PVC Coated Tarpaulin Supplier

I. The core of PVC Coated Tarpaulin: 3 types of coating processes and performance differences​

The coating process is the key to determining the performance of PVC Coated Tarpaulin. Different processes have significant differences in coating uniformity, adhesion, and thickness control, which directly affect the durability and scene adaptability of the tarpaulin. The current mainstream coating processes are mainly divided into three categories:​

1. Knife Coating: precise thickness control, suitable for medium and light-weight scenes​
The scraping process uses a blade to evenly scrape the PVC coating slurry onto the surface of the base fabric. The coating thickness can be accurately controlled according to demand (usually 0.3-0.6mm). The coating is closely combined with the base fabric, and the surface is smooth and bubble-free. It is suitable for scenes that require high coating uniformity and light weight, such as outdoor awnings, temporary tents, light cargo coverings, etc.​
Its advantages are: ① The thickness error is small (±0.02mm), which can ensure the overall performance of the tarpaulin is consistent; ② The coating slurry can be flexibly added with anti-UV agents, antifungal agents and other additives to quickly achieve a single special performance; ③ The finished product is light in weight (350-500g per square meter), highly portable, and suitable for frequent mobile use.​
However, the limitations are also obvious: the coating thickness is thin, the tear resistance and wear resistance are weaker than other processes, and it is not suitable for long-term outdoor heavy-duty protection or high-frequency friction scenarios (such as truck transportation, industrial equipment coverage).​

2. Dip Coating: Fully wrapped protection, excellent corrosion resistance​
The dip coating process completely immerses the base fabric in the PVC coating slurry, and after extrusion and drying, a "base fabric fully wrapped" coating structure is formed. The coating thickness is usually 0.5-0.8mm, which has extremely strong adhesion and can cover the gaps in the base fabric fibers to form a complete protective barrier. It is especially suitable for corrosive environments such as acid, alkali and moisture, such as chemical workshop equipment covers, aquaculture rainproof sheds, sewage treatment plant coverings, etc.​
Its core advantages: ① The coating penetrates the base fabric fiber, with high peeling resistance (≥3N/25mm), and the coating is not prone to peeling off after long-term use; ② The fully wrapped structure can block the penetration of corrosive liquids, and its acid and alkali resistance is better than other processes (it can withstand acid and alkali environments with a pH value of 2-12); ③ The surface coating is dense and the waterproof level can reach more than 2000mm water column, which is suitable for high humidity scenes.​
However, the coating uniformity of the dip-coating process is greatly affected by the density of the base fabric. If the fiber gaps in the base fabric are uneven, local differences in coating thickness may occur, and a high-density base fabric (such as polyester fabric above 10×10 fibers/cm) needs to be selected for production.​

3. Calendering Coating: Thickened and durable, suitable for heavy-duty scenes​
The calendering coating process uses multiple sets of high-temperature rollers to press the molten material mixed with PVC resin and additives onto the surface of the base fabric. It can achieve a thick coating of 0.6-1.2mm, and the coating is closely combined with the base fabric. The tear resistance and abrasion resistance far exceed those of the scraping and dip coating processes. It is currently the first choice for outdoor heavy-duty protection and high-frequency use scenarios, such as truck transport tarpaulins, large industrial machine protective covers, container tarps, etc.​
Its outstanding advantages: ① The coating thickness can be controlled in a wide range and can be customized according to scene requirements (such as 0.8-1.0mm for long-term outdoor protection, 1.0-1.2mm for heavy machinery coverage); ② After high-temperature lamination, the coating structure is dense, with tear resistance ≥250N (warp/weft), and the wear resistance is more than 50% higher than that of the scraping process; ③ Multi-layer structures can be combined (such as "base fabric + intermediate buffer layer" + surface wear-resistant layer"), achieving multiple properties of "weather resistance + wear resistance + impact resistance", adapting to complex scenes.​
Professional manufacturers such as Qidong Good Tarpaulin, whose calendered coating production line (four professional calendering equipment) can achieve precise control of the coating thickness of 0.4-1.2mm, and can optimize the bonding between the coating and the base fabric by adjusting the temperature and pressure of the press roller. The calendered coated PVC tarpaulin produced has an outdoor service life of up to 8-10 years, far exceeding the industry average, and is particularly suitable for global high-demand markets (such as European heavy truck transportation, Southeast Asia's high temperature and high humidity outdoor protection).​

II. Differentiated advantages of PVC Coated Tarpaulin: Why is it better than ordinary PVC tarpaulin?​

Compared with ordinary PVC tarpaulins (mostly simple coating or laminating processes), PVC Coated Tarpaulin has significant advantages in performance and scene adaptability through refined coating processes, which are mainly reflected in three dimensions:​

