When it comes to outdoor protection, choosing the right tarp can make all the difference. Among the most popular options for sun protection are white custom tarps and silver tarps. Both are durable, versatile, and effective against the elements—but when it comes to reflecting sunlight and controlling heat, which one performs better?
At Tarp Supply Inc.®, we carry a wide selection of poly tarps, canvas tarps, mesh tarps, and custom tarps, including high-quality white tarps and silver tarps designed for everything from construction to camping. Let’s dive into the details and compare these two powerhouse products.
How Tarps Reflect Sunlight
The color and coating of a tarp play a major role in how it handles sunlight:
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White tarps are excellent at diffusing light. Instead of absorbing or fully blocking it, they spread sunlight evenly, creating a cooler shaded area beneath while still allowing some brightness.
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Silver tarps, on the other hand, are highly reflective and block UV rays more aggressively, making them ideal for situations where you need maximum sun and heat protection.
Both options are UV-resistant and waterproof, but their applications vary depending on your needs.
White Custom Tarps: Bright Shade with Even Light Distribution
White tarps are widely chosen for their balance of sun reflection and natural lighting.
Key Benefits of White Custom Tarps
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Reflects sunlight while allowing softer light underneath
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Keeps shaded areas cooler than darker tarps
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Great for event spaces, patios, greenhouses, and outdoor workspaces
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Available in custom sizes for projects that need precise coverage
Best Tarp Supply Inc.® White Tarps
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Heavy Duty White Poly Tarps – Popular for camping, outdoor events, and construction shading.
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Custom White Tarps – Designed to fit your exact needs, whether for a canopy, awning, or specialized project.
White tarps are the best option if you want both protection and visibility without creating a dark environment.
Silver Tarps: Maximum Heat and Sun Protection
If your goal is to block sunlight and heat completely, silver tarps are the superior choice. Their reflective surface makes them particularly effective in harsh, sunny conditions.
Key Benefits of Silver Tarps
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Superior UV protection compared to lighter-colored tarps
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Reflects sunlight to keep objects underneath cooler
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Creates a darkened shade for privacy and rest areas
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Extremely durable and heavy-duty, built to withstand long-term exposure
Best Tarp Supply Inc.® Silver Tarps
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Heavy Duty Silver Poly Tarps – Excellent for roofing, equipment coverage, and long-term outdoor storage.
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Heavy Duty Silver/Black Poly Tarps – Silver side reflects sunlight; black side provides total light blockage and privacy.
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Heavy Duty Green/Silver Poly Tarps – A versatile option with a natural green exterior for blending into outdoor environments, and a silver underside for reflective protection.
Silver tarps are the best option for maximum sunlight reflection and total heat control, especially in construction, industrial, and storage applications.
Side-by-Side Comparison: White vs. Silver Tarps
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Feature |
White Custom Tarps |
Silver Tarps |
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Sunlight Reflection |
High – diffuses light evenly |
Very High – reflects and blocks |
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Heat Reduction |
Good – keeps area cooler, bright |
Excellent – maximum heat and UV control |
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Shade Quality |
Bright and natural |
Darker, more private |
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Best For |
Outdoor events, workspaces, patios |
Industrial storage, roofing, long-term sun exposure |
|
Tarp Supply Options |
Heavy Duty White Poly, Custom White |
Heavy Duty Silver Poly, Silver/Black, Green/Silver |
Which Tarp Should You Choose?
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Choose White Custom Tarps if you want cool shade with bright, natural lighting—perfect for patios, greenhouses, outdoor workstations, and events.
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Choose Silver Tarps if you need maximum UV and heat protection for equipment, vehicles, or long-term outdoor projects.
In some cases, many customers use both types: white tarps for day-to-day outdoor comfort and silver tarps for heavy-duty coverage and storage.
Conclusion
When it comes to sunlight reflection, both white tarps and silver tarps excel—but in different ways. White tarps are ideal for diffused, bright shade, while silver tarps provide the strongest heat and UV protection. By choosing the right tarp from Tarp Supply Inc.®, you can ensure your outdoor projects, equipment, and spaces remain protected, comfortable, and durable all year long.
Explore our full collection of Poly Tarps, including White Custom Tarps, Heavy Duty Silver Tarps, Silver/Black Tarps, and Green/Silver Tarps, to find the perfect fit for your needs.
