Guide to canvas weights: what they mean and how to choose

When you request a quote for an advertising banner, one of the first information they ask you is the weight. But what exactly does it mean? Is higher weight always better? At Unical we explain it to you in a clear and practical way so that you can choose the appropriate weight for your project. If you are still not sure what type of canvas you need, we recommend that you first read our guide on types of advertising canvas and our article on mesh canvas vs solid canvas.

The grammage is the weight of the material expressed in grams per square meter (g/m²). The higher the weight, the greater the density and thickness of the material, which generally translates into greater resistance and durability. However, a higher weight is not always the best option: it depends on the use you are going to give the canvas.

300-340 g/m² — Economy Canvas It is the most basic and economical weight. Suitable for temporary or indoor use where it is not exposed to adverse weather conditions. Ideal for: • Specific short-term events • Indoor use • Temporary banners • Projects with a tight budget Not recommended for: • Permanent exterior • Areas with frequent wind or rain 440-510 g/m² — Standard Canvas It is the most used weight in advertising printing. It offers a good balance between quality, resistance and price. Valid for both indoors and outdoors under normal conditions. Ideal for: • Banners and façade canvases • Events and fairs • Outdoor advertising in protected areas • Photocalls and backdrops 550-650 g/m² — Premium Canvas High resistance canvas, designed for permanent outdoor installations. It withstands wind, rain and UV rays well without deteriorating. Ideal for: • Permanent advertising billboards • Facades of premises • Tarps in coastal or windy areas • Long-term projects 750-900 g/m² — Ultra-resistant canvas It is the highest weight available. It is used in very specific applications where resistance is critical, such as construction tarps on scaffolding or industrial facilities. Ideal for: • Construction tarps and scaffolding • Industrial facilities • Projects in extreme conditions • Very large format canvases

The mesh canvas has a different weight scale due to its microperforations. The most common are: • 270-300 g/m² → light mesh for medium formats • 350-400 g/m² → standard mesh for facades and large formats • 450 g/m² → reinforced mesh for extreme conditions

Ask yourself these questions before deciding: Is it for indoor or outdoor? • Indoor → 300-440 g/m² is sufficient • Exterior → minimum 510 g/m², better 550 g/m² or more How long will it be installed? • Occasional or temporary use → low grammage • Permanent installation → high weight Is there wind or adverse conditions? • Protected area → standard weight • Exposed area → heavy weight or mesh canvas What size is the tarp? • Small and medium formats → any weight • Large formats → high weight or mesh for greater stability

In addition to the weight, the finish of the canvas also influences its durability. The most common finishes are: • Matte: reduces reflections, ideal for interiors • Bright: brighter colors, ideal for outdoors with good light • Fireproof: mandatory in some venues and events

Weight is a key factor that you should not overlook when ordering a tarp. Choosing well will save you trouble and money in the long term. At Unical we advise you without obligation so that your canvas is exactly what you need. Do you have doubts about what weight you need? Request your personalized quote and our team will guide you.