White Tarpaulin Guide: Best Uses, UV Rating & Why White Tarps Are Underrated
The white tarpaulin is one of the most useful and most underappreciated covers in our range. While green and blue tarpaulins get most of the attention, a white tarpaulin outperforms them in specific, important applications. This guide from Tarpaulins UK explains where white wins, what to look for, and which weight you need.
Why Choose a White Tarpaulin?
Colour matters in tarpaulins. A white tarpaulin reflects solar radiation rather than absorbing it — making it significantly cooler under the cover than a blue or green equivalent. For anything heat-sensitive stored outdoors, a white tarpaulin is the technically correct choice. It also allows some light diffusion through the material, making it ideal for plant-based applications.
Best Uses for White Tarpaulins
Livestock Shelters & Agricultural Buildings
The number one application for white tarpaulins in the UK. When used as a roof cover over livestock areas, the white colour keeps internal temperatures dramatically lower than dark covers — reducing heat stress in summer. Many UK farmers use white tarpaulins to re-roof or repair agricultural buildings temporarily while permanent repairs are arranged.
Greenhouses & Market Gardens
A white tarpaulin is used in commercial horticulture as a diffuser — placed over tunnel house crops, it scatters direct sunlight into more even, diffuse light that plants use more efficiently. This reduces leaf scorch in high summer while maintaining adequate light levels. Our 90gsm and 200gsm white tarpaulins are popular in this application.
Events & Outdoor Catering
For wedding marquees, outdoor events, and catering structures, a white tarpaulin gives a clean, professional finish while keeping the interior cool. Far superior to blue or green for this aesthetic purpose, and the white finish reflects light to keep interior spaces brighter.
Construction: Concrete Curing & Dust Protection
In construction, white tarpaulins are used for concrete curing covers (the white surface reflects heat, maintaining ideal curing temperatures in summer), dust protection during plastering, and as a clean, neutral backdrop for inspections.
Roofing: Emergency Weather Protection
When covering a damaged roof temporarily, a white tarpaulin minimises solar heat gain under the cover — preventing secondary damage to the structure. For summer emergency roofing, a white tarpaulin is significantly better than any coloured alternative.
White Tarpaulin Weight Guide
| GSM | Application | Light Diffusion |
|---|---|---|
| 90–110gsm | Light covering, greenhouse diffuser, decorating | High |
| 140–170gsm | Events, livestock, garden covering | Medium |
| 200gsm | Agricultural buildings, roofing, construction | Low |
| 250gsm+ | Permanent agricultural and industrial covers | Minimal |
White vs Silver Tarpaulin: What's the Difference?
Both white tarpaulins and silver-reverse covers offer heat reflection — but differently. A white tarpaulin reflects and diffuses sunlight, while silver reflects it more directly (like a mirror). For livestock and plant applications where heat reduction AND light quality matter, white is usually better. For load protection where maximum heat reflection is needed, silver-reverse covers perform well. Our popular 140gsm green/silver tarpaulin combines green exterior (visual blend) with silver reverse (UV and heat reflection).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a white tarpaulin more UV resistant?
A: The white colour naturally reflects more UV radiation, reducing surface degradation — but the UV resistance of the material itself still depends on the quality of UV stabiliser used in manufacture. All our white tarpaulins use UV-stabilised PE throughout.
Q: Can I use a white tarpaulin for a roof cover?
A: Yes — for temporary emergency roofing, a 200gsm+ white tarpaulin is ideal. The white surface keeps the underside cooler, reducing secondary heat damage.
Q: Are white tarpaulins waterproof?
A: Yes. All our white tarpaulins feature 100% waterproof laminated PE coating on both faces. No moisture penetration under normal use.
Shop White Tarpaulins
- 110gsm White Heavy Duty Tarpaulin — lightweight, high light diffusion
- 200gsm Super White UV Protected Tarpaulin — professional agricultural and construction grade
- Economy White Tarpaulins — budget-friendly for one-season use
Call 01744 520 110 for trade pricing and bespoke sizes. Express UK delivery on all white tarpaulins.