How to Choose SUN STAR Tarpaulin for Commercial Tent Manufacturing

What Is SUN STAR Tarpaulin?

SUN STAR tarpaulin is a type of tarpaulin material that can be considered for outdoor applications and covered structures, including commercial tent manufacturing.

For tent manufacturers, several factors should be checked when selecting SUN STAR tarpaulin:

- Material
- Fabric width
- Construction
- Thickness
- Weight
- Water resistance properties
- Suitability for outdoor use
- Sewing or welding methods
- Suitability for folding and storage
These factors can affect the actual manufacturing process.

Another important point to note is that SUN STAR is a product name, not a specification that directly indicates its level of waterproofness, UV resistance, or service life.

If a project has specific technical requirements, such as a minimum waterproof rating, UV resistance, or a defined tensile strength, the specifications or test results for the particular product grade should be checked before making a selection.

What Are Commercial Tents?
In this article, the term commercial tents refers to tents or covered structures manufactured for business, trade, service-related, or other activities that require repeated use.

Examples include:

- Market tents
- Product sales tents
- Restaurant tents
- Exhibition booth tents
- Event tents
- Trade show tents
- Promotional tents
- Temple fair tents
- Outdoor activity tents
- Corporate tents
- Sports field tents
- Work area shelters
- Rental tents
- Certain types of temporary warehouse tents
- Reception area tents
- Temporary retail tents
These tents differ from personal camping tents because they are often larger, have different structural designs, are installed and dismantled multiple times, and may be used continuously for longer periods.

Therefore, their material requirements are different as well.

Why Is Choosing the Right Fabric Important for Commercial Tents?

When looking at a tent from the outside, many people may assume that the most important component is the steel frame. In reality, the tarpaulin is another key component that directly affects the tent's performance.

The tarpaulin is exposed to sunlight, rain, wind, dust, moisture, repeated folding and unfolding, transportation, and tension from the supporting structure.

Using tarpaulin that is unsuitable for the intended application may lead to problems such as:

- Fabric deformation
- Damage to seams and joints
- Tearing in high-stress areas
- Surface deterioration
- Color changes
- Problems during folding and storage
- Water entering the covered area
- Service life falling short of expectations
Therefore, tent manufacturers should evaluate the entire tent system, rather than selecting the tarpaulin based on the material alone.

What Types of Tents Are Suitable for SUN STAR Tarpaulin?

As SUN STAR tarpaulin falls within the category of materials used for commercial tent manufacturing, it can be considered for the following applications. However, the product specifications must be checked against the actual requirements before production.

1. Sales Tents and Market Tents
Market vendors, pop-up shops, and retailers who frequently attend events need tents that can be:

- Set up for use
- Dismantled and stored
- Transported easily
- Provide shade
- Help protect against rain, depending on the product's specifications
- Reused multiple times
The tarpaulin should therefore be designed and selected in conjunction with the tent frame to suit the intended application.

For tent manufacturers, material selection should consider:

Material weight + suitability for sewing or welding + stress points + tent dimensions + frequency of use

2. Event Tents
Events are another important market for commercial tents.

Examples include:

- Product launches
- Roadshows
- Outdoor events
- Festivals
- Promotional activities
- Corporate events
- Sporting events
- Community events
- Temple fairs
- Seasonal festivals
These tents often need to deliver both functionality and visual appeal.

Beyond providing shade or rain protection, they may also need to accommodate:

- Colors that match the company's corporate identity
- Logo printing
- Banner installation
- Sidewalls
- Transparent windows
- Entrances and exits
- Promotional signage
Therefore, material selection should begin at the design stage.

3. Exhibition Booth Tents
Trade shows and outdoor activities often use tents as spaces for selling products and showcasing brands.

A single tent may serve several purposes at once:

- A product sales area
- A shelter from sun and rain
- A brand display
- A product storage area
- A customer reception point
Manufacturers should therefore consider the tarpaulin's compatibility with printing and decoration requirements.

If customers want to print logos directly onto the material, a print test using the actual material should be conducted before proceeding with bulk production.

4. Restaurant and Beverage Shop Tents
Outdoor restaurants, coffee shops, mobile cafés, and temporary dining areas can use commercial tents to create customer service spaces. However, their requirements differ from those of event tents used for only a few days.

This is particularly important when a tent:

- Remains outdoors every day
- Is exposed to continuous sunlight
- Encounters frequent rain
- Is exposed to food stains
- Requires regular cleaning
In these cases, the material's suitability for the intended environment should be evaluated more carefully.

5. Rental Tents
Tent rental businesses should prioritize cost-effectiveness over the entire service life, rather than focusing solely on the initial material cost.

A single tent may go through the following cycle repeatedly:

Setup → Use → Dismantling → Folding → Transportation → Storage → Setup Again

As a result, the tarpaulin must withstand repeated folding, pulling, friction, and transportation.

