How to Choose the Right GSM for PVC Tarpaulin?

Choose Right GSM for Tarpaulin

When customers come to us asking about PVC tarpaulins, the first thing they usually say is: “How do I know what PVC tarpaulin GSM I should choose?”

It’s a great question—if you choose something too light, it can tear easily in strong wind or rain. If you go too heavy, it might be overkill for your needs, cost more, and be harder to install or transport.

I’ve been making PVC coated tarpaulins for over a decade. We’ve worked with clients from all kinds of industries—agriculture, logistics, warehousing, event setups—and I’ve learned that even in the same environment, different customers choose different GSMs. That’s why picking the right one matters more than you might think.

In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned over the years to help you pick a PVC tarp that fits your actual needs—something that’s durable, reliable, and worth your money. Because here’s the truth: higher PVC tarpaulin GSM doesn’t always mean better. What matters is picking the right one for your job.

What Does GSM Mean in PVC Tarpaulin?

If you’re buying PVC tarpaulin, you’ll often hear the word GSM, which stands for Grams per Square Meter.

Basically, it’s the weight of one square meter of fabric. It’s how we measure how thick or strong the material is.

For example, a 420 GSM tarpaulin means one square meter weighs 420 grams. A 700 GSM one is much thicker and stronger—better for long-term or heavy-duty use.

400 GSM PVC Tarpaulin

We offer durable knife-coated tarps in 420g, 500g, 550g, 600g, 700g and up. Each level has a different feel, cost, and level of protection. And yes—tarpaulins can be custom-made depending on what you actually need.

You may also hear the term “sil” (丝)—it refers to thickness. For example, 100 sil equals about 1 mm, while 60 sil (roughly 300 GSM) is about 0.6 mm thick. “Sil” isn’t a formal unit, but it’s still used in some markets.

That said, most buyers and factories today prefer GSM—it’s easier to compare products and prices that way.

Just remember:

Higher GSM = thicker, stronger, and heavier. But it also costs more. So instead of going for the thickest one, focus on what actually fits your usage.

Common GSM Ranges in PVC Tarpaulin and Their Applications

Not all PVC tarpaulin GSMs are created equal. At our factory, we divide our tarps into three basic categories: light, standard, and heavy-duty. Here’s a breakdown of what each is good for:

Light PVC Tarpaulin: 90 GSM, 95 GSM, 120 GSM

These are lightweight and easy to fold or carry. They’re not meant for tough conditions, but work great for temporary or short-term use.

Best for:

  • Covering stacked goods
  • Simple rain covers or ground cloth
  • Temporary greenhouse protection
  • DIY home dust covers

Standard PVC Tarpaulin: 150 GSM, 170 GSM, 200 GSM

These are the most popular. They’re well-balanced in price and performance, and perfect for medium-duty outdoor use.

Best for:

  • Truck tarps for short or mid-term transport
  • Warehouse rain protection
  • Outdoor tents and canopies
  • Construction site dust or sun protection

Heavy-Duty PVC Tarpaulin: 260 GSM, 410 GSM, 680 GSM, 900 GSM

If you need something that lasts for years in tough weather, this is your go-to. These are thick, waterproof, and built for demanding environments.

900gsm PVC knife coated fabric

Best for:

  • Industrial tarps for long-term use
  • Truck side curtains, container covers
  • Large-scale livestock or winter insulation covers
  • Long-term construction site protection
  • Inflatable boats and oil booms (especially 680 GSM and up)

Every PVC tarpaulin GSM serves a different purpose. Don’t assume thicker is always better. Choosing based on your actual situation is the smart way to go.

Tips for Buyers: Other Things to Consider

GSM is important—but it’s not the whole story. As someone who’s been in this field for years, here are a few real-world tips to help you avoid common buying mistakes:

1. GSM ≠ Quality

Many people think higher GSM means better tarp. That’s not always true. What really matters is the base fabric strength, coating thickness, and production process. Some low-quality tarps add extra filler to make the GSM seem higher, but they crack, peel, or wear out quickly.

2. Look for International Certifications

Want peace of mind? Ask if the product has EN, RoHS, or REACH certification. These not only mean the material is safe and eco-friendly—they show the factory has solid production standards.

3. Check for Customization

A good factory should let you customize size, color, GSM, thickness, even your printed logo. Standard stock is fine for small orders, but for serious projects like greenhouses or wholesale, custom specs can save you time and money.

4. Ask for Samples

Any real manufacturer won’t be afraid to send you a sample. Feel the texture, test the waterproofing and strength. If it passes your test, you’ll buy with confidence.

In short, PVC tarpaulin is not hard to buy—but the details matter. Choose the right product and you’ll use it for years. Choose wrong and you might waste money fast. We’ve been doing this for over a decade, and we’re happy to help you find the right tarp for your needs.

How to Measure Tarpaulin GSM?

Measuring GSM is simple and helps you know what you’re actually getting.

measure GMS and thickness for tarpaulin

Cut a 10cm x 10cm sample of the tarpaulin.

Weigh it with a precise scale in grams.

That sample equals 0.01 square meters.

Divide the weight by 0.01 to get GSM.

Example: if your sample weighs 20 grams, the GSM is 200.

This test tells you exactly how dense and strong the fabric really is.

Contact Us for Different GSM PVC Tarpaulin

Our heavy-duty PVC tarpaulins are coated with high-performance PVC material on both sides. This improves water resistance, flexibility, and durability. They’re widely used in greenhouse farming for insulation and wind protection, and also in machinery, transport, and agricultural equipment.

In addition to GSM and thickness, two other key factors in quality are denier and density.

Denier (like 500D, 840D, 1000D) reflects yarn strength—higher D = stronger tear resistance.

Density refers to how many yarns are packed within 10 cm—this affects feel, thickness, and appearance.

If you’re looking for heavy-duty waterproof PVC tarpaulin, feel free to contact us. We’ll help you get exactly what you need.

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