February 22

Best Tarps for Sun Exposure

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Are you struggling to find the perfect tarp for you? Do the conflicting pieces of advice on the internet also bother you? If yes, then don't worry, you are not alone.

Most of the tarps look the same and have nearly the same specifications so it's really difficult to find a good one. In this article, we will be talking about the best tarp for sun exposure. But before we begin, let's talk about the different types of tarps. Jump To Best Options!

Types of Tarps

Tarpaulins or Tarps are a great way to protect you and your essentials from the scorching heat of the sun. They also work great for protecting against rain. Keeping a tarp in your home or vehicle can come in very handy in case of emergencies.

Depending on the type of material and durability tarps can be classified into the following categories:

  • Polyethylene tarp: Polyethylene tarps are generally made using recycled plastic. A layer of mesh fabric is sandwiched between layers of polyethylene making the tarp more resistant to UV rays. They are also water-resistant and chemical-proof. However, polyethylene tarps are extremely flammable so they should be kept away from fire sources.
  • Canvas tarps: These tarps have very high moisture retaining capacity. They are heavier than poly tarps and have more protective qualities than other tarps. Canvas tarps do not catch fire easily so they are considered perfect options for making tents or shades.
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tarps: PVC tarps are most commonly used in agricultural and industrial purposes. These are the strongest type of tarps with some also offering protection from acid, oil, or grease. They generally come in large sizes and are generally transparent or translucent.
  • Mesh tarps: Mesh tarps are made of Nylon threads closely woven together. When it comes to durability, don't stand a chance against the above tarps. However, these tarps come at an affordable rate and are best suited for tight-budgets.

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Quick answer:

Best Tarps for Sun Exposure

Check out this quick list of our favorite Tarps for Sun Exposure if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews

1-Xpose 10' x 12' Super Heavy Duty 16 Mil

2-King-a-ma-jigs 10x12 Heavy Duty Tarp

3-Tarpco Safety Heavy Duty 7 Mil Tarp

4-Whiteduck Super Heavy Duty Poly Tarp

5-Multiple Sizes 20 Mil Waterproof Tarpaulins

6-Sunnydaze Heavy Duty UV Resistant Tarp

7-Yescom 9x12ft Heavy Duty Reinforced

8-Queen of Tarps 20x30 Heavy Duty Translucent 


Best Tarps for Sun Exposure


1-Xpose 10' x 12' Super Heavy Duty 16 Mil

Best Tarp for Sun Exposure

Starting at no.1, Compose Super Heavy Duty 16 Mil Brown Poly Tarp Cover is one of the most popular products of Xpose.

This one is extremely durable and versatile. It is manufactured from high-quality polyethylene having a thickness of 16 mil.

The grommets are made of aluminum and are spaced 18 inches apart from each other. The corners are reinforced as well for extra protection.

This Xpose tarp is waterproof and weatherproof. It has UV protection and can last extreme weather conditions including storms and heat.

The design and quality of the tarp make it good for multipurpose use. You can use this for covering your car, making a tent, or just as a drop sheet when painting.


Highlight features

Heavy-duty material: Made from polyethylene with aluminum grommets and reinforced corners which is built to last rough usage. Also, it is tear-proof and has a thickness of 16 mil.

All-weather protection: Rain or shine, the tarp has the power to withstand all kinds of weather. It is fully waterproof and UV resistant making it perfect for outdoor conditions.

Multipurpose use: From protecting your car or firewood from rain to covering your floor while painting, it can be used anywhere you want.

Pros:

  • Best quality materials
  • Can be used for both outdoor and indoor purposes
  • Easy to tie

Cons:

  • Stitching in the seam is not very durable

Reason to get this: Best OVERALL!

2-King-a-ma-jigs 10x12 Heavy Duty Tarp

trap for sun

Moving on to number 2, we have King-a-ma-jigs 10x12 Heavy Duty Tarp. The company always strives for excellence and tries to exceed customer expectations.

Another heavy-duty tarp is made out of polyethylene and is double laminated for maximum durability.

