What’s the Difference Between Black Mesh Tarps and Solid Poly Tarps?

Tarp is a common and practical material for outdoor sunshade, windproof, rainproof, enclosure and other application scenarios. Common types of tarps include black mesh shade tarp and solid polyethylene tarp. Although they look similar and are both multifunctional coverings, they are obviously different in material structure, use, breathability, weather resistance and other aspects. Choosing the right tarp is essential to improve the use effect and extend the service life.

1. The essential difference in material structure
Black Mesh Shade Tarp
Structure: woven from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP), with a mesh structure;

Features: It has a certain degree of light transmittance and breathability, and the size of the mesh determines the shading rate;

Color: Commonly black, but also green, gray, etc.;

Function: Mainly used for sunshade, cooling, windproof, and blocking some rain.

Solid Poly Tarp
Structure: It is a solid membrane structure made of multiple layers of polyethylene material, and the surface is usually coated with a waterproof layer;
Features: It is opaque, airtight, and completely enclosed;
Color: Various, such as blue, silver gray, green, white, etc.;
Function: It is rainproof, sunproof, dustproof, and windproof, suitable for places that need to be fully covered.

2. The difference between light transmittance and sunshade effect
The mesh tarpaulin has strong light transmittance, and the sunshade rate (such as 60%, 70%, 90%, etc.) can be selected according to the mesh density. It is suitable for flower sheds, carports, terraces, etc., which need to cool down but not completely block light;
Solid polyethylene tarpaulin is completely opaque and suitable for environments with higher requirements for sun protection, rain protection, and UV protection, such as construction sites, camping, protective enclosures, etc.

3. Differences in durability and service life
Black mesh awnings usually have better UV resistance, but because of their thin structure and weak tear resistance, they are mostly used for temporary or medium-load use;

Solid polyethylene tarpaulins have stronger tear resistance, windproof and rainproof properties due to their multi-layer composite materials, and usually have a longer service life, making them suitable for long-term fixed coverage.

4. Comparison of typical application scenarios
Application scenario Recommended type Reason explanation
Flower shed/greenhouse Black mesh sunshade cloth Retains partial sunlight exposure to prevent overheating
Car sunshade Black mesh sunshade cloth Good ventilation to avoid high temperature in the car
Building material covering Solid polyethylene tarpaulin Windproof, rainproof and sun-proof, good sealing
Camping tent mat Solid polyethylene tarpaulin Moisture-proof, waterproof and wear-resistant
Outdoor breeding windproof enclosure Black mesh sunshade cloth Takes into account both sunshade and ventilation
Long-term outdoor storage cover Solid polyethylene tarpaulin Aging-resistant, tear-resistant, suitable for all-weather use

5. Comparison of price and weight
Black mesh tarpaulin is lighter, easy to install and disassemble, and relatively cheap;

Solid polyethylene tarpaulin is thicker and stronger, and the price is slightly higher according to the thickness and number of layers;

But in terms of frequency of use and service life, solid polyethylene tarpaulin is usually more cost-effective.

If you need a lightweight fabric that is breathable, sun-proof, and easy to disassemble, choose a black mesh awning;

If you want rain and dustproof, sun-proof, durable, and fully enclosed protection, choose a solid polyethylene awning.

Each of the two awnings has its own advantages. The key to choosing is to understand your actual usage scenario, climate environment, and frequency of use.