Marketplace is a gamble, but I’ve lucked out with some old painter’s tarps that just needed a wash.
Yeah, I’ve done the same—found some surprisingly sturdy drop cloths at estate sales too. Honestly, those old canvas tarps last forever if you patch ’em up. Not a fan of the plastic sheets long-term though; they get slippery and eventually crack. If you can snag used canvas or even thick denim, it’s worth it. Less waste, and you’re not tossing plastic after every job.
Honestly, those old canvas tarps last forever if you patch ’em up. Not a fan of the plastic sheets long-term though; they get slippery and eventually crack.
I’ve noticed the same thing—canvas outlives plastic by a mile, especially if you’re doing repeated work in one spot. Had a project last year where I used a couple of patched-up canvas tarps from a salvage yard, and they held up through weeks of foot traffic and tools being dragged around. The only downside I’ve run into is that sometimes old canvas can have oil stains or weird odors that are tough to get out. Anyone else run into that?
Plastic sheets have their place for quick-and-dirty jobs, but I stopped relying on them for anything serious after nearly wiping out on a slick spot. If you ever find old denim, like you mentioned, that’s gold—super durable and doesn’t bunch up as much as lighter stuff.
Curious if anyone’s tried using old theater backdrops or curtains? Picked up one at an auction once and it turned out sturdier than expected... just had to ignore the faded scenery.
The only downside I’ve run into is that sometimes old canvas can have oil stains or weird odors that are tough to get out. Anyone else run into that?
Yeah, those old canvas tarps can get pretty funky. I’ve had some luck soaking them in a mix of hot water, vinegar, and baking soda—takes the edge off the smell, but the oil stains are stubborn. Sometimes you just have to accept a bit of “character.” As for theater backdrops, I scored a painted muslin one once. It was surprisingly tough, though the clouds and trees made for some odd looks on the job site. Still, way better than slipping around on plastic.
Honestly, I think a little wear and tear just adds to the story—nobody’s expecting a pristine look from a reused canvas anyway. I’ve tried scrubbing out oil stains with dish soap and a stiff brush, but sometimes they’re just there to stay. Still, way better than dealing with flimsy plastic sheets that tear if you look at them wrong.
“Still, way better than dealing with flimsy plastic sheets that tear if you look at them wrong.”
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve tried those cheap plastic drop cloths and they’re a nightmare—one snag and you’ve got paint everywhere. I actually started using old bedsheets for covering stuff. They’re not waterproof, but they’re sturdy and easy to toss in the wash. Oil stains don’t bother me much either; half the time, I forget they’re even there. Isn’t it kind of funny how the “imperfections” end up being the most practical?