1. The performance is more accurate and avoids “excess performance” or “insufficient performance”​
Ordinary PVC tarpaulins mostly have fixed formulas and processes, with single performance (such as only basic waterproofing), while PVC Coated Tarpaulin can be adjusted through coating processes and formulas to achieve "customization on demand":​
If you need "light weight + high uniformity" (such as outdoor awnings), choose the scraping process and add anti-UV additives;​
If you need "corrosion resistance + full coverage" (such as chemical equipment covers), choose the dip coating process and use acid and alkali resistant coating slurry;​
If you need "heavy-duty + durable" (such as truck tarpaulin), choose the calendering coating process and compound wear-resistant layer.​
This accuracy can avoid the problems of "using heavy-duty calendered tarpaulins for temporary shading (cost waste)" or "using scraped tarpaulins for truck transportation (frequent damage)", improving cost performance.​

2. Better durability and lower long-term use costs​
The refinement of the coating process directly improves durability:​
Adhesion: The coating adhesion of the dip coating and calendering process is 30%-50% higher than that of ordinary PVC tarpaulin, and the coating is less likely to fall off and wrinkle after long-term use;​
Anti-aging: The calendering coating process can add high-efficiency anti-aging agents (such as hindered amine anti-UV agents), and the coating structure is dense, the ultraviolet transmittance is 40% lower than that of ordinary PVC tarps, and the outdoor aging rate is slower; ​
Wear resistance: The surface hardness of the calendered coating (Shore hardness ≥85D) is higher than that of ordinary PVC tarpaulin (≤75D). Under high-frequency friction (such as cargo loading and unloading), the wear rate is reduced by more than 60%.​
Taking the trucking scene as an example, ordinary PVC tarpaulins need to be replaced every 1-2 years on average, while Qidong Good Tarpaulin's calendered coated PVC truck tarpaulins have an average service life of 5-6 years. Although the purchase cost is 15%-20% higher, the long-term use cost is reduced by more than 60%.​

3. Wider scene adaptation, covering special needs​
Ordinary PVC tarpaulins are difficult to meet the needs of special scenes, but PVC Coated Tarpaulin can be adapted to more subdivisions through process adjustments:​
Medical field: scrape-coated tarpaulins using food-grade PVC coating slurry can be used in temporary medical tents to meet the requirements of sterility and easy cleaning;​
New energy field: Flame-retardant PVC tarpaulin produced by calendering coating process (with magnesium hydroxide flame retardant added) can be used to protect energy storage equipment and reaches UL94 V-0 flame retardant grade;​
Low-temperature field: By adjusting the plasticizer formula of the PVC coating and combining it with the dip-coating full-wrapping process, it is possible to produce cold-resistant tarpaulins that remain flexible below -40°C and are suitable for covering outdoor equipment in northern winter.​

III. How to choose PVC Coated Tarpaulin? Focus on “craft-scene” matching​

The core of selection is "accurate matching of craftsmanship and scene", rather than simply looking at thickness or price. The following 4 steps can help users choose the right product:​

1. Determine the scene requirements first, and then match the coating process​
Target process types based on 3 key pieces of information:​
Stress strength: For static coverage (such as warehouse goods), choose scraping coating; for light dynamic coverage (such as temporary tents), choose dip coating; for heavy dynamic coverage (such as truck transportation, machinery movement), choose calendering;​
Environmental corrosiveness: For ordinary outdoor use, choose scraping/calendering; for acid-base, high-humidity environments (such as chemical industry, aquatic products), choose dip coating;​
Weight requirements: For portable scenarios (such as emergency rescue), choose scraping coating (lightweight); for fixed protection, choose calendering (durable).​
For example: "Outdoor truck transportation in Southeast Asia, average annual rainfall of 2000mm, frequent loading and unloading of goods" - requires "high waterproof + wear resistance + anti-UV", matching calendered coating process, thickness 0.8mm, adding anti-UV and anti-mildew additives, Qidong Good Tarpaulin can provide customized samples according to this demand, 7-10 days, and verify the performance before mass production.​

2. Check the key indicators of the coating to avoid inferior products​
No professional equipment is required, and the coating quality can be judged by the following 3 points:​
Coating uniformity: Observe against the light, there is no uneven light and dark on the surface of high-quality products; touch with your hands, there is no uneven or grainy feeling (scratching/calendering process);​
Adhesion test: Use your fingernail to lightly scratch the coating surface, no obvious scratches; tear the joint between the coating and the base fabric hard, no coating will fall off (there should be no peeling off at all during the dip coating/calendering process);​
Waterproofness test: Pour water on the surface of the coating and observe whether complete water droplets form (non-diffusion); the seams (finished product) need to be tested for water seepage. The seams of high-quality products should be consistent with the waterproofness of the fabric.​

3. Check the matching degree between the base fabric and the coating​
The base fabric is the "carrier" of the coating, and the matching between the two directly affects the performance:​
Scratching process: Adapt to medium-density base cloth (such as 8×8 threads/cm polyester cloth) to avoid the base cloth being too dense, causing the coating to be difficult to penetrate, or being too sparse, causing the coating to fall off;​
Dip coating process: High-density base cloth (more than 10×10 fibers/cm) is required to ensure that the coating can evenly wrap the fibers without leakage;​
Calendering process: Adapt to high-strength base fabrics (such as polyester industrial silk base fabrics, breaking strength ≥1500N/meter) to avoid insufficient support of the base fabric caused by thick coatings and affecting tear resistance.​
Inferior products often have the problem of "thick coating + low-density base fabric". They appear to be durable, but in fact they are prone to overall damage due to breakage of the base fabric. When purchasing, you need to confirm the material and parameters of the base fabric (you can ask the manufacturer to provide a test report).​

