Creativity Counts: Artsy Uses for Tarps

Tarps are a grade-A choice for crafting materials thanks to their durability and versatility. Whether you're looking for a great way to recycle old tarps into something fantastic or want to create an easy, convenient place to paint and craft, these suggestions will help you get creative.

Set the stage
Set up a DIY crafting station indoors or out by covering all of your exposed surfaces with a high-quality painter's tarp. Poly and vinyl tarps make great floor coverings for out-of-doors painting projects, while canvas tarps can be used as easy-to-move drop cloths. Finally paint that large-scale, abstract-inspired paint spill by having a paint party that's fully protect by a multipurpose tarp. Use corner grommets to secure your tarp over a dining or picnic table to ensure that every surface is safely guarded.

Crafty coverings
Create beautiful all-weather tablecloths, napkin holders, placemats and more using old and unwanted tarps. The waterproof, weather-resistant build of a high-quality tarpaulin means you can take these country-chic garnishes out of doors - from an upscale garden party to a rugged camping trip in the woods. Patterned and colorful canvas tarps make a fine starting point for sturdy table coverings and accessories.

Baggy chic

Give your tarp a fashion statement

Make yourself a practical, eco-friendly tote bag made out of a tarp for a stylish and unique way to
cart those heavy groceries. Affordable poly tarps make great building blocks for DIY tote bags, giving you the durability and waterproof qualities you need for hauling heavy gallons of milk. Backpacks, wallets, messenger bags and even high-style handbags can be fashioned from old tarps and other materials you can find in your garage or craft drawer. Top each bag off with a set of exquisite hardware or keep it simple with tarp handles that will stand up to the test of time.

Lifehacks that Require Tarps

Tarps are a severely underrated lifehack accessory. These large-scale, versatile materials can be used to help simplify so many aspects of our lives. So go ahead and dust off those old tarps in your shed or garage, because we're about to change the way you think about - and use - tarps.

Speed up fall cleanup
Quickly eliminate leaves in your yard by raking large piles of leaves onto a durable poly tarp. Choose a dull colored tarp to easily differentiate between the surface of the tarp and the brightly colored leaves to ensure that every last fallen leaf is accounted for. Go for an extra-large, heavy-duty tarp, like a 50-foot by 50-foot poly tarp, to knock out your whole yard's worth of leaves in one single trip.

Create an easy camping canopy
Save tons of effort and money by foregoing canopies in the camping aisle at your local sporting goods store and instead opting for a weather-resistant tarp canopy. Easily hoist a vinyl or poly tarp up off the ground using a vertical support pole, some twine or rope and a few stakes to angle the roof towards the ground. Choose one of PTM Tarps' fire retardant tarps for camping to keep things extra safe.

Relax in your hammock year-round
Use a waterproof tarp to create a simple hammock canopy so that you can enjoy your hammock

Relax anytime of day rain or shine

throughout the year. There's nothing quite like relaxing in the out-of-doors with the pitter-patter of rain overhead - all without the need to haul all your camping gear deep into the woods. Simply secure the long ends of the tarp to the tree and surrounding ground using durable rope and the tarp's grommets and you've got an uncomplicated outdoor shelter.

Slow a leaky roof
Temporarily inhibit a leaking roof by installing a waterproof tarp over the openings. This nonpermanent solution could buy you up to three months of extra time before you can get around to repairing the roof, effectively saving your home's structure and interior from unsightly water damage. Nailing the tarp to planks in the roof can redirect water and prohibit it from entering gaps.

The History of the Iconic Blue Tarp

Did you know that the ever-so-common blue tarp that we use every day for hundreds of unique applications has an incredibly rich history? The term tarpaulin dates all the way back to the 1600s, and is actually a portmanteau of the words tar (likely because they were sometimes made from tar-coated canvas) and pall, which means a "heavy cloth covering."

Imagine still using a cloth covering to protect your belongings

Indeed, the tarp we know and love today had many evolutions. We can trace back the history of the tarp to sailors and fishermen in the 15th century, who drenched sheets and other materials in tar or wax in order to create a more substantial, water-resistant surface covering. Before then, coverings were typically made of more porous materials like animal skins and woven fabric, leaving the people who came before without a sturdy way to protect their items from rain and snow.

