Plastic Painters Tarp Taboo in 2mil

[Mitroxis]

I've only seen a couple plastic tarp videos on YouTube and just as few in the forums. You know, a real review. So I decided to make a 4 season version out of 2mil plastic painters tarp. It was $3 at Wally World. I reinforced all the outer edges and ridgeline with clear duct tape. I taped and sewed grosgain for all of the tie outs. I set it up today in 22mph wind. My backyard is a wind tunnel perfect for such tests. Well, it held...all day. I even closed all the doors and it worked like a charm. I have no idea what longevity to expect. I will report.

Cut down to 10'6"×9'
Weight: 1lb 3.3oz

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[TFC Rick]

Well done. That last picture is going to give me nightmares.

[brianb]

Full moons will be fun. Nice job.

[kg8jk]

That looks great. I especially like the price tag ( I am second generation Dutch). Did you use a pattern for that? I would love to give it a try myself.

[dudeman_atl]

We had problems with ours at the tie outs, specifically the ridge line.

Tried extra duct tape and even grommets, then tape plus grommets. Eventually the fabric gets a split and separates.

The main body has survived a long time though out in the weather on our porch.

[Valley Scout]

That is pretty cool. Would be very light weight. So long as it is a little durable it makes a nice piece of kit. Certainly something to put in the extra/spare kit since the price is low and it could be fun to build.

Nice job and keep up info about how durable it seems to be.

[OneClick]

Full moons will be fun. Nice job.

Man, I would be up ALL NIGHT!

[Mitroxis]

So I think the key is to keep the tape face down. The ridgeline runs all the way under my tarp and the tape acts as a barrier between the paracord and plastic. Also, because the tape is on the inside, when it rains the water will never touch it. Mostly anyway. I did a 2 hour water test yesterday. No problems. I didn't use a template. It is just a rectangular cut.

[Otter1]

Sweet tarp!

I say leave it up until failure - since it's only $3.

Then make another and with "normal" use and storage it may last quite a while.

[Mitroxis]

Tried extra duct tape and even grommets, then tape plus grommets. Eventually the fabric gets a split and separates

I was thinking about this when I made it. I'm hoping the sewn grosgain will keep this from happening.