There are metal grommets at every 18 inches for easier putting up and tieing down. The corners are capped and reinforced along with rope-reinforced hems.

The tarp is 100% waterproof and weatherproof and specially made for use in outdoor purposes. It has UV ray protection and has versatile applications.

You can use it to keep your campfire alive or just as a base for your tent. The tarp is reversible and grommets are rust-resistant as well.

Highlight features

Water and UV resistant: Made with 100% waterproof and UV resistant materials which can withstand extreme weather conditions. It is also weatherproof and tear-proof.

Versatile design: Good for outdoor purposes, the tarp can be used for multiple applications like covering lumber or firewood from rain or as a roof to your yard, truck, car, and all kinds of outdoor furniture.

Metal grommets: The metal grommets are present every 18 inches. The metal grommets are rust-proof and make the tarp easier to tie.

Pros:

  • Perfect for all kinds of weather
  • Strong and durable coverage
  • Can be used almost anywhere

Cons:

  • Colour may degrade with time

Reason to get this: Best for value!

3-Tarpco Safety Heavy Duty 7 Mil Tarp

Tarpco Safety Heavy Duty 7 Mil Tarp Cover Waterproof, UV Resistant

At number 3, we will be talking about Tarpco Safety Heavy duty 7 mil Tarp Cover. This tarp is made with 100% newly made virgin polyethylene instead of regular recycled ones.

The pure quality makes it more durable and long-lasting. It has a weave count of 12×10 along with reinforced plastic edges.The metal grommets are rust-proof and places every 36 inches.

With a thickness of 7 mils, Tarpco tarps are ideal for whole-year usage. It is waterproof and weatherproof and comes with UV protection from the sun.

You can use it as a vehicle cover or protect your firewood from rain. It can be also used as a pool cover or for making a tent. And all of this comes at a very affordable rate.

Highlight features

100% Virgin Polyethylene: Instead of recycled or mixed materials, the tarp is made from non-recycled and 100% virgin polyethylene making it more durable in the long run.

Multipurpose design: Can be used for covering different vehicle and storage units or you can use it to make canopies of tents when you go camping.

Weather and tear-proof: This ultra-thick tarp can be used throughout the year as it is weatherproof, waterproof, and UV resistant. Ideal tarp for extreme weather conditions.


Pros:

  • Suitable for all types of weather
  • Available in a variety of sizes and colors
  • Affordable price

Cons:

  • Durability could have been better

Reason to get this: good for multi use!

4-Whiteduck Super Heavy Duty Poly Tarp

Coming next to no.4, there is the Whiteduck Super Heavy Duty Poly Tarp Cover. This durable and lightweight tarp is made from premium quality materials and tightly woven fabric.

The fabric is laminated on both sides and has a 16 mil thickness. The corners and edges are reinforced by hemming the edges with a poly twine rope for superior strength.

The grommets are made of brass and can be found every 18 inches. Whiteduck tarps are made with high-quality materials which are tear and shrink-proof. This tarp provides all-year protection from the weather.

The design is waterproof and has UV protection as well. They are great for outdoor usage and you can cover farm, industrial components, or just an emergency roof patch.

Highlight features

Super heavy-duty and extra reinforced: Lightweight and heavy-duty tarp made with polyethylene for superior strength and durability. The fabric is toughly wooden and laminated on both sides.

Multiple sizes: Comes in over 20 different size variants ranging from 6×8 to 40×60. The poly tarps are UV resistant and waterproof as well.

Versatile tarp: Great for covering cars, trucks, boats, and other farm and industrial equipment. Also can be used for protecting outdoor furniture or just as a drop cloth while painting.

Pros:

  • Specially made for protection against sun
  • Available in multiple sizes

Cons:

  • Holds a lot of moisture table

Reason to get this: Versatile & Multi Use trap!

5-Multiple Sizes 20 Mil Waterproof Tarpaulins

In our no.5 spot, let's talk about the Covers & All Clear Tarps. This is different from the others with a clear and transparent design.

The tarp is made out of PVC vinyl material having a thickness of 2mil. The tarps provide a heavy-duty performance and also looks clean and clear.

