Canvas vs Plastic Drop Cloth?
By The DIYPicks Team · Updated July 2026
DIYPicks is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate and affiliate of home-improvement retailers, we may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site — at no extra cost to you. This never affects our recommendations.
Trimaco SuperTuff 9 x 12 ft Canvas Drop Cloth (10 oz)
A reusable 10 oz canvas cloth that absorbs drips, lies flat and won't slide — the safe choice for protecting floors and furniture. Costs more upfront but pays off for frequent painters.
| Type | Canvas drop cloth |
|---|---|
| Material | 10 oz cotton canvas |
| Size | 9 x 12 ft |
| Reusable | Yes, machine-washable |
| Best for | Floors and furniture on repeat painting jobs |
Trimaco 9 x 12 ft Plastic Drop Cloth (1 mil)
A one-dollar waterproof sheet best for draping furniture and shielding overspray. Keep it off floors you walk on — plastic gets slick — and pair it with canvas underfoot.
| Type | Plastic drop cloth / film |
|---|---|
| Material | 1 mil polyethylene |
| Size | 9 x 12 ft |
| Reusable | Disposable (single-use) |
| Best for | Draping furniture, fixtures & overspray shielding |
Our verdict
Use both — for different jobs. Canvas absorbs drips, lies flat and won't slide, making it the safe, reusable choice underfoot on floors and stairs, though it costs about 20x more and isn't fully waterproof. Thin 1-mil plastic is a one-dollar disposable waterproof barrier that's perfect for draping furniture, cabinets and light fixtures — but it's dangerously slippery on floors and tears easily. The pro move: canvas on the floor you walk on, plastic over the furniture you're covering.