Tarpaulin vs. Poster — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 8, 2024
Tarpaulin is a large, strong, waterproof material used for coverings, whereas a poster is a printed paper designed for attaching to a wall or vertical surface for decoration or advertisement.
Difference Between Tarpaulin and Poster
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Tarpaulin, often made from canvas or polyester coated with polyurethane, serves as a protective layer against weather elements for objects or areas. This material is known for its durability and water resistance, making it ideal for outdoor use. On the other hand, a poster is typically made from paper or a paper-like material and is used for communicating messages, advertisements, or artwork. It is designed for indoor use or short-term outdoor applications, focusing on visual appeal rather than durability.
While tarpaulins are essential for practical applications such as covering vehicles, boats, and construction sites to prevent damage from rain or sunlight, posters are used in marketing, educational, and decorative contexts. Posters can be found in public places, classrooms, and homes, aiming to attract attention, inform, or entertain.
Tarpaulins are customizable in size and thickness according to the protection needs, with some even having specific features like UV protection or fire resistance. Conversely, posters vary in size, color, and design based on the intended aesthetic or informational content, with less emphasis on material properties beyond visual quality.
The maintenance of a tarpaulin involves cleaning and storing it properly to extend its lifespan, highlighting its reusable nature. Posters, however, often have a limited lifespan, subject to wear and tear, and may fade or tear easily if not laminated or framed.
The choice between tarpaulin and poster depends on the intended use: protective covering for outdoor or industrial environments versus visual communication for advertisements, art, or information display.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Canvas or polyester coated with polyurethane
Paper or a paper-like material
Purpose
Protective covering against weather elements
Communication, advertisement, or decoration
Durability
High, waterproof, and weather-resistant
Lower, susceptible to damage from wear and tear
Usage Location
Outdoors or industrial environments
Indoors or short-term outdoors
Maintenance
Requires cleaning and proper storage
Limited lifespan, may require framing or laminating
Compare with Definitions
Tarpaulin
A heavy-duty waterproof cloth used for protection.
They covered the woodpile with a tarpaulin to keep it dry.
Poster
A decorative piece featuring artwork or photographs.
A vintage movie poster added a classic touch to the living room.
Tarpaulin
A flexible, water-resistant sheet for covering cargo.
The truck's load was secured under a sturdy tarpaulin.
Poster
A visual tool for advertising or announcements.
The event was promoted with bright, eye-catching posters.
Tarpaulin
A protective covering made from polyurethane-coated material.
The tarpaulin over the boat kept it safe from the rain.
Poster
An educational resource with diagrams or information.
The classroom featured a poster of the solar system.
Tarpaulin
A versatile fabric for emergency shelters.
They used a tarpaulin to create a temporary shelter during the hike.
Poster
A medium for political or social messages.
The rally was filled with posters calling for change.
Tarpaulin
A durable material used in outdoor coverings.
The construction site was shielded by a large tarpaulin.
Poster
A printed paper designed for wall display.
The room was decorated with posters of her favorite bands.
Tarpaulin
Material, such as waterproofed canvas, used to cover and protect things from moisture.
Poster
A poster is a temporary promotion of an idea, product, or event put up in a public space for mass consumption. Typically, posters include both textual and graphic elements, although a poster may be either wholly graphical or wholly text.
Tarpaulin
Any heavy, waterproof material used as a cover.
Poster
A large, usually printed placard, bill, or announcement, often illustrated, that is posted to advertise or publicize something.
Tarpaulin
A tarpaulin ( tar-PAW-lin, also US: ) or tarp is a large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant or waterproof material, often cloth such as canvas or polyester coated with polyurethane, or made of plastics such as polyethylene. Tarpaulins often have reinforced grommets at the corners and along the sides to form attachment points for rope, allowing them to be tied down or suspended.
Poster
An artistic work, often a reproduction of an original painting or photograph, printed on a large sheet of paper.
Tarpaulin
A sheet of this material.
