How to Repair Blue Tarp

Blue tarp is a form of durable, plastic sheeting that has multiple household uses. It is commonly used as a covering for machinery, bicycles, roofs or pallets so that they are protected against weather conditions, dust and pests. However, despite its ability to withstand heavy-duty usage, blue tarp can become worn. This will be visible in the form of holes or tears that appear in the fabric. The tarp can be fixed up using tape or glue.

• 1

  Assess the damage to see whether it is fixable. If you are using the tarp regularly and it has already been patched up, then consider buying a new tarp to ensure that it will be able to perform properly.

• 2

  Strengthen the blue tarp by replacing the grommets. These are small metal rings used for threading rope through to hang or tie up the tarp, located on at the corners and along the edges of the tarp.

• 3

  Utilize a grommet repair kit to remove the worn grommets and replace them with new ones. You want the tarp to be grommets to be affixed securely so that the rope does not rip through the tarp.

• 4

  Select a suitable glue for patching up a tear or rip in the tarp. Tarps Plus or PVC-glue, for example, supply a strong adhesive for use on plastic tarps. The glue can be used outdoors and with tarp fabrics.

• 5

  Apply the glue as instructed by the manufacturer. This ensures that it is used properly to avoid damage to the tarp further. You might need to use an additional piece of tarp or fabric to stick over the top of the rip to strengthen it or patch up a hole.

• 6

  Wait for the glue to dry and then apply tarp tape over the top of the join for additional strength. To achieve this cut a length of tape and place directly on top of the rip. Alternatively, if you do not want to use glue, repair the rip with tape only.

• 7

  Bring the two sides of a tear together. Use a high-quality adhesive tape to stick them in place. For example, tarp tape supplied by Tarpaflex or Tarps Plus is specially designed for reinforcing tarp. If you can't find a specific tarp tape, use a strong adhesive tape that it suitable for the outdoors.

• 8

  Turn the tarp over. Reinforce the rip from the back by sticking a length of tarp tape along the rip on this side, too.