Custom PVC Tarpaulin: Heavy-Duty Waterproof Tarps for Trucks, Tents
PVC knife-coated fabric (刀刮布) is a heavy-duty coated textile made by applying a thin PVC paste onto a polyester base fabric via knife scraping. This process gives exceptional coating uniformity. It is the gold standard for tarpaulins, truck side curtains, and architectural tent structures.
Technical Specifications
| Weight |
330 – 1,350 gsm / 10 – 40 oz/yd² |
| Base fabric |
500D / 840D / 1,000D / 1,300D / 1,500D polyester |
| Weave density |
9×9 / 18×17 / 20×20 / 23×23 / 28×31 / 30×32 ends/inch |
| Thickness |
0.25 – 1.10 mm |
| Tensile strength |
1,400 – 6,000 N/5cm (warp+weft, depends on base fabric) |
| Tear strength |
130 – 1,000 N (trapezoidal DIN 53363) |
| Peel strength |
≥ 80 N/5cm (ISO 2411) |
| Operating temperature |
−30 °C to +70 °C (special formulation: −40 °C available) |
| Outdoor lifespan |
5–10 yr (acrylic topcoat) / 15–20 yr (PVDF topcoat) |
| Surface finishes |
Glossy, matte, PVDF, acrylic, blockout (black core) |
Common Specifications & Reference Models
| Specification |
Tensile N/5cm |
Tear N |
Use case |
| 500D×500D 18×17 / 330 gsm |
1,400–2,000 |
130–200 |
Light tarps, agricultural shade |
| 1000D 9×9 / 500 gsm |
1,800–2,400 |
200–260 |
General industrial, scaffolding |
| 1000D×1000D 20×20 / 610 gsm |
2,400 |
250 |
Truck covers, tents, awnings (most popular) |
| 1000D×1000D 30×30 / 1,050 gsm / FR |
3,500–3,800 |
400 |
EN 12641-2 truck curtain spec |
| 1300D×1300D 28×31 / 1,100 gsm |
4,500–6,000 |
600–1,000 |
Heavy-duty curtain (high-wind zones) |
| 1500D×1500D 30×32 / 1,350 gsm |
6,000 |
1,000 |
Stadium / air-supported structures |
⚠ Industry note: PVC coated fabrics have no universal global model number. A specification like 1000D×1000D 30×30 / 1,050 gsm / FR is the correct format. Always specify denier + weave density + weight together — the same 1000D base with 20×20 vs 30×30 weave can differ by ~2× in tensile strength. All values are typical industry ranges — third-party test reports provided per batch.
Market Compliance & Import Considerations
| Region |
Key standard |
Tariff / Notes |
| Europe |
EN 12641-2 (truck), EN 13501-1 B-s2,d0 (fire) |
HS 5903.10.90 ≈ 8% MFN; REACH phthalates ≤0.1% (Art.51), Lead Art.63 (Nov 2024+), SCCP/MCCP |
| USA |
NFPA 701, CPAI-84, CA Title 19 (CSFM label) |
HS 5903.10.15 (plastic>60%) = DUTY FREE (critical cost lever) |
| Middle East |
Avoid Saudi AD-23-2 (25–51% CIF); UAE preferred |
PVDF topcoat mandatory for high-UV/sand |
| Southeast Asia |
No mandatory fire; low tariffs 0–10% |
330–610 gsm mid-tier popular |
Typical Applications
- Truck & trailer side curtains (Europe EN 12641-2)
- Container & lorry tarpaulins
- Scaffold enclosures & construction hoarding
- Industrial partitions & welding screens
- Event tents & marquees
- Agricultural covers (hay, straw, machinery)
How to Select the Right Specification
| European truck curtain |
1000D×1000D 30×30 / 1,050 gsm / FR (EN 12641-2) — min tensile ≥4,000 N/5cm @ 23°C, tear ≥300 N, peel ≥100 N/5cm |
| PVDF vs acrylic topcoat |
PVDF ≈ 2× price, 15–20 yr life (self-cleaning). Acrylic = 5–10 yr, lower cost. Always specify for outdoor |
| Spec both denier AND density |
Same "1000D" with 20×20 vs 30×30 weave can differ by ~2× in tensile. Never quote "1000D tarpaulin" alone |
Procurement Checklist
- Specify: tensile + tear + peel requirements, fire rating per local code, surface finish (PVDF/acrylic/matte), print ink compatibility
- All values are industry-typical ranges — we provide third-party lab test reports with every batch
- Import tariffs & anti-dumping change frequently — verify the latest WTO schedule before pricing
- Contact [email protected] with your spec requirements and target market for a quick quotation
