Using drop cloths for painting is a seamless way to cover up furniture and belongings that you do not want to be ruined or contaminated with paint or any products you are using for your project. Drop cloths come in all kinds of sizes, patterns even, quality, and price ranges. You can purchase them in bulk, as well, which can be more cost effective, of course.
There a few different kinds of drop cloths, but natural cotton, canvas, butyl (rubber coated) and plastic and paper drop cloths are common. In general, Canvas drop cloths are reliably durable, reusable, and are especially great because they can also be used outdoors. Canvas is probably the most common choice of drop cloth for professional painters. Fortunately, canvas can be washed and reused. Additionally, canvas cloths may be made from recycled fabrics which makes them an environmentally friendly choice.
Butyl drop cloths are another option that are rubber coated and are slip resistant, so this is a nice added bonus! Butyl drop cloths are also helpful for covering and keeping bushes protected outdoors.
Plastic drop cloths are a more economical option, and plastic is very light; it can protect against dust, wind and dirt too. It’s true that this is the most cost-effective option, but some types of plastic drop cloths are for one time uses only. Remember, if you do decide to purchase a reusable drop cloth, that it’s also an investment in them since they are something you can use time and time again.
If a painting job is on the horizon for you, use these ten tips to reduce your stress while completing the project! If you keep these things in mind, you can go about the job with less worry about something getting damaged along the way. After all, you are aiming for a new look, (or to maintain your current one) and the last thing you want is any of your valuable, personal belongings being affected.
- When ordering your drop cloth, check that the size of the drop cloth is appropriate for your needs. Drop cloths are often sold and come in their cut size, meaning that any hem or seam should be accounted for when considering the size you need. For example, if a piece of fabric is 6’ by 7’ to begin with, once it is sewn, it may be slightly less, say 5’5” by 6’7”. So if you ordered a 6’ by 7’ drop cloth and that is it’s cut size, it
- When using a drop cloth, make sure you place the same side face down on the furniture each time so you aren’t getting any paint or particles on the furniture itself.
- It will probably be best to find a drop cloth that is larger than the size of the furniture or piece so the piece can be fully covered with ease. This can give you a peace of mind knowing that the full piece is protected.
- If you have a longer term project, it could be a good idea to get a colored drop cloth that matches its surrounding environment — or quite frankly is something you want to look at for an extended period of time!
- Canvas drop cloths are a great option if there is likely to be more mess, since they are durable and tightly woven. (If you want to preserve greater storage space, though, canvas drop cloths are not the best option for you).
- Plastic drop cloths are an excellent choice for covering up very large pieces of furniture, kitchen cabinets and windows since it is lightweight. Keep in mind that it is not as absorbent as canvas, for example.
- Before you are ready to use a drop cloth, make sure that the space you are covering has been cleaned first. This way, you won’t trap any excess dirt underneath — this may be especially helpful for a long term project.
- Tape (masking tape is a good option) the bottom, sides, or loose pieces of the drop cloth onto the wall or the piece of furniture it is covering. You do want to consider this based on each piece, though. You might not want to tape a piece of plastic drop cloth to a kitchen cabinet, but rather to the wall or a piece of furniture near it, so if there is spillage, it can run off, instead of onto the cabinet. Another way taping can be used is if you have a piece of furniture near the wall (bulky or light). If a couch is covered with a drop cloth, and you are painting the walls in that room, you can tape the lower part of the drop cloth (near the floor) to the wall so anything coming from above doesn’t hit the floor.
- If you have a small project and do not require a super sturdy option, you can always use paper to cover something. Paper is more slip resistant that plastic, for example, but do keep in mind that it is more likely to rip! As such, paper is not a good alternative for any serious or laborious painting project.
- Once you have finished your project, allow any paint on the drop cloths to dry completely. If you’re using Canvas or plastic drop cloths, use cold water to wash, and then fold and store your cloths for the next use!
Hopefully these tips can provide as useful guidelines for you as you tackle your next painting project. While the tips shared today were focused on helping you with drop cloths for painting projects, it never hurts to remember to dress for the occasion. Whether you are completing the project on your own, or have hired someone to do it, don’t forget to not wear any valuable, or well liked clothes in painting zones; and good luck!