Manufacturers should test the product under conditions that closely reflect actual use.

6. Ceremony and Activity Tents
Examples include:

- Wedding tents
- Ordination ceremony tents
- Community event tents
- Ceremonial tents
- Temple fair tents
- Corporate event tents
- Festival tents
These applications often involve relatively large covered areas, and multiple tents may be connected together.

The tarpaulin should therefore be evaluated in terms of:

- Color consistency
- Dimensions
- Fabric joining
- Seams
- Attachment points
- Water drainage
- Roof slope
Even when suitable tarpaulin is used, poor roof drainage can allow water to accumulate on the roof and place additional loads on the tent structure.

7. Work Area Shelters
Certain construction sites, factories, and warehouses may require temporary covered spaces.

Examples include:

- Storage areas
- Workstations
- Product inspection points
- Loading areas
- Employee rest areas
- Maintenance areas
- Outdoor workspaces
For these applications, functionality is generally more important than decoration. Requirements should therefore be clearly defined before selecting the material.

What Are the Advantages of Considering SUN STAR Tarpaulin for Tent Manufacturing?
The advantages outlined below do not mean that the material is suitable for every project. Rather, they explain why tarpaulin materials are commonly considered for commercial tent manufacturing.

1. Suitable for Various Outdoor Applications
In addition to tents, tarpaulin can also be considered for applications such as:

- Cargo covers
- Construction material covers
- Boat covers
- Sunshades
- Rain covers
- Flysheets
- Tent ground sheets
- Temporary tent walls
- Event partitions
- Ground cover sheets
This reflects the versatility of tarpaulin materials across a range of outdoor applications.

2. Can Serve as a Primary Material for Covered Structures
In tent manufacturing, fabric is more than just a decorative material. It serves as part of the structure, including the:

- Roof
- Sidewalls
- Partitions
- Covers
Therefore, material selection must take into account the tent's design and how the tarpaulin will be assembled into the finished structure.

3. Supports a Variety of Tent Designs
Tarpaulin can be used to create various tent designs, such as:

- Gable tents
- Pyramid tents
- Market tents
- Shop tents
- Event tents
- Connected or modular tents
- Canopies for covered areas
- Sidewalls
The suitability of the material for each design depends on the dimensions and engineering requirements of the structure.


Is SUN STAR Tarpaulin Waterproof?
SUN STAR tarpaulin can be considered for tent manufacturing and applications involving rain protection. However, if a project has specific waterproof performance requirements expressed as numerical values, the product's technical specifications or test results should be checked for confirmation.

Another important point to remember is:

Waterproof fabric ≠ Waterproof tent

Water can still enter through:

- Joints
- Stitched seams
- Needle holes
- Attachment points
- Openings
- Windows
- Fabric edges
- Roof areas where water accumulates
 


Why Can Water Still Enter a Tent Even When the Fabric Is Waterproof?
Suppose the tarpaulin provides good resistance to water penetration through the material itself. However, if the factory sews the fabric using a sewing machine, the needle creates holes in the material at each stitch. Without proper seam treatment, water can seep through the stitched areas.

Therefore, if customers require a tent with a high level of rain protection, the design must account for the entire structural system rather than simply changing the fabric.

Why Is UV Resistance Important for Commercial Tents?
Sunlight does more than increase the temperature beneath a tent. UV exposure can also affect materials used outdoors over extended periods.

In general, deterioration from outdoor exposure may be reflected in changes to:

- Color
- Flexibility
- Hardness
- Surface condition
- Strength
However, the extent of these effects depends on the material formulation, additives, color, weather conditions, and duration of use.

Therefore, waterproof performance and UV resistance are separate requirements and should be evaluated independently.

How to Calculate Fabric Costs for Tent Manufacturing: Look Beyond the Price per Yard
Many manufacturers may begin by comparing:

Fabric A: price per yard
Fabric B: price per yard
However, for tent manufacturing, additional factors should be included in the cost calculation, such as:

- Fabric yield
- Fabric width
- Number of seams
- Material waste
- Labor costs
- Welding methods
- Production time
- Rejection rate
In some cases, fabric with a higher price per yard but a width that better suits the pattern may help reduce the overall production cost.
 


Can SUN STAR Tarpaulin Be Printed with a Logo?
If the tarpaulin will be used for branded tents, the appropriate printing method or graphic application system should be checked against the actual surface. Do not rely solely on a digital mockup when evaluating the result.

Before proceeding with bulk production, conduct tests for:

- Print compatibility
- Ink adhesion
- Print sharpness
- Folding resistance
- Abrasion resistance
These tests should reflect the actual production process that will be used.
 

How Should You Choose Tarpaulin for Shop Tents?
Use this simple framework to guide your material selection:

1. Location

- Indoor / Semi-outdoor / Outdoor

2. Duration of Use

- Single-use / Occasional use / Daily use

3. Weather Conditions

- Sunlight / Rain