Since all tarps have nearly limitless applications we will attempt to explain the most popular applications.
Poly Tarps: The applications range from baseball infield covers, gym floor covers, occultation tarps, canopy tops, truck bed liners and covers among many other uses. High grade poly tarps are used to cover the baseball fields when rain occurs. These are typically in white and the sizes can range from 90' x 90' to 170 x 170'. They are meant to cover the infield to prevent water from creating muddy conditions on the dirt part of the field. The thick poly coating makes the poly tarp a sought after cover for school functions in gymnasiums to protect the hardwood floor. Typically chairs and tables can be put on top of the tarp and prevent scuffing onto valuable wood flooring.
Common pole canopies typically require a simple poly tarp top that can be attached the ball bungees. The ball bungees loop through grommets which are commonly spaced every 3 feet to 18 inches apart, along the perimeter of the material. U.V. treated white and silver poly tarps usually sit on top of these pole canopies.
Poly tarps are also used as truck bed liners. The tarp acts is a liner to prevent materials such as soil rocks or gravel seeping through and falling out of the truck bed as well as protecting the vehicle.
The plastic tarps are also used for various other types of covers and lining such as ice rink liners, backyard waterslides, debris haul liner and even white backdrops for outdoor movie screens.
Canvas Tarps: The original tarp used before polyethylene tarps were invented. Canvas tarps were widely used in the 1950s in the trucking industry to cover the load that was being transported. Candace is still used today for its resilience towards windy conditions as well as it's resistance to abrasive conditions when hauling loads. Untreated canvas is also used for painting. Industrial and art Wise applications are used. Industrial painters use the material to protect areas from paint splatter. Canvas absorbs the paint better then plastic applications.
Untreated canvas tarps is still used with some artists depending on the project. Typical artist canvas has a much higher thread-count then industrial canvas tarps but artists still use industrial canvas for certain projects. Ultra white canvas is also sometimes used as outdoor film screens. In some cases from projectionist prefer the canvas to white polyethylene tarps due to less glare.
Vinyl Tarps: These tarps and various other types of industrial fabrics are used as awning and marine fabric coverage such as divider curtains, awning material, marine covers, Wind screens, roof leak diverters and salvage covers. The most common vinyl tarp is a vinyl coated polyester. These industrial covers enable a more stringent workload. Truck drivers know the importance of industrial vinyl because long halls require a cover to a stand wind, snow, rain and various other types of harsh weather.
Heavy duty vinyl tarps are also used as salvage covers. This material is resistant to sharp objects as well as easy cleanup do too it's smooth surface.
Clear vinyl tarps are essential for visibility. Heavy duty PVC vinyl is essential for anti-scratch and easy cleanup when wanting to keep the material clean and see-through.
Mesh Tarps: The main purposes for mesh tarps are sunscreen, privacy and debris control. Mesh tarps are commonly used on canopy frames for shade protection. Construction sites also use the material for debris control, making sure particles do not exceed outside a construction site. Typical green mesh tarps can be seen around the perimeter of golf courses, secluding the course with privacy as well as golf ball containment.