Does a Tarp's Color Make a Difference?

We've all seen blue tarps. But, what about silver tarps, and black tarps, and green ones? Are all tarps the same, or do different colors have specific meanings when it comes to tarps?

The experts at Canopies and Tarps report that yes, tarp colors can have specific meanings to clients. And some colors signal different benefits. For example, blue is the color of everyday tarps - usually the most economical.

Silver is the color most associated with heavier-duty tarps with special properties. Fire-retardant and chemical-resistant tarps are almost always silver. Because tarps are popular for creating canopy tents for entertaining, color choices can also be a matter of seasonal favorites, a sports team's colors, or a wedding or prom night color theme. Tarps are that versatile!

So, what tarp color is right for you?

Classic Blue Tarps

The standard blue tarp you often see is one of the more lightweight (and least expensive) options. Blue and green tarps are all-purpose tarps that are perfect for construction, landscaping and household tasks. Canopies and Tarps carries blue poly tarps ranging in sizes from 5 ft. x 7 ft. to 100 ft. x 100 ft.

These economical blue poly tarps, also called regular duty blue utility tarps, are popular for covering belongings at your home or work site. They are waterproof and UV-, mildew- and rot-resistant.

Because they're so inexpensive, you will see budget blue tarps used to line car trunks and camp tents to protect surfaces. They are spread out on lawns as temporary play spaces for kids.

You will see them used as floor and furniture covers during DIY home paint jobs or renovations. They're used as firewood covers and as plant or lawn furniture covers during heavy downpours.

Bright Colors

Bright colors like yellow, orange and red are ideal when you need high visibility or to signal a warning. At construction sites and along highway road repair sites, you'll see bright yellow tarps used to mark equipment and potentially hazardous roadside conditions.

Commercial truck drivers keep heavy-duty bright yellow tarps to mark accident sites, and, during roadside emergencies, to signal for help.

At Canopies and Tarps, our heavy-duty poly tarps come in a variety of colors, including red, orange and yellow.

White And Silver Tarps

Silver tarps tend to be more heavy-duty, and are great if you want to reflect heat from the sun away from the surface. White tarps will allow some light to filter through while still protecting your objects or surfaces. White tarps can also be used as DIY movie screens when combined with projectors.

Our silver UV tarps are made from a durable poly material that stand up to the elements, especially the sun. Our poly, canvas and vinyl tarps all come in white so you can pick whichever material is best for you. Heavy-duty white fire retardant tarps also are available in silver, and are common sights at construction and industrial locations.

Earth Tones

Earth tones are popular hues for breathable mesh shade tarps from Canopies and Tarps. These popular outdoor tarps are available in desert mesh, brown, green, white and blue. Speaking of earth tones, neutral is the popular color choice of Canopies and Tarps' natural canvas tarp. Canvas tarps are also considered breathable tarps, made of 100 percent cotton.

Dark Colors in Tarps

Black and brown tarps are a good option when you need to keep things cool. The dark colors will absorb light and heat from the sun, which means these are best for when your tarp is going to be outside for extended periods of time.

Black is the preferred tarp color of truckers. Canopies and Tarps offers a full line of black truck tarps. These extra sturdy tarps are designed to protect truck cargo from the sun, strong winds and the elements.

Clear Tarps

Clear tarps let you do more than see what's underneath. These tarps protect your belongings from the elements while allowing in natural sunlight. One of the best uses for a clear tarp is in gardening.

You can create your own greenhouse using sturdy clear string UV tarps.]

If you're looking for a fire-retardant tarp that you can see through, Canopies and Tarps has clear PVC vinyl tarps, which are certified flame-resistant.

Custom Tarps For Every Need

With our wide selection, you can find the right custom tarp at Canopies and Tarps. If you need help figuring out which color and material combination is best for your needs, reach out to our friendly and expert customer service team.