Undoubtedly, laminated PVC tarpaulins and coated PVC tarpaulins are two of the most common and widely used PVC tarpaulins. Because of their unique features, benefits, and versatility, these two types of tarps have become a favorite among their users. Various industries, ordinary people, and even the military use one or both of these tarpaulins according to their various needs.
However, even after being so popular and widely used, are you still wondering which of these PVC tarps is best for your needs? How do laminated PVC tarp and coated PVC tarp differ from each other?
Well, here is an in-detail discussion of all the differences between laminated and coated PVC tarpaulins for your better understanding. Go through the differences carefully to determine which of these suits your unique needs.
Table of Contents
What Is Laminated PVC Tarpaulin?
Laminated PVC tarpaulin is a high-strength knitted polyester fabric that is laminated with PVC sheets onto both sides using high heat and pressure. Manufacturers use a bread-and-butter technique to apply the PVC for an even and uniform lamination.
The lamination creates a protective yet flexible covering on the fabric to make it strong, element-resistant, and versatile. However, even though it has a layering of plastic over and under, this fabric is surprisingly lightweight; it can be handled, folded, and transported easily.
Because of its incredibly lightweight and flexibility, Laminated PVC tarpaulin is suitable for a wide range of outdoor applications. From making tents and temporary shelters to creating banners, you can use them however you like, according to your needs.
There are three main categories of laminated PVC tarpaulins: 840D, 1000D, and 1300D. While the 840D tarp is thinner and more lightweight, and best for temporary use, the 1000D fabric is stronger and can withstand adverse weather conditions better. This tarpaulin is also suitable for covering outdoor furniture.
On the other hand, the 1300D fabric is the most heavy-duty option of them all. This laminated tarp is specially made to endure extreme weather conditions and heavy use. Be it a military application or industrial use, this tarp is suitable for long-term use.
What Is Coated PVC Tarpaulin?
Coated PVC tarpaulin is the most basic type of tarpaulin. It is made by coating a woven polyester fabric with a layer of melted polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to make it a stronger, more durable, and weather-resistant material. As the liquid PVC penetrates the fabric, it creates a stronger bond from within to make it wear and tear-resistant and highly durable.
Because of its strength and durability, coated PVC tarps are more robust and resistant to abrasion, tears, and punctures. This fabric also maintains flexibility, even in extreme weather conditions.
Coated PVC tarpaulins are available in different variants: 600D, 900D, 1000D, and 1680D. While the 600D tarp is a mid-weight, highly durable plastic fabric used for outdoor furniture covers, banners, and tents, the 900D is a bit heavier and more durable option.
Similarly, the 1000D and 1680D are more heavy-duty tarpaulins that are used in industrial sectors for extra strength and resilience. These fabrics are robust and, therefore, don’t suffer from wear and tear easily.
We have an article about PVC tarpaulin. You can go through it to learn more about PVC tarps.
Key Difference Between Laminated and Coated PVC Tarpaulins
Laminated and coated PVC tarpaulins differ significantly. Here is a detailed comparison of their differences for your better understanding.
But first, go through the summary.
| Factor | Laminated PVC Tarpaulin | Coated PVC Tarpaulin |
| Fabric | Knitted fabric | Woven fabric |
| Manufacturing Process | Layers of PVC laminated on fabric | Liquid PVC on fabric |
| Durability | Less durable, prone to delamination | Stronger, more durable |
| Flexibility | Lightweight and flexible | Heavier; less flexible |
| Cost | More affordable | More expensive |
| Performance | Basic protection; degrades over time | Superior resistance to elements |
1. Fabric Difference
One of the core differences between laminated and coated PVC tarpaulins is the type of fabric used in them.
The woven fabric used in coated PVC tarp makes it stronger and more durable. As this fabric is created by a warp and weft method for a tighter and stronger base, it gives the tarpaulin higher tensile strength and durability and makes it suitable for heavy-duty use.
Another advantage of the woven fabric is that it is tear-resistant. Even if a tear begins, the tight weave of the fabric prevents it from spreading further.
However, because of the rigid structure, woven fabric is less flexible than knitted ones.
On the other hand, the knitted laminated PVC tarpaulins are more flexible and versatile. Because this fabric is made by looping yarns together in a series of interlocking loops, it creates a very flexible structure. Such a structure gives laminated tarps a more flexible and stretchable feature.
But then again, because of the loose fabric pattern, laminated PVC tarpaulins aren’t as strong and durable as coated PVC tarps.
2. Manufacturing Process Difference
Laminated PVC tarpaulins are made by fusing pre-prepared PVC films onto the base fabric through heat and pressure. Even though heat and pressure are applied to bond the PVC film to the fabric, the process doesn’t let the PVC deeply bond with the fabric; rather, it creates a surface bond to keep it lightweight and flexible.
The lamination process is faster and more cost-effective.
On the contrary, coated PVC tarps are made by applying melted PVC onto the base fabric. As the liquid PVC can penetrate the fabric and create a bond from within the woven fabric, coated tarps are stronger and more durable than laminated ones.
Manufacturers use multiple coatings of PVC on the fabric for added strength and longevity. Also, unlike the lamination process, the coating method involves passing the fabric through rollers several times to ensure even and consistent coating.
3. Durability Difference
The combination of loose knitted fabric and light surface bond with the PVC make laminated tarpaulins less durable than their competitors. As the lamination process creates just a surface-level adhesion with the fabric, the PVC films can come off or get damaged easily under extreme conditions.
Moreover, because the knitted fabric has loose patterns, it is prone to wear, tears, and punctures.
However, the same isn’t true for coated PVC tarpaulins. The tighter woven pattern of the fabric, along with the deep bond with the melted plastic, makes this material resistant to tears, punctures, and abrasions. Because of its weave and deep bond, coated tarps are highly durable; they can withstand adverse conditions and won’t get damaged anytime soon.
4. Flexibility Difference
Even though it is laminated with plastic sheets, laminated PVC tarp is extremely lightweight and flexible. You can use it for customized projects without any difficulties.
However, even though it is super flexible initially, this fabric can become brittle over time, making it unsuitable to use.
On the other hand, despite being incredibly durable, coated PVC tarpaulins aren’t as flexible as their close competitors. Because the plastic is bonded from within, this fabric is a bit heavier in weight and lacks flexibility.
5. Performance Difference
Laminated PVC tarpaulins provide standard protection against rain, wind, and sunlight. However, as this plastic fabric isn’t too strong and durable, over time, the level of weather resistance will degrade, making it more vulnerable to the elements.
For this reason, laminated tarps are suitable for short-term, temporary use rather than long-term applications.
On the contrary, coated PVC tarps are extremely resistant to water and environmental elements like rain, snow, and moisture. They can withstand adverse weather conditions efficiently to provide added protection for what’s underneath. Also, because they are resistant to the elements for extended periods, coated tarpaulins are the best choice for long-term use.
Vinyl tarpaulins are also available in laminated and coated options. You can read our article about vinyl tarps to learn more about them.
Wrapping Up
There are some major differences between laminated and coated PVC tarpaulins, and now you know about all these differences in detail.
However, even though both these tarps are different, there is no doubt that they are useful across industries. All you need to do is just find which of these meets your needs the most. And once you know, contact Tarp PVC to get the best quality tarpaulins at a very reasonable price! Call or email us for a quick quote within 24 hours.