So, why are tarps so often blue? Actually, tarps come in many colors ranging from Army green to bright orange, but blue tarps remain a mainstay in households across the world. Blue is a fine choice for a tarp because the rich coloring tends to last longer and it also permits just the right blend of shade and light to pass through, allowing it to be used for dozens of unique applications. Many people believe that blue tarps are generally light-duty or economy tarps, but these recognizable canopies actually come in a variety of weights. Some of our blue tarps even feature 900 denier-count, three-ply material and arctic flexibility.

Today, tarps are typically coated with polyethylene and other plastics in order to ensure a leak-free surface. Tarpaulins have grown since the 1600s to incorporate many more modern materials and add-ons, including handy grommets and other accessories that make protecting your best investments simpler than ever.

The Most Unusual Uses for a Tarp

Ever thinking about the craziest, most unusual thing you could do with your stack of old tarps? Us either. But some tarp-loving geniuses out there did, leaving us with this list of pure gold.

Add an Aerobed for even more fun

Tarp slip and slide
If you've got a bunch of tarps, a semi-steep hill and a few bottles of baby soap or dish soap, you can create an amazing homemade slip and slide in just a few minutes. This incredibly fun summertime essential can be taken to new levels with a set of heavy-duty poly tarps that have been safely secured to the ground using corner grommets.

Tarp truck bed pool
For the record, we don't recommend pulling this stunt. The idea is simple: no pool? No problem. Simply line your truck bed in a heavy-duty, waterproof tarp and then fill it up with the hose. The next step is obvious - hop on in. Again, we don't suggest actually doing this, but it is, indeed, one of the most unusual uses for a tarp we've ever seen.

Tarp prom dress

Will you go to prom with me?

Some crafty young ladies out there have found a new way to make sure they've got the most unique dress at the dance. Crafty types have fashioned high-style dresses, including ball gowns, A-lines and even long, elegant numbers, using the iconic blue tarp. The best part about such attire is that you'll never have to worry about getting caught in a rainstorm.

Signaling techniques
If you're lost in the wilderness or on a desert island, you'd be very lucky to have a tarp and a set of permanent markers. Tarps have actually been used as large-scale SOS signals, allowing people in distress on the ground to alert planes and helicopters from above.

Tarp Care: Making Sure Your Tarp Lasts for Years

A tarp is an investment. When you buy one, you want to make sure it lasts as long as possible. If you follow these simple tips and suggestions, you'll find that preserving tarps is an easy process that can help save you time and money in the long run.

Choose the right tarp for the job
Choosing the right tarp for your unique needs can make all the difference when it comes to ensuring that it lasts. Poly tarps are waterproof, making them great for outdoor storage, camping, fixing leaks and other uses. Canvas tarps, on the other hand, are better-suited for indoor uses like covering flooring or protecting surfaces while painting. Vinyl tarps, mesh tarps and other types all have their own unique suggested uses. If you choose the right type of tarp and use it properly, you're sure to see extra years tacked onto your purchase.

Put it away dry
If you're working with canvas tarps, you'll want to make sure that your equipment, like tents,

Dry tarp lasts longer than a wet molded one

firewood, building materials and other items are properly dried before you drape them. While durable canvas tarps are water resistant, they're not 100 percent guarded against mold and mildew accumulation, so you'll want to make sure you properly dry items before covering them with a canvas tarp. Ensuring that your tarp is free of mold and mildew can help guarantee a longer life. If you know you'll want to cover wet or damp items, opt for a waterproof poly tarp.

Preserve the material
Spend a little extra time hand-washing your tarps to make sure that they're put away clean and dry. Removing excess dirt and debris from the surface of your tarpaulin can help it resist mold and mildew accumulation. You can also repair old tarps by sewing up small holes and tears using durable, waterproof thread. Canvas tarps can be treated with a preserving agent at home after its surface has started to see too much wear and tear.

The Many Functions Tarps Have on a Construction Site

Construction sites are constant works in progress, which means there are plenty of applications for tarps from PTM Tarps. That's why so many construction crews consider tarps to be one of their most important assets, after their manpower and tools.

