Tarpaulin: Difference between revisions

A '''tarpaulin''' or '''tarp''' is a large sheet of strong, flexible, [[water]] resistant or [[waterproof]] material, often [[cloth]] such as [[canvas]] coated with plastic or [[latex]]. In some places such as Australia, and in military slang, a tarp may be known as a '''hootchie'''. Tarps often have reinforced grommets at the corners and along the sides to form attachment points for [[rope]], allowing them to be tied down or suspended.

The word ''tarpaulin'' originated as a [[compound word|compound]] of the words ''tar'' and ''palling'', referring to a [[tar]]red canvas pall used to cover objects on [[ships]]. By association, [[sailors]] became known as ''tarpaulins'' and eventually ''[[Tar (nautical)|tars]]''.

When used for a tarp, the word ''hoochie'' (also ''hootchie'', ''hootch'', or ''hooch'') comes from the Japanese ''uchi'' ("house"). [[Hut (dwelling)|Huts]] in various parts of [[rural]] Asia are known by this or similar names, and during the [[Korean War|Korean]] and [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]] Wars English-speaking soldiers came to use the word to refer to their own makeshift shelters, which often consisted of little more than a tarp.

Tarps have multiple uses, including as shelter from the elements (i.e. [[wind]], [[rain]], or [[sunlight]]), a [[ground sheet]] or a [[fly (tent)|fly]] in [[camping]], a drop sheet for [[painting]] and for protecting objects, such as [[vehicle]]s or wood piles. It is also used on outdoor market stalls to provide some protection from the elements of nature.

Polytarp is not a traditional fabric, but rather a [[laminate]] of woven and sheet material. The center is loosely woven from strips of [[polyethylene]] plastic, with sheets of the same material bonded to the surface. This creates a fabric-like material that resists stretching well in all directions and is waterproof. When treated against [[ultraviolet]] light, these tarps can last for years exposed to the elements, but non [[UV]] treated material will quickly become brittle and lose strength and water resistance if exposed to sunlight.

Polytarp has also proven to be a popular source when an inexpensive, water resistant fabric is needed. Many amateur builders of [[plywood]] [[sailboat]]s turn to polytarp for making their sails, as it is inexpensive and easily worked. With the proper type of [[adhesive tape]], it is possible to make a serviceable sail for a small boat with no [[sewing]].

=== Perforated [[PVC]] tarp ===

Typically used for large medium [[advertising]] or for protection on scaffoldings. The aim of the perforations (from 20% to 70%) is to reduce wind vulnerability.