The One Surprising Essential Pro Painters Say You Should Never Skimp on
It’s no secret that painting a room is messy. No matter how meticulously you apply a coat, there always seem to be specks of paint, so it’s important to protect your surfaces beforehand. Supplies like painter’s tape and low-nap rollers can help, but one essential you never want to forget is some type of painter’s drop cloth. Adding a layer of protection before you begin is much better than picking off paint flecks after your project is complete.
Standing at the paint store deciding which type of painter’s drop cloth you need can be confusing. After all, do you really need to splurge on a covering, or can you simply use something you have around the house? I asked two painting experts to weigh in with their thoughts. Here are the pros and cons of canvas drop cloths — and some alternatives — to help you decide which is best for your next DIY.
Pros and Cons of Canvas Drop Cloths vs. Disposable Drop Cloths
Pro: Canvas Drop Cloths Will Stand the Test of Time
Are you painting multiple rooms, or do you plan on adjusting the color of your living room every year? If so, you may want to invest in a canvas cloth that you can use repeatedly.
“We prefer canvas drops, as we use them over and over for multiple projects,” says Ryan Parr, the owner and president of Nashville Painting Professionals. Parr cites that canvas cloths are his top choice for his workflow due to their durability, protection factor, and thickness to absorb spills.
Con: Canvas Drop Cloths Are Expensive
If you consider cost-per-use, canvas cloths can be more worthwhile in the long run, but there may be better financial choices for a one-time project. “Canvas drop cloths are durable, reusable, and absorbent but have greater upfront costs,” says Jay Sanders, a licensed contractor and owner of Castle Walls Basement Waterproofing in Baltimore, Maryland.
According to Sanders, thinner, disposable drop cloths — usually made of paper or plastic — are cheaper and quicker to set up. However, they tear easily and are best in single-use instances.
Pro: Canvas Cloths Will Stay Put Better
If you’re constantly moving around in your space as you paint, which can be especially true if you’re painting a ceiling or a room with high walls, a canvas cloth will stay in place better due to its heavier weight.
“You have to be careful with disposable drop cloths, as they are lightweight and can move during projects,” says Parr. When your project involves a ladder, it’s essential to be able to focus on painting and not have to fret over a flimsy drop cloth.
Con: Canvas Drop Cloths Require Care and Storage Space
At a minimum, you’ll have to find a place to store reusable drop cloths, so if you’re short on room, disposables may be a better consideration. However, storage might not be difficult if you’re a homeowner with a crawl space, garage, or storage shed.
Also, if you’re a stickler for doing things right (full disclosure: I have drop cloths that have been used and reused without ever seeing a washing machine), you should wash them before use. Sanders advises washing canvas cloths before use to help prevent shrinkage and improve absorbency.
Pro: Canvas Drop Cloths Can Help Reduce Environmental Waste
In our single-use society, many are doing their part to help people make better choices while investing in products that serve more than one purpose. If you have the storage space, project load, and financial means to purchase reusable drop cloths, you can have something that will last for years and not contribute to plastic waste.
“An average 9×12-foot drop cloth can be acquired at an average cost of about $20 to $30 and serves effectively for five to 10 years provided it is well taken care of,” says Sanders. If you only paint every few years, your drop cloth may last even longer.
Everbilt 6 ft x 9 ft Canvas Drop Cloth
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9 ft. x 12 ft. Plastic Drop Cloth
Home Depot
$2.98
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Alternatives to Traditional Painter’s Drop Cloths
When you don’t want to spend money on canvas or disposable drop cloths, you can protect your surfaces with a few items around the house. Many of the suggestions below are items you may be considering tossing anyway, so why not give them a new lease on life — even for a little while — before throwing them away?
Options from the painting experts include the following:
Old bedding, such as sheets, blankets, and quilts that are well past their prime
Plastic tablecloths leftover from a party
Flattened cardboard boxes, which are readily available after a move
Shower curtains or liners, whether newly purchased from IKEA or one that needs replacing
Layered garbage bags
The painting pros I spoke to also advised that the items above are good in a pinch, especially if you have a small project, but they’re not the ideal choice for large-scale DIYs. “I would typically only recommend these items if you are painting a small area or need something quickly,” says Parr. “Otherwise, I would recommend investing in a drop cloth.”
Further Reading
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s Living Room
