Mesh canvas vs solid canvas: which one do you need?

When choosing an advertising banner, one of the most frequent doubts is deciding between mesh banner and solid banner. Although at first glance they may seem similar, their characteristics are very different and each one is designed for specific situations. At Unical we explain everything you need to know to make the best decision. If you still do not know all the types of banners available, we recommend you start with our guide to types of advertising banners.

Solid tarp, also called standard banner, is a completely opaque and perforation-free PVC tarp. It is the most used type of canvas in advertising printing thanks to its versatility, durability and printing quality. Main features: • Material: laminated PVC • Opacity: total • Wind resistance: medium-low • Image quality: very high • Price: economical

The mesh canvas or mesh canvas is made with a micro-perforated material that allows air and a certain amount of light to pass through. These small perforations are practically invisible from a distance but make a big difference in its behavior against wind and rain. Main features: • Material: micro-perforated PVC • Opacity: partial (allows light and air to pass through) • Wind resistance: very high • Image Quality: Good (slightly less than solid) • Price: somewhat higher than the solid

Wind resistance This is the most important difference. The solid canvas acts like a sail when there is wind, accumulating pressure and potentially damaging or tearing off the structure. The mesh canvas, by allowing air to pass through its perforations, drastically reduces this resistance and is much safer in exposed areas. Image quality Solid canvas offers a sharper image and richer colors thanks to its uniform surface. The mesh canvas, although it has very good printing quality, loses some definition due to microperforations, especially noticeable up close. Transparency The mesh canvas allows some visibility through it, which can be an advantage on building facades where you want to maintain some interior natural light. The solid tarp completely blocks vision. Weight The mesh canvas is lighter than the solid one, which makes it easier to install in large formats and reduces the stress on the fastening structures.

Choose solid canvas when: • The format is medium or small • The installation is in an area protected from the wind • You need the highest image quality • The budget is tight • It is for indoor or event use Examples: event banners, façade canvases in protected areas, photocall backgrounds, interior decoration.

Choose mesh canvas when: • The format is very large • The installation is outdoors exposed to the wind • It is on a high-rise building façade • You want to maintain a certain visibility or light passage • Long-term durability is a priority Examples: construction tarps on scaffolding, facades of large buildings, fences in coastal areas or areas with frequent wind.

Yes, in both solid and mesh canvas, the weight directly influences resistance and durability. To better understand what weight you need depending on your project, consult our guide to weights in tarps.

There is no universally best option – it all depends on where and how you are installing your tarp. If you have doubts, at Unical we analyze your project and recommend the most appropriate material to guarantee the best result. Do you have a project in mind? Request your quote without obligation and we will help you choose the perfect tarp.