Provides shade and protection

Perhaps most importantly, tarps help make a work site much more pleasant by providing shade, which is an all-day necessity for those in sunnier climates. However, even workers in cooler climates need shade from the midday sun and can benefit from a tarp on site. On the other side of the coin, tarps also shield everyone on the crew from inclement weather, which can make a full day on the job site infinitely more pleasant on a rainy and/or cold winter day. What's more, tarps also protect expensive tools and equipment from weather-related damage. After all, rainstorms sometimes hit out of the blue.

Workers at a job site may already know to expect the unexpected, but tarps can provide an extra layer of protection to shield workers from debris that could potentially do them great harm. Tarps can also help protect the structure itself in case it is at all vulnerable as it is being constructed.

Most sites are full of dirt and debris that can be buffeted around by the wind. And that's not just for

Keeps out dirt and debris

crews in the Windy City. A tarp helps protect the structure and the people within it from said debris. Or, if dirt or sand has been delivered to the job site and needs to be stored until you're ready for it, there's no better cover than a tarp. It will be right there waiting when you're good to go. You can also use tarps to cover dump trucks and lumber trucks while you are loading or unloading. And tarps provide great erosion control and foundation protection.

Tarps also help add an aura of mystery. There's perhaps no better way to drum up intrigue about what's going on away from prying eyes than with a tarp. This has the added bonus of enabling you to do a big reveal when the project is finally finished. Plus, privacy tarps help keep a site insulated, which is another bonus in fall and winter months.

Tarps, The Silent Helper in the Yard

Tarps have seemingly limitless uses around the house, but they're also great outside of the house. If

Keep pests away from your precious plants

you have a green thumb, consider bringing a tarp along the next time you work in the yard. Whether you are raking leaves, pulling weeds or pruning trees, a tarp makes a great place to put all your lawn and garden waste before you actually dispose of it. And when you're finished working in the garden, all you have to do is gather the corners of the tarp up and haul it away to the designated disposal area, which makes cleanup a snap.

Tarps are also great for protecting plants that may need a little extra insulation during colder months. Simply wrap a tarp around said plants and anchor it when the weather starts to cool down to give them the protection they need overnight.

Keep your firewood protected rain or shine

If you enjoy sitting in front of a roaring fire and have a valuable stash of firewood, consider a tarp to protect your firewood from the elements. After all, nothing is worse than discovering all of your wood is wet and useless. Instead, if you cover it with a tarp, your firewood will be dry and ready each time you're ready to use your fireplace.

If you enjoy sitting in the backyard, looking over your yard and feeling proud of all you have accomplished in your own little corner of the world, but find it is too hot to sit in the bright sun in the summer, consider a tarp as sun shade. Tarps make for an incredibly cheap alternative to expensive awnings and provide just as much shade. Plus, tarps couldn't be easier to install and rearrange as the sun moves.

No matter how you decide to use it, an investment in a backyard tarp will pay great dividends.

Tarps - The Secret Weapon to a Successful Camping Trip

Tarps can help turn even the most vehemently anti-camping people into veritable outdoorsmen or outdoorswomen by making the experience infinitely more comfortable. Before you even pitch your tent, lay down a tarp to protect your tent, and, by association, yourself, from the hard ground, which can be wet and rocky. A tarp helps prevent all that moisture and sharp edges from seeping through into the tent, which makes for much more comfortable nights.

Protection from the sun 

We highly recommend you bring along another tarp to use as a canopy, either to protect the top of
your tent as well, or to provide a shaded sitting area for lounging around outside your tent. In addition to shade, a tarp protects picnic tables and chairs from falling debris, which means you'll have to do a lot less cleanup and will end up with a much tidier campsite overall. And, if it rains, a tarp above your tent will provide an extra layer of protection and ensure the trip is a lot less miserable for all the campers trapped inside.

While you're out for the day, a tarp makes a great way to protect your supplies and gear. After all, you don't want to return to find that someone - or something - has rummaged through it and/or polished it off. And you never know when there might be a sudden downpour, which could make for a pretty uncomfortable night. You can also use tarps to help protect pets if you're leaving Fido behind for a bit. And you might even be able to help redirect wind and reduce the number of bugs around your campsite and/or help retain warmth from the campfire, if needed.