The grommets are made of brass and allow easy tieing and removing of the tarp. It is tear-resistant and abrasion-resistant as well.

Covers & All are renowned for manufacturing high-quality tarps and this one's no exception. The tarp is waterproof, snow resistant, and wind resistant.

Despite having a transparent design, it is 100% UV resistant and comes with heat-sealed seams. You can use it for curtains, sidewalls hoardings, or just to cover your pool.

Highlight features

Tough and transparent: Has a clear and clean yea highly durable design. The heavy-duty tarp is tear-resistant and abrasion-resistant adding to its durability.

Durable design with brass grommets: Tarp is made with polyethylene and is fully waterproof and UV resistant. It features brass grommets at consecutive intervals for easier mounting.

Multipurpose usage: From using as curtains or side walls to making canopies for tents or yards, this tarp can do it all.

Pros:

  • Tear and abrasion-resistant
  • Can be used for multiple purposes
  • Clean and clear design

Cons:

  • Not very affordable

Reason to get this: very high Quality 

6-Sunnydaze Heavy Duty UV Resistant Tarp

Sunnydaze 8x10 Heavy Duty UV Resistant Tarp

Moving on to no.6 in our list, Sunnydaze Heavy-Duty UV resistant tarp is made with high-quality polyethylene. The fabric is double laminated and is 5 mil thick for more durability.

It features 6 grommets on the wider side and 5 grommets on the longer side. The grommets are made with aluminum metal and can be used to tie the tarp with rope or bungee cords.

Sunnydaze always takes extra care for the sun protection of tarps.

This tarp is waterproof and weatherproof and is UV resistant as well. It is very easy to clean and maintain and has a wide number of applications.

It can be used for covering vehicles just as a base for the om of your tent.

Highlight features

Heavy-duty construction: Made with high-quality polyethylene, it has a thickness of 5 mil and has multiple grommets as well. The double laminated fabric is waterproof and UV resistant.

Multipurpose usage: Perfect for use in camping purposes, you can use it for making tents or it can also be used for keeping firewood or lumber dry from the rain.

Easy to maintain: Both sides of the tarp are very easy to clean and don't require any specific maintenance. Also, great for use in different seasons.

Pros:

  • Good for outdoor purposes
  • Very easy to clean
  • Affordable tarp

Cons:

  • Durability is slightly compromised

Reason to get this: very affordable trap!

7-Yescom 9x12ft Heavy Duty Reinforced

Yescom 9x12ft Heavy Duty Reinforced Poly Tarp Waterproof Tarpaulin

At no.7 spot, we have the Yescom Heavy Duty Reinforced Poly Tarp.

It is a triple laminated reversible tarp that is heavy duty and features an ability of anti-aging of polyethylene, it features aluminum grommets every 1 meter along with reinforced corners.

The black side is good for use on cold days and the silver side is ideal for warm days. The edges are seamless and avoid any kind of water leakage.

Made with 100% virgin polyethylene, this tarp provides optimum protection against sun and rain. It is fully waterproof and UV resistant.

Ideal for making tents as the color helps to regulate temperature. You can also use it for covering vehicles, pools, or just as a base for your tent. 

Highlight features

Strong and durable shelter: Built with 100% virgin polyethylene, this triple laminated tarp is reversible has multiple colors for multiple applications. It also features good durability and anti-aging technology.

Waterproof and UV resistant: 100% waterproof and UV resistant design which is ideal for all types of weather. The seamless edges avoid any kind of water leakage.

Multipurpose design: This versatile tarp can be used for multiple purposes including covering vehicles and firewood, building tents, and also for covering pools.

Pros:

  • Good for all weather conditions
  • Can be used on both sides
  • Available in a wide range of sizes

Cons:

  • Sun protection could have been better

Reason to get this: it's in our list!

8-Queen of Tarps 20x30 Heavy Duty Translucent

Queen of Tarps 20x30 Heavy Duty Translucent Tarp

Last but not least is the Queen of Tarps 20×30 Heavy Duty Translucent tarp.

