A quality drop cloth is a must-have in the kit of any DIY-er, especially if you're planning on painting or redoing the walls, or have hardwood floors. A proper drop cloth can come in a variety of sizes and materials and is literally there to protect your floors or belongings from damage due to paint, dust, detritus, or other damage. They allow you to drape furniture instead of fully moving it and can take the stress off your shoulders while you work through larger projects.
Chicago Canvas Drop Cloth
The best drop cloth for any project
This tough cloth comes in a variety of sizes – perfect for your specific needs.
Pros:
- Heavyweight, quality cotton
- Washable and reusable
- Comes in 3 sizes
Cons:
- Measurements are not exact
Canvas has long been a go-to material for dropcloths thanks to its durable nature, which is why this four-pack from Chicago Canvas is my favorite option. There are several different sizes to choose from, and the heavy 10 oz duck cloth is super sturdy. This cloth is perfect for draping over furniture or covering the floor, and since you get several it's easy to layer them throughout the room. Since they are made of cotton, you can also wash them between projects, making them more sustainable than some options.
Trimaco Slip Resistant Canvas Drop Cloth
Once in place, this drop cloth won't move around
Protect precious wood floors with this reliable, triple-layer drop cloth.
Pros:
- 3 times more slip-resistant than canvas
- Leak-resistant
- Three-layer fabric
Cons;
- Doesn't work too well on carpet
One of the most popular ways to refresh the look of your home is by slapping on a new coat of paint. However, the last thing you want is to end up with paint on your floors when you've finished. The Trimaco Slip Resistant Canvas Drop Cloth is made to stick in place after you have put it down and features three layers of fabric to protect against spills. The one caveat is this option is made for hardwood and doesn't stick in place with carpet nearly as well.
Tapix Drop Cloth 6 Pack
Decorate the whole house with this set
Painting more than one room? This six-pack of drop cloths will come in handy
If you have a large project in front of you or a room filled with furniture, investing in multiple drop cloths might be the right call. This 6-pack of drop cloths from Tapix are all made of plastic and are easy to use. They're intended for single-use but are perfect for protecting floors from paint or furniture from dust when working around the house. We suggest the 6-pack, but if you need more, they are also available in 12 and 24 packs. Each drop cloth measures out at 108 square feet, so you will have plenty of coverage when you need it.
Vicmore Plastic Drop Cloth
Our top pick for painting a single wall
Sometimes the simplest product is the best – this tough plastic cloth is enough for most smaller projects.
Pros:
- Tough and durable
- Water and dust proof
Cons:
- You'll need to secure it with tape
If you're only painting one wall, chances are you don't need to cover the entire room in drop cloths. That's where this 9x12 heavy-duty plastic drop cloth comes in. It's made specially to handle paint, and since it's heavy-duty you don't need to worry about drips saturating the plastic. It's waterproof and dustproof made from 1mil thick plastic, making it great for whatever project you have in mind.
Bottom line
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A drop cloth is used to protect both furniture and floors while you work on DIY projects, do some spring cleaning, or redecorate your home. It doesn't really matter why you need one, what matters is having a quality option that will do its job without getting in your way. My favorite option is the Chicago Canvas Drop Cloth. It comes in a four-pack, is available in several sizes, and since it's made of heavy-duty canvas it can be reused, unlike some plastic drop cloths.
If you're looking for a sturdy plastic drop cloth that can take a beating then your best option is the Vicmore Plastic Drop Cloth. It measures out at 9x12 feet, is made of 1mil heavy-duty plastic, and will protect furniture and floors alike without a problem.
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