If you're staying at a crowded campsite, a tarp can help provide some much-needed privacy from the watchful eyes of other campers. Simply erect the tarp around your campsite to thwart prying eyes. This could be especially important if you are staying at a campsite that doesn't have formal bathrooms and you are stuck going in the woods.

Don't let the weather stop you

And, if you're really into roughing it, tarps can even be used to create a camping shelter in and of themselves. In short, tarps can help make everything from basic shelters to much more comfortable shelters.

Simple Uses for Tarps Around the House

A tarp can serve many functions within a single home. Take home improvement tasks, for example.
A tarp can help hide or protect the part of your home that is a work in progress as it is being completed. You can protect yourself and your family from the elements, while also adding an aura of mystery to the project itself if you have nosy neighbors. Tarps also make terrific drop cloths for painting projects. Simply lay one down to protect carpet or flooring from drips and splatters, which seem to happen no matter how careful you are. And tarps are terrific for holding leaks at bay until the plumber or roofer can stop by to address the source of the problem if your roof springs a leak. You can even use a tarp as a makeshift shower curtain, if need be. The only limit for these multi-functional devices is your imagination.

Keep out the elements during construction

Tarps also multitask in the garage. Use a tarp to protect a vehicle from dust and debris, which is especially important if the car in question is a valuable one that you especially want to protect. Tarps are also a great way to protect firewood in storage to ensure that it is dry and ready to burn whenever you want to use your fireplace. Again, the only limit is the number of ways you can dream up.

If you're lucky enough to own a motorcycle, boat, RV, snow machine, jet ski or the like, use a tarp to

Quick and easy boat cover

cover the vehicle in the off-season or whenever else it is not in use for year-round protection. These valuable assets will be safe and secure even if a storm hits or a proverbial act of God strikes your storage area. And, for those with kids around the house, a tarp can be used to cover a sand box or other outdoor child-friendly structures to ensure years of fun, safe, dry play.

As if that wasn't enough, you can even rely on tarps to provide inexpensive shade. And with all the tarps to choose from, your temporary tarp shade may even become a more permanent one.

5 Simple Things You Didn't Know You Can Do With a Tarp

At PTM Tarps, we're obviously a little biased when it comes to tarps. If you're still on the fence about these multipurpose wonders, let us give you five ways to use tarps that you may have never considered before.

Enjoy camping rain or shine

1. On your next camping or hiking trip, bring an extra tarp and a pair of scissors. That way, if you get caught in the rain, you won't get soaked. Instead, you can cut out some holes for your head and arms
and craft yourself a makeshift poncho. Your family and friends may laugh at you at first, but you'll get the last, mostly dry, laugh.

2. An extra tarp is always a great idea in case of an emergency. If you hit a deer, for example, or a fellow hiker falls and twists his or her ankle, you can place the person or deer on the tarp and use it to haul the animal or person to safety. Tarps could also help you signal for help if you got hopelessly lost in the woods and could be used to wrap up a potential hypothermia sufferer and keep him or her warm until help arrives.

Simple summer fun

3. Think summer fun. You don't have to go to the store to look for a slide and spend a lot of money
on fancy toys. Instead, lay down a tarp and turn on the hose and let everyone slide away, over and over again. Or, if you're really feeling adventurous, use a tarp to create a makeshift pool by either digging a hole or covering the bottom of an inflatable pool with a hole in it.

4. If you're high on stuff and low on the means to carry it with, you can easily turn a tarp into a backpack by wrapping up everything inside and tying with just a little rope.

5. Stranded at sea? No problem - just use your tarp to create a sail and let the wind ferry you to safety.
See? There's almost nothing tarps can't do.

Find the Tarp that Meets Your Needs - Poly, Canvas, Vinyl or Mesh

PTM Tarps carries a wide range of tarps to suit an even wider range of needs. If you're confused about which type of tarp is right for you, let us lay it out for you - pun intended:

Poly tarps are perfect for a construction site

Poly tarps are made from a plastic-like material and, as a result, they are waterproof. These are the
tarps commonly used for weather relief and are slightly less expensive than some other kinds of tarps. If you're preparing for a storm or the like, this is the tarp for you. Poly tarps are also great for construction sites, camping trips, events and anywhere else you don't want to get wet.

