Canvas vs Plastic Drop Cloth?
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · 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 9x12 ft, 10 oz cotton canvas drop cloth that absorbs drips instead of letting them pool and track, lies flat and drapes over furniture without shifting underfoot, and washes for years. Its upfront cost is roughly 20 times a plastic sheet, it is not waterproof so a large spill can soak through, and it is heavy and bulky to store.
| 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 dirt-cheap, disposable 9x12 ft, 1-mil polyethylene sheet that forms a fully waterproof barrier paint can't soak through, and it is featherlight, folding tiny to drape over cabinets and shield overspray. It is dangerously slippery underfoot, so never use it on floors you walk on; the thin film rips easily; and wet paint can transfer onto shoes.
| 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.