4. Choose “customized” or “standardized” products as needed​
Standardized products: suitable for regular scenarios (such as ordinary outdoor shading, short-term cargo coverage), such as Qidong Good Tarpaulin's standard scratch-coated PVC tarpaulin (0.5mm thick), calendered truck tarpaulin (0.8mm thick), sufficient stock, and can be shipped in 3-5 days;​
Customized products: Suitable for special scenarios (such as acid and alkali protection, low temperature resistance, flame retardant), the scene parameters need to be provided (such as "-30℃ outdoor equipment coverage, flame retardant is required"). The manufacturer adjusts the process and formula according to needs, such as Qidong Good Tarpaulin's customization service, which can achieve full customization of "process + formula + size", and supports free sample testing to ensure that it meets the needs.​

IV. Scenario-based application of PVC Coated Tarpaulin: different processes and different usages​

The use method of PVC Coated Tarpaulin with different coating processes needs to be adjusted based on its performance characteristics in order to maximize its advantages:​

1. Products with scraping coating technology: lightweight scenes, focusing on “uniform force”​
Outdoor awnings/temporary tents: When erecting, ensure even spacing between brackets (≤1.5 meters) to avoid tarpaulin deformation caused by excessive local stress; use elastic ropes when fixing to reduce wind damage to the thin coating;​
Covering light cargo: When covering, avoid the edges and corners of the cargo from directly contacting the tarpaulin, and use soft cloth as a pad; roll it into a tube (not folded) when storing to reduce coating creases (thin coating creases can easily lead to accelerated aging).​

2. Dip coating process products: corrosion scenarios, focusing on “full package protection”​
Chemical equipment cover: When installing, ensure that the tarpaulin completely covers the equipment, and the edges are fixed with corrosion-resistant ropes (such as nylon ropes) to avoid gaps that may cause corrosive gases to enter;​
Aquaculture shed: Rinse the salt spray or dirt on the surface of the tarpaulin with clean water regularly to avoid long-term accumulation of corrosion coating; if local coating damage is found, it must be sealed with special PVC repair glue in time to prevent corrosion from expanding.​

3. Calendering process products: heavy-duty scenes, focusing on “fixation and wear-resistant protection”​
Truck transport tarpaulin: When covering the goods, first lay a layer of wear-resistant pad (such as canvas) on the surface of the goods to reduce the friction between the goods and the tarpaulin; when fixing, use tightening straps (one fixed point every 50cm), and use metal buckles to reinforce the corners to avoid joint cracking caused by bumps;​
Industrial machine protective cover: If the machine has moving parts (such as a robotic arm), wear-resistant rollers need to be installed at the parts that contact the tarpaulin to prevent the parts from rubbing against the tarpaulin and causing coating damage; when not in use for a long time, the surface of the tarpaulin needs to be covered with a dustproof cloth to reduce dust accumulation (dust will accelerate the aging of the coating).​

V. Maintenance of PVC Coated Tarpaulin: precise maintenance based on coating characteristics​

Maintenance needs to be combined with the characteristics of the coating process to avoid damage to the coating due to improper operations:​

1. Cleaning: Different processes have different cleaning methods​
Scratching process (thin coating): Use clean water and a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub, and high-pressure water guns are prohibited (excessive pressure will cause damage to the coating);​
Dip coating process (full wrap coating): Use neutral detergent (such as soapy water) to clean oil stains, and rinse with clean water after cleaning to avoid detergent residues from corroding the coating;​
Calendering process (thick coating): It can withstand mild high-pressure water gun (pressure ≤0.5MPa), but it is necessary to avoid direct flushing of the joints to prevent the waterproof tape from falling off.​

2. Storage: Avoid coating aging and damage​
Scratch coating/dip coating process: It needs to be completely dried during storage and rolled into a tube for storage (not folded) to avoid aging of the coating at the creases;​​
Calendering process: It can be folded for storage, but a soft cloth needs to be placed at the fold to reduce coating friction; the storage environment needs to be dry and ventilated, away from high temperatures (≥60°C will cause the coating to soften) and sharp objects.​

3. Repair: Small damage should be dealt with in time to avoid expansion​
Scratching process: Small damage (diameter ≤3cm) can be repaired with PVC patch (thin version). Before repairing, make sure the damaged area is dry and clean; ​
Dip coating process: The damaged area needs to be repaired with acid and alkali-resistant PVC glue and matched with fabric patches of the same material to ensure consistent corrosion resistance after repair;​
Calendering process: If the thick coating is damaged, special thick PVC repair glue is required. After pasting, press with a heavy object for 24 hours to ensure a tight fit. The tear resistance will not be affected after repair.