Understanding the Uses of Different Tarpaulin Colors

Tarpaulins (AKA tarps) are large, waterproof, durable sheets of plastic, canvas, or vinyl. People use tarps to cover and protect items from rain, sun, wind, and dirt. You might spot tarps at homes, farms, jobsites, or even on camping trips; however, did you know that Tarpaulin sheets are available in many colors, and that each color may have specific uses? 

Choosing the right tarp color is more than appearance. Each color can indicate what the tarp is best utilized for. In this blog, we will help you better understand the various tarpaulin colors and when to utilize each.

Blue Tarpaulin

Blue tarps are the most recognizable tarps. Blue tarps are widely available almost everywhere and commonly employed for everyday, generalty activities. Many people buy blue tarps to cover firewood, cars, bikes, and tools. If you have a leaky roof, I am sure a blue tarp has covered it at some point. Most blue tarps are light to medium duty, making them easy to fold and carry.

For a basic tarp for casual and short-term use, blue tarps can generally be a great choice. Blue tarps are also one of the cheapest types of tarps you can get.

Green Tarpaulin

Green tarps are excellent for gardens, parks, and outdoor locations because they blend in with the trees, grass, and plants. Farmers and gardeners sometimes use green tarps to cover soil, plants, or garden tools. If you are looking for a tarp that will minimize how noticeable it is when you use it in nature, green is typically the best option.

They are often used for landscaping, camping, and are also great for garden sheds. They are also nice to have for covering garden furniture if it rains.

Brown Tarpaulin

Brown tarps are a good choice for outdoor work. Like green tarps, they fit in with nature. The brown tarp is usually used to cover woodpiles, yard equipment, animal shelters, etc. Brown tarps look cleaner longer because the dirt does not show up as easily.

Brown tarps are typically made for medium to heavy-duty use. They hold up well to the rain and sun and are suitable for long-term outdoor use.

Black Tarpaulin

Black Tarpaulin sheets are strong and provide total light blocking. They use when you want total shade or want to make sure the sun does not reach something. People use black tarps to cover firewood, prevent weed growth, or block off areas for privacy.

There are other benefits of black tarps for construction or farming. They will keep things clean and dry, and shield them from sunlight and rain. However, black tarps will get warm in the sun and may not be the best option if you are trying to keep things cool.

White Tarpaulin

White tarps are great when you want light but also want to protect from the elements. The white tarps reflect sunlight and can help keep things cooler underneath. White tarps are popularly used when you want to create openness, but maintain sun protection in the situation such as outdoors tents, food stands, greenhouses, etc.

White tarps are also a major product for events, weddings or market stalls, clean bright appearance, shaded comfort while providing a well-lit area.

Silver Tarpaulin

Silver tarps are effective at preventing the sun's rays from penetrating. Silver tarps usually block heat and are used most to keep things cool. Silver tarps are used to cover stuff like equipment or vehicles in outside storage. Silver tarps can also be applied over windows or roof spaces to reduce heat inside the given space. 

Silver tarps are typically heavy-duty and made to last when used in hot weather. If you need to protect something from intense sunlight, a silver tarp is a good choice.

Yellow and Red Tarpaulin

There are bright yellow and red tarps. These tarps get used when you need visibility. They are used to mark building sites and emergencies. These bright colors indicate caution or that you should keep your distance. Bright colors also help with marking things in large areas when quick location matters.

If you want to mark a space or use a tarp for safety, use yellow or red tarps.

Clear Tarpaulin

Clear Tarpaulin may not be used as often, but they have very specific uses. They allow light in, but keep wind and rain out. Clear tarps are excellent for greenhouses, outdoor patios, or in spaces where you need to see through the covering.

Clear tarps can also be used in winter months to cover windows, allowing sunlight to shine through. Clear tarps can be helpful when you desire protection, but you don't want to obstruct your viewpoint.

Conclusion

There are many colors of Tarpaulins, and each color can be used for a specific task. Blue tarps should work for general use. Green and brown tarps were used for working outside in nature. White and silver tarps help with light and heat. Black tarps shade you from the sun during the heat, and clear tarps give you light. Bright colors such as yellow and red tarps are for safety and warnings. 

When you understand what a color is for, it is much easier to pick the right color tarp. This helpful information about tarpaulins can help whenever you are working in your garden, repairing your roof, or camping all year long.