Canvas tarps, on the other hand, are made from a woven fabric of natural or synthetic fibers. This tarp is commonly used by professionals like painters and truckers because they provide a spill-proof barrier that can withstand high winds. Canvas tarps can also protect delicate surfaces like hardwood and can also help protect materials that will be stored outdoors. The key to take away about canvas tarps is that they are strong, which also makes them ideal for some events.

Vinyl tarps resist pretty much everything, including oil, grease, acid and mildew, so they are ideal for many industrial applications, too. These tarps are also waterproof and can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Mesh tarps can be used for just about everything

Finally, mesh tarps have nylon threading that is almost screen-like. These tarps allow some water or wind to get through, which means they provide some shade and weaken winds.  Mesh tarps are great for home and yard use. Some mesh tarps are also used by sports leagues or as privacy screens for any number of applications. Gardeners also like mesh tarps to help shade low-light plants.

If you have a specific need, like a pool cover, a snow fence or a floor covering, tarps can work, too. Please reach out to use directly and we'll help find the perfect tarp.

Tarp Applications for the Everyday Farmer and Rancher

If your livelihood depends on the work you do outdoors, you perhaps need tarps more than anybody.

Tarps are farmers' and ranchers' best friends. Tarps will pay for themselves both in and out of the barn. Use a tarp as a hay or grain cover to protect feed from adverse weather, as well as the resulting rot and mildew, which renders the feed useless. In other words, a tarp can help protect the investment you make in feeding your livestock or poultry, as well as the livestock and poultry itself. A sturdy cover like a tarp also helps the feed retain its nutritional value because every farmer worth his or her salt knows you don't want to leave feed exposed to sun, day in and day out. What's more, a durable tarp like many of the tarps offered by PTM Tarps can easily withstand daily use, so you don't have to worry about wear and tear, even if you're moving it day after day.

Perfect to protect bails of hay from the elements

Farmers and ranchers can also use tarps as livestock and poultry curtains and to shore up their barns and/or pens in fall and winter months. If you're going to use a tarp around animals, be sure to look for one that has high tear resistance. A tarp that also has some moisture-resistance will help further ensure the animals stay warm and dry. You should also consider tarps as an inexpensive way to provide shade within the stalls themselves, particularly if you live in a warmer climate. And tarps also make great greenhouse covers and can help protect agriculture as well.

And should you need to store anything outside, perishable or not, a tarp can protect said item from the ground, as well as the elements. Simply lay one down and one over to provide the most protection.

How to Shop for Tarps

You are thinking of buying a tarp! This is a guide to introduce you to the different types of tarps, their different usages and the specifications you want to look for on the tarp package. Tarp is a great way to protect materials, to use in construction sites, to build a canopy and many more.

First, you need to decide the size of the tarp. Most tarps suppliers carry a variety of sizes from 05’x07’ up to 170’x170’. Don’t try to buy 2 or 3 tarps for your need when you can just buy one.

Second, you want to consider what type of tarp you will need. Among the most popular tarps is the Polyethylene tarp, aka poly tarp. As the name suggests, it is made out of polyethylene and comes in a medium or heavy duty which is determined by the mesh count (explained in the next section). It is commonly used in outdoor coverage (vehicle, boats & RV’s), to build a canopy, to cover a truck bed, or as a temporary protection. Valance tarps are poly tarps and are great choice for canopies. Valance tarp eliminates the gap between the tarp & frame so rain runs down outside the frame and makes enclosing the canopy very simple. 
Mesh tarps are made out of fabric. Versatile and easy to use, which makes these tarps excellent choice for a quick and easy shelter for public events. They are commonly used for nurseries, gardens and general outdoor work (construction sites & roof protection) and campsites. They are also mildew and rot resistant and will not crumble. 
Vinyl Tarps made out of synthetic plastic, thus waterproof. These tarps cost more but they are good for tough usages and they resist oil, grease, acid and mildew. Many are used to protect vulnerable items such as machinery, tools, crops, fertilizer, stacked lumber, unfinished buildings, covering the loads on various types of trucks, and many other things from the air elements. They are excellent in both hot and cold weather. Canvas Tarps, made out of cotton canvas that is wax coated for a water repellent finish, are commonly used for covering outdoor areas while giving it a high end look compared to Poly tarps. They also used for construction projects.

