Drop Cloths: An Extra Layer of Protection

When it comes to protecting your tent tops during installation, drop cloths are a must-have. At Celina Tent, we produce a wide range of fabric products, and drop cloths stand out as an essential accessory for extending the life of your tent tops. Whether you're setting up a pole tent or a frame tent, drop cloths serve as a reliable barrier against wear and tear.

Why Use Drop Cloths?

Drop cloths are specifically designed to minimize damage to tent tops during setup and takedown. Here’s how they play a vital role:

  • Protection from Rough Surfaces: Tent tops are prone to abrasions when placed directly on the ground. Drop cloths act as a shield, preventing scratches and tears.
  • Weather Resistance: They keep your tent tops clean and dry, even in damp or muddy conditions.
  • Longevity: Using drop cloths regularly can significantly extend the lifespan of your tent tops.

Drop cloth setup under custom printed master series frame tent

Using Drop Cloths for Different Tent Types

Pole Tents

For pole tents, drop cloths should be laid out after marking the staking locations. The protected area should cover about five feet within the perimeter of the tent. Once in place, the drop cloths provide a clean and smooth surface for spreading out the tent top.

Frame Tents

For frame tents, drop cloths are essential during the roof assembly phase. After the frame is constructed (without the legs attached), the tent top is spread out on the drop cloths before being pulled into position. No cloths are needed beneath the frame, as it will elevate the tent top once assembled.

Overlapping Drop Cloths

Since most drop cloths don’t match the exact footprint of a tent, overlapping multiple cloths is necessary for full coverage. A minimum of one foot of overlap ensures no gaps are left exposed. With various sizes available, you can choose the right combination of drop cloths to suit your tent’s dimensions, avoiding the hassle of transporting overly large or cumbersome cloths.


Installing a custom printed frame tent top using a drop cloth to protect the tent top


Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping your drop cloths clean is crucial to their effectiveness. After each use:

  1. Roll Them Correctly: Ensure the dirty side remains on the outside when rolling them up.
  1. Wash Them Regularly: Drop cloths are machine washable, making it easy to maintain them for repeated use.
  1. Store Them Dry: Prevent mold and mildew by thoroughly drying drop cloths before storage, especially after wet installations.

Order Drop Cloths for Your Installation Needs

At CELINA, we offer drop cloths in various sizes to meet your specific requirements. Whether you need a small cloth for a 10’ x 10’ installation or larger options for expansive pole tent setups, we’ve got you covered.

For more tips on using drop cloths or any other tent installation accessories, visit our Product Support Center or contact one of our customer account managers. We’re here to help make your tent installations smoother and your tent tops last longer.