Poster
One that posts bills or notices.
Tarpaulin
(countable) A tarp, a heavy, waterproof sheet of material, often cloth, used as a cover or blanket.
Throw a tarpaulin over that woodpile before it gets wet.
Poster
One that travels in speed or with haste.
Tarpaulin
A sailor.
Poster
A picture of a celebrity, an event etc., intended to be attached to a wall.
He has posters of his favorite band, sports teams and holiday resorts up.
Tarpaulin
Canvas waterproofed with tar, used as a cover.
Poster
An advertisement to be posted on a pole, wall etc. to advertise something.
I saw a poster for the film on the side of a bus.
Tarpaulin
A hat made of, or covered with, painted or tarred cloth, worn by sailors and others.
Poster
(internet) One who posts a message.
Some posters left the online message board after the squabble.
Tarpaulin
To cover with a tarpaulin.
Poster
A shot that hits a goalpost, scoring one point.
Tarpaulin
A piece of canvas covered with tar or a waterproof composition, used for covering the hatches of a ship, hammocks, boats, etc.
Poster
A shot that hits a goalpost instead of passing into the goal.
We got three posters in the third and lost.
Tarpaulin
A hat made of, or covered with, painted or tarred cloth, worn by sailors and others.
Poster
(basketball) A dunk over a defending player.
Tarpaulin
Hence, a sailor; a seaman; a tar.
To a landsman, these tarpaulins, as they were called, seemed a strange and half-savage race.
Poster
(dated) A posthorse.
Tarpaulin
Waterproofed canvas
Poster
(archaic) A swift traveller; a courier.
Poster
(transitive) To decorate with posters.
To poster the walls of a bedroom
Poster
A large bill or placard intended to be posted in public places.
Poster
One who posts bills; a billposter.
Poster
One who posts, or travels expeditiously; a courier.
Poster
A post horse.
Poster
A sign posted in a public place as an advertisement;
A poster advertised the coming attractions
Poster
Someone who pastes up bills or placards on walls or billboards
Poster
A horse kept at an inn or post house for use by mail carriers or for rent to travelers
Common Curiosities
How are posters typically displayed?
Posters are usually hung on walls for advertising, decoration, or information sharing.
What materials are tarpaulins made from?
Tarpaulins are made from heavy-duty materials like canvas or polyethylene, treated to be waterproof.
What are the common uses of tarpaulins?
Tarpaulins are used for protection against weather and damage, in settings like construction sites or for covering vehicles.
Are tarpaulins recyclable?
Many tarpaulins, especially those made of polyethylene, can be recycled depending on local recycling programs.
What sizes do posters come in?
Posters can vary greatly in size, from small A4-sized prints to large billboard sizes.
Can tarpaulins be customized?
Yes, tarpaulins can be customized in size and sometimes color, with the addition of eyelets or ropes for securing.
What printing techniques are used for posters?
Digital and offset printing are common techniques for producing high-quality posters.
Can posters be used outdoors?
Posters can be used outdoors but require lamination or protective coverings due to their vulnerability to weather.
What is the difference between a billboard and a poster?
Billboards are larger outdoor advertising structures, while posters are smaller and used both indoors and outdoors.
How are tarpaulins secured in place?
Tarpaulins often have metal eyelets to which ropes or bungee cords can be attached for secure placement.
What makes a tarpaulin heavy-duty?
The term "heavy-duty" refers to the tarpaulin's strength, durability, and thickness, suitable for rigorous or long-term use.
How long do posters last?
The lifespan of a poster depends on the material, usage, and exposure to elements, but lamination can extend their durability.
Can posters be considered art?
Yes, many posters, especially those designed for artistic or decorative purposes, are considered forms of art.
Are all tarpaulins waterproof?
Yes, tarpaulins are designed to be waterproof, a primary feature of their protective purpose.
Do posters need frames?
While not necessary, frames can protect and enhance the appearance of posters, especially for decorative purposes.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
