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Quick answer
For cheap, short-term cover choose PE (polyethylene) tarpal. For daily heavy use — trucks, tensile shades, tank liners — choose PVC of 450–650 GSM. Choose cotton canvas when the load must breathe, such as grain, cotton or hay. Choose Korean parachute when a light sheet is folded and carried every day, and for car and bike covers.
Key takeaways
- PE is the lightest and cheapest. UV-treated PE suits a season or two outdoors.
- PVC is the heaviest and longest-lasting. It is fully waterproof and can be heat-welded.
- Canvas breathes, so goods under it don't sweat — but it is water-resistant, not waterproof, and must be dried before storing.
- Parachute is soft, light and quick to fold: best for covers that go on and off daily.
- Choose the material for the job and how long it must last, then choose the GSM.
The four materials at a glance
Most tarpaulin sold in Pakistan falls into four families. On a shop shelf they can look alike, but they are built very differently — and the construction decides how long a sheet lasts and what it is good for.
- PE (polyethylene) tarpal
- Woven strips of high-density polyethylene, laminated on both sides with a thin PE coating. Light, waterproof and inexpensive. Sold in orange, blue, blue/white, silver, white, yellow and camouflage, and often called Korean or plastic tarpal in the bazaar.
- PVC tarpaulin
- A woven polyester base fabric (the scrim) coated with PVC on both sides. Heavy, fully waterproof and tough against tearing and rubbing. It can be heat-welded, which is why it is used for curtains, water tanks and tensile structures.
- Cotton canvas
- Thick woven cotton, usually treated to resist water. Air and moisture vapour pass through it, so goods underneath don't sweat, and the weave tightens as it gets wet. Heavy, and it must be dried before storing.
- Korean parachute
- A coated polyester fabric: soft, light and flexible — closer to heavy raincoat material than to a plastic sheet. Waterproof, folds small and handles daily tying and untying well.
Side-by-side comparison
| Property | PE (polyethylene) | PVC | Cotton canvas | Korean parachute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing | Waterproof; leaks usually come from worn lamination or holes | Fully waterproof; seams can be welded | Water-resistant; sheds rain when taut, can drip where water pools | Waterproof coating; stitched seams |
| UV resistance | Low untreated, good when UV-treated | High, especially UV-stabilised grades | Good; cotton fades and weakens slowly | Moderate; UV-stabilised grades last longer |
| Typical weight | 90–250 GSM | 450–650+ GSM | Heavy — usually well over 350 GSM | Light — often 100–200 GSM |
| Typical outdoor life | A few months (light grades) to 1–2 years (heavy, UV-treated) | Several years with care | Several years if dried and stored properly | 1–3 years, depending on sun and handling |
| Breathable | No | No | Yes | No |
| Best for | Building sites, godown stock, roof leaks, one-season cover, relief work | Truck covers, tensile shades, curtains, tank liners, cricket pitch covers | Loads that must breathe (grain, cotton, hay), tents, shamiana, truck hoods | Car and bike covers, awnings, daily-use sheets, rain suits |
| Price band | Lowest | Highest | Mid to high | Low to mid |
Lifespans are typical ranges in strong Sindh and Punjab sun. Wind flap, sharp loads and loose tying shorten them. Prices depend on size and GSM — see current prices in each category.
Pick by the job, not just the price
The cheapest sheet is rarely the cheapest cover. Start with what you are covering and how long the cover has to last:
| Job | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Truck or trailer, daily long-haul | PVC 550–650 GSM | Survives wind flap, rope rub and years of sun |
| Grain, cotton, fodder or hay loads | Cotton canvas | Breathes, so the load doesn't sweat and spoil |
| Building site or short project | PE 150–200 GSM | Low cost; replace it when the job ends |
| Leaking roof through the monsoon | Heavy PE (200 GSM+) or PVC | Waterproof; silver and white faces reflect heat |
| Godown stacks and stored goods | PE short term, PVC stack cover long term | Keeps off dust and rain; PVC lasts for years |
| Events, tents and shamiana | Canvas or PVC | Canvas stays cooler; PVC is fully waterproof |
| Car, bike or machine cover | Parachute | Soft on paint, light and quick to fit every day |
| Shop-front or veranda awning | Striped PVC or striped canvas | Holds its shape, handles sun, looks tidy |
Once you know the material, choose the grade. Our GSM & thickness guide explains which weight suits which job.
How to check quality before you buy
- Edges: the border should be folded and double-stitched (or heat-sealed on PVC), ideally with rope or niwar inside the hem.
- Eyelets: look for rust-proof rings at regular spacing — commonly every 3 ft — with reinforced corners.
- Lamination (PE): hold the sheet up to the light. Pinholes or thin patches mean the coating won't stay waterproof for long.
- Coating (PVC): it should be smooth and even on both sides, with no bare threads showing at the folds.
- Weight: of two sheets the same size and material, the heavier is usually the stronger grade. You can check GSM with a scale.
- Size: confirm whether a quoted size is the cut size or the finished size after hemming.
Make any tarpaulin last longer
- Tie it taut through every eyelet. A flapping sheet wears through faster than one sitting in constant sun.
- Pad sharp corners on loads, steel frames and brick edges.
- Don't let water pool on top — slope the cover so rain runs off.
- Dry canvas completely before folding; damp canvas can grow mildew.
- Repair small tears early, before the wind turns them into big ones.
Written by the team at Marfani Enterprises, Jodia Bazaar, Karachi. Figures are typical ranges for guidance — ask us about your exact job. Updated 27 September 2026.
