6 mil plastic as tarp?

I am a contractor and we have to use 6 mil plastic for protection from lead. I'm not sure how well it protects from that but i am curious as to whether I could use it as a tarp as it is a roll of 10ft wide by 100ft i was thinking about cutting a bmmj sized piece.

My question's are has anyone tried this? And if so (or not for that matter) is it possible to sew this material? It is thick so im concerned. I just have a normal thread injector with a "normal" needle in it.. i think. I am a noob when it comes to thread injecting so i am really not sure..

Any help would.. help. Thanks!

I used to use that pouring concrete floors. It tears too easily and when it tears, that tear doesn't stay put. I doubt sewing it would do anything for you except frustrate you. It is pretty heavy and there are better options. Guide Gear tarps 12' X 12' is around $25.
On the other hand, go for it and post pics!

Tyvek is a better choice I think. I will post pictures of the tyvek tarp I am working on when I finish it.

yeah your not going to have much luck with that.....
i would get the GG tarp for $25... thats as good as it gets for that price
but at some point in time you will end up getting a good tarp
trust me ;)

Your getting it for free, go for it.
I'd use it for an emergency shelter. Sewing is a no go. Try the pebble trick, and tie a cord around the pebble.
Might make good patterns for any tarp ideas you can come up with.

This guy uses black plastic exclusively...in the jungles of Brazil. must work ok.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZu2RV1_uSQ

Thanks, for the advice/frustration prevention :)

I may just try the pebble trick, i am going out for two days this monday and i am going to either do something with the 6 mil or with a cheap home depo tarp...

@sam: related pics always a plus! :)

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Originally Posted by SwampSloth

This guy uses black plastic exclusively...in the jungles of Brazil. must work ok.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZu2RV1_uSQ

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He has an interesting hammock hang method. I wonder if anyone has seen this methd before or has any info on it more then "It's never come down for me"

I just read an article on 2 and 3mil plastic used as a tarp on backpackinglight.com. Good article and will help a lot. The guy said he's used them in the field and it works fine, but the biggest problem is making tie outs. He used duct tape then grommets and on the ridge did the rock in tarp with line around it.

3mil plastic is supposably 2.0oz per yard and 2mil is 1.4oz(about the same as silnylon) so 6 mil may be a bit heavy. Assumingly 4oz per yard.

After reading it I want to make one as well, mainly for backyard use (to perserve the life of my good tarps) and as a cooking tarp with multiple people. I don't think I'd ever rely on it as a main tarp without a backup plan. Good luck, I'd love to see how it works for you.

I have some 6mil that I use for ground cloth but now you've got me thinking about trying this as a tarp... **** DIY. :glare:

WV posted about using clear plastic and tape to create a cheap tarp. Maybe this will help.

Yea im now looking at a home depot tarp i have that is hopefully gonna be plenty protection for now till i get my Guide gear i just ordered! :)

Thanks for the tips and i think i found that article thexuprising. just started going through it and it is indeed interesting. 6 mil IS definently heavy. haha

@Syb: When I get the chance/time, i am definently trying it :lol:

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Originally Posted by krugd

WV posted about using clear plastic and tape to create a cheap tarp. Maybe this will help.

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that does help actually! very cool, thanks :)

Thinking more about it Paul, being as thick as 6mil is it may be strong enough to hold grommets. Just be worried about the hole stretching. If its not to expensive or labor intensive, which I don't see it being much of either, I think it would be worth it, even if the tarp onlyl 10 trips. That's 2 years of trips for me though, haha.

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Originally Posted by thexuprising

Thinking more about it Paul, being as thick as 6mil is it may be strong enough to hold grommets. Just be worried about the hole stretching. If its not to expensive or labor intensive, which I don't see it being much of either, I think it would be worth it, even if the tarp onlyl 10 trips. That's 2 years of trips for me though, haha.

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or maybe put a piece or duct tape or gorilla tape where you plan on putting the grommets .... might help give it more life...or reinforce it from high winds ?

From another thread herabouts, guyouts from ductape.
http://www.youtube.com/user/steintanz#p/u/9/p0I4TvyslAE

Good idea, modify to suit your needs

Good thinking gls