling and new construction.
UV-Resistant Tarps

Sunlight can do a lot of damage, fading paint and weakening materials. UV-resistant tarps can protect items that you need to store outdoors from the harsh effects of the sun.
While keeping out dirt and debris, UV-resistant tarps reflect or absorb the intense ultraviolet energy in the sunshine. The UV resistance reduces the risk of damage to whatever is underneath and helps the tarp stand the test of time in sunny areas.
Slip-Resistant Tarps

When you need to protect a floor or outdoor walking surface and need extra protection, try slip-resistant tarps. They have a textured surface that creates traction, so you’re less likely to slip when you walk. As a result, they can be a good alternative to indoor drop cloths for very messy jobs or for protecting a patio, deck or porch floor while you paint.
Drawstring Tarps

Another solution for protecting items in windy conditions is a drawstring tarp. This type of tarp has a string that runs along its opening. When you give it a tug, the tarp pulls tightly closed. When you need to remove it, pull the opening to loosen the string.
The design of drawstring tarps makes them great coverings for fire pits and patio furniture like tables and chairs. You can also spread one out when raking and picking up yard debris. Place everything on top of the tarp while you work and then pull it closed, so you can easily haul sticks and leaves away.
Now that you know the most common options, you can choose the best tarp and drop cloths for your project. Think about what type of protection you need and what conditions are like in the area. Measure the space or item twice, and then shop for the perfect drop cloth or tarp. The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.