Made by a small woman-operated business, this translucent and clear-looking tarp is very durable and made especially for long-term usage.

It is lightweight and made from PVC vinyl and is perfect for covering large utilities. It also features rust-free metal grommets for extra durability.

The material is heavy duty and fully waterproof and weatherproof. It is 100% UV resistant and perfect for outdoor usage.

It can be used for curtains, sidewalls, translucent ceilings, hoardings, or just covering your essentials. Also, it is available in a wide range of colors and sizes.

Highlight features

Translucent design: Translucent white color design gives a clean and clear finish to the tarp. Ideal for greenhouses as well.

Ultra-light and ultra-strong: Lightweight and easy to carry vinyl-made tarp. However, the tarp is extremely durable and specially designed for long-term usage.

Reinforced metal grommets: There are metal grommets at multiple corners of the tarp which makes it easy for mounting. Besides that, it is 100% UV resistant and perfect for outdoor usage.

Pros:

  • Built with GSM MOX technology
  • Fully weather-resistant
  • Clean design and easy to carry

Cons:

  • Not available at an affordable rate

Reason to get this: very Premium trap & called the queen for a good Reason!

Other Consideration

There's no hard and fast rule about calling something best. What might be "best" for someone else may be the opposite of what you are looking for.

So, to find your perfect match, you must do ample research first. Choosing the best tarp for sun exposure shouldn't be too difficult if you know what you are looking for. So, let's talk about some key consideration.

Tarp size

First things first, consider what are you going to do with your tarp? If you are planning to cover a small portion, it's best not to buy an oversized tarp. However, with a larger portion to cover, it's natural that you have to choose a larger tarp. Keep in mind that the larger the tarp, the higher is the price.

Tarp Color

Color plays an important role in maintaining the temperature. Suppose you want to use the tarp as shade or canopy of your tent.

For warmer regions, you should choose a lighter color and for colder regions, go for a darker shade. The dark color absorbs sunlight and keeps your shade warm. Also, avoid using transparent and translucent covers for roofs in warmer climates.

Durability and grommets

Whatever you choose make sure that the tarp can withstand all types of weather and is both waterproof and UV resistant. Talking about the number of grommets, that depends on how you are planning to tie the tarp. The math's simple, more grommets, more space required.

FAQs

When should I protect my tent from the sun?

Many people don't recognize the purpose of protecting their tent from the sun. But the sun's rays are harmful to tents as well. Most tents are made of polyester or nylon fabric and these fabrics don't fare well against the sun in the long run.

Long-term exposure can negatively impact the fabric and the effect can be cumulative as well. Like our bodies, tents don't have automatic healing properties and their waterproof coating is prone to sun damage.

So, it's best to protect your tent from direct contact with sunlight. You can put a tarp over the tent during the daytime. Any tarp large enough to cover your entire tent will complete the job.

Are Canvas Tarps waterproof?

The terms "waterproof" and "water-resistant" are often used together and sometimes people also interchange them. However, they both have very different meanings.

water-resistant comes from the fabric which means, the fabric is so tightly woven that water struggles to go through.

On the other hand, waterproof materials provide a complete barrier from water.

Canvas tarps are coated with wax and are indeed water-resistant but they are not 100% waterproof.

The whole point of using canvas tarps is they are made with breathable materials. Making the material fully waterproof loses the fabric's breathability.

How do cotton canvas tarps differ from polyester canvas tarps?

Polyester tarps have almost double the durability of cotton tarps.

Polyester tarps are also more resistant to UV sun rays. When it comes to rain protection, polyester again stands above cotton.

But, cotton tarps are more lightweight and breathable. They are also easier to wash than polyester ones.

conclusion

We hope this article has erased some of your confusion regarding tarps for sun exposure. The rest is up to you! Make sure to keep in mind the considerations and you'll be all set.

For more guides & reviews read my other posts:

About the Author

Author

Hussain is a passionate hiker and traveler that love the outdoor and enjoys what nature has to give, whenever he can he love to write and give tips & honest reviews to help others get out there and just seek more unforgettable experiences.

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