The smaller the weave, the more durable the tarp

Third, what to look for on your tarp package. You want to look at the mesh count. Mesh count refers to the web threads per square inch horizontally and vertically. The smaller the weave, the more durable the tarp will be. A good heavy-tarp will has a mesh count of 12 x 14 & 14 x 14. Next, you should check the thickness of the tarp. It is measured in mils and ranges from 6 to 18 mil. If you live in a snow area, you definitely want to shop for a thicker tarp.
Lastly, make sure the tarp is U.V. Protection. This will save you from the Ultraviolet light, which is harmful to your health and can cause sunburn and some forms of cancer.  Also, make sure it has grommet (eyelet) at least every 18’’.

Now you are an expert in tarps. With these things in mind, you can make the right smart tarp purchase. Remember at PTM Tarps, we have got you covered!

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If You Are Looking For Tarps Of Any Kind PTM Tarps Has You Covered

If you are looking for tarps for sale in Compton CA, we are one of the largest Tarp suppliers in the United States. You can be sure that we have exactly what you are looking for at the best possible price. We pride ourselves in having one of the largest stocks available to the public.


We stock everything from the most popular poly tarps to fire retardant tarps to super heavy-duty tarps made especially for heavy loads. We know that you want the best possible price for the best quality product and that is why we constantly offer discounted tarps to our customers. If you would like to know more about our current specials please don’t hesitate to contact us or visit our site at http://www.ptmtarps.com/


When you order with us you know that your order will be delivered in the fastest possible time to your chosen location. We have many satisfied customers all over the United States to prove that we are the leaders in the industry.


We are always happy to help with expert knowledge and expertise so please contact us if you have any queries about our products or about advice in making your tarp experience that much better. Please contact us Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm PST and we will get back to you in a flash.

Commercial Canopy Tips

Commercial canopies are a great way to connect with the outside world, whether it is selling your goods to the general publish or marketing your brand to the people that mean the most. Placing a strategic commercial canopy in the right place can bring in a large amount of traffic your way.

Below are a few tips to help you make the most of your commercial canopy experience.

How To Get More Feet Inside Your Canopy

If you have set up your commercial canopy at a trade show or arts and crafts fair you obviously want as many people to come inside as possible. A great way to achieve this is by choosing a canopy with a full panel at the back and partial panels at the sides. These partial side panels create windows that allow potential customers to see your goods as they walk by.

Buy A Matching Table Cloth

While this may seem a bit strange, having a uniform pattern on the inside and outside of your commercial canopy encourages people to take the time to view inside. Choosing to use a matching table cloth shows customers that you are professional and that you have experience.

Advertise On Your Commercial Canopy

As you take your commercial canopy to many different locations, you will be encountering a large number of new people. It is a good idea to advertise on your commercial canopy, whether it be print or banners. 

Tips in Using the Tarpaulin for Your Business

Tarpaulins have been widely used for businesses in various industries throughout the world for some time now. With the flexibility of uses, many companies see tarpaulins as an invaluable part of their inventory. Tarpaulins can help your business achieve its goals in many different ways; we have included a few below to show how useful tarpaulins really are.

Protection and Cover

Tarpaulins are made with highly durable materials making them perfect to cover and protect important objects. They are often used to cover business vehicles from harsh weather conditions. Tarpaulins can be much larger than permanent garages allowing you to protect more than one vehicle at a time.

If you are in the agricultural industry, you probably need ways to protect your precious crops from harsh conditions. It will protect your crops from weather as well as those annoying pest.

Storage

Farmers often make the use of tarpaulins to store their fresh crops for the season. They can store their crops for long periods of time without spoiling. When selecting a tarpaulin for storage, make sure that you select the appropriate type. Speaking to your local tarpaulin specialist is the best idea before you purchase.

Create Usable Space

If you are in the events industry, finding locations should be one of the most important aspects of your job. Unfortunately, not all venues have enough usable space. Using tarpaulins allows you to cover rocky terrain or sandy ground so that people can walk freely without issue.