It may be called a heavy-duty tarp, but even the toughest materials need a little love from time to time! Over the course of seasons and weather, general wear and tear is bound to happen. But fear not! You can learn to make simple, DIY repairs and to keep your tarp clean, and you’ll extend the life and quality of the gear!
Table Of Contents
In this blog, we discuss everything you need to know about choosing a great tarp and how to take the best care of it. That way, you can spend less time dealing with a faulty tarp and more time getting the absolute most out of your gear!
Start With Quality
Reliable gear means high-quality gear. When you invest in camping gear, ensure that you’re shopping from a reliable source. And that the material you choose lives up to its promise. Read reviews, talk to experts, and do your research.
That said, “high-quality” doesn’t necessarily mean brand new! There is nothing wrong with using secondhand or borrowed gear! In fact, excellent gear often gets tossed out or donated simply because the previous owners may not have known how to make simple repairs. Purchasing used gear is always a good idea. Just make sure you give it a good look over, and any small repairs needed are simple and low-cost!
Whether you buy your tarp new or used, the important thing is that you are aware of the quality of your tarp. That way, you can predict better what type of care it will need.
What Type of Tarp Is It?
Know what material your tarp is made of. This information is essential to know how to repair it. Different materials have different benefits! Get to know yours so you can get the most out of it and be better prepared in the field.
Canvas
Canvas is a great material for camping tarps! This natural material has so many amazing qualities that make it the ideal multi-use gear item. For starters, canvas tarps are naturally insulating and breathable. So, they provide warmth and insulation, but also prevent damage from mold and mildew. Various weatherproofing finishes can be applied to canvas, too. Everything from waterproofing to fire-retardant to UV protectant. Canvas tarps make great emergency shelters, tent footprints, and rainflys. It’s a super durable material for all outdoor purposes and projects.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene is one of the most common and versatile tarp materials. This material is lightweight, packable, and resilient. Note that it isn’t breathable, but does make for a great windbreaker and rainfly! This is a great multipurpose material for so many reasons! Poly tarps are often used for camping, other outdoor and backyard projects, and more. Cover furniture, use it as a tent footprint, or keep one in the car for emergencies.
Vinyl
Vinyl-coated polyester is the fancy way of saying a good ‘ol vinyl tarp! These tarps are extremely strong and weather-resistant. Their rubbery finish makes them excellent for construction projects and other heavy-duty uses.
Keep a Repair Kit Handy
For small, simple repairs out in the field, curate the perfect repair kit. This should be minimal, but include effective materials. Small enough to pack away in your tent accessories, a repair kit is an essential part of packing for a camping trip.
In your repair kit, you should include the following:
- 1-2 patches that match the material of your tarp
- A roll of gear repair tape or adhesives
- A heavy-duty needle and thread
- Seam sealer
- Fabric glue
- Scissors
The good news about a tarp repair kit is that it is super minimalistic and lightweight. It will hardly take up any space in your packing! Your tarp may even come with extra repair materials upon purchase! Always check with the manufacturer first for special care instructions or materials.
Check On Your Tarps
Every time before you pack your tarp, give it a check-up! Scan the surface area for any visual imperfections. Run your hand along the seams and any other heavily used surface area of the tarp. Feel for fraying, rips, weak seams, and more. You could even test its water-resistance by spraying it down with a hose. Taking time to check over your tarp before you use it is key to being aware of your gear and maintaining it.
Repair Small Rips and Tears
If you notice a small rip or tear, no worries! It’s easy to patch up. Use either an adhesive or a stitch-on patch. Simply lay the tarp out completely flat, and identify the area that needs attention. Then, make sure the area is clean! Avoid trapping in any dirt or debris that might make the problem worse.
Next, get your repair materials ready. To use a patch, ensure that it is slightly larger than the tear on all sides to ensure complete coverage. Remove the backing if it is an adhesive patch, or apply glue, and press it flat onto the tear. If it isn’t adhesive, use a heavy-duty needle and thread to stitch it on with durable nylon thread. Just make sure to keep the tarp pulled taut for the best coverage.
A patch is a great solution since it seals the ends of the tear. That way, there’s less chance of more fraying. But you could also stitch the tear back together. Again, use the heavy-duty needle and thread to do so, and cut off the loose ends of the thread when finished.
Reinforce the Seams
As you get lots of good use out of your tarp, you may notice the seams fray over time. This is where the seam sealer comes in handy! Once you know what type of material the tarp is, use an appropriate sealer. A silicone sealant is flexible and versatile for a variety of tent materials. That includes canvas and polyethylene.
First, pull the tarp taut, and gently clean the area. Then, use a brush or gloves to apply the sealant over the seam on both sides. Make sure it’s an even coat. Allow the sealant to dry completely. This is a great way to repair seams from further damage or just to reinforce them.
Refresh the Waterproofing
Sometimes a tarp needs a new coat of waterproofing. Especially if you are an avid rainy-day camper. Moisture can even seep into the tarp in sneaky ways. And that can slowly deteriorate the waterproof coating and material. If you notice your tarp holding a bit of moisture, it’s time to give it a refresh.
Waterproof finishes come in many forms. Spray, wax, or a wash are popular methods to refresh the finish on your tent. Read and understand the instructions on the product of your choice. After applying, allow the tarp to dry completely in the sun after application. Test it out by spraying the tarp down and checking for weak spots!
Clean and Maintain Your Tarp
In between seasons and uses, always make sure you properly clean off your tarp. Like with all gear, this is crucial to maintain the quality so you continue to get the best use out of your tarp.
The best part is that cleaning it doesn’t require any harsh chemicals or laborious scrubbing. Rather, the process is really simple and quick. After every use, lay the tarp out flat and sweep away all loose dirt and debris. All you will need from here is warm water, mild soap, and a gentle scrubber brush. Spot clean any areas that appear to be dirty or stained.
Implement regular cleanings into your unpacking routine! This creates the perfect opportunity to give the tarp a check-up and address any damage.
Care For Your Gear: Why It Matters
Take time to care for your gear! It may feel like another chore, but trust us, it’s so worth it. Tarps exist to protect your tent, outdoor furniture, act as an emergency shelter, and so much more. When you invest in a high-quality tarp, you want that tarp to last for all these reasons. So take a little time to put together a little repair kit. Learn how to keep your tarp in great shape, so you can focus on enjoying your time outside and whatever projects you’re working on!
Wrapping Up…
Care for your gear, and it will care for you! This simple principle is a great way to think of all your outdoor supplies, and especially tarps! Invest in a quality tarp, and get to know the material. Then, just spend a little time cleaning it after each use. Keep a repair kit stocked at all times with the tarp, and be prepared to make occasional, minor repairs. Remember, general wear and tear is a good sign that you’re getting lots of good use out of your gear!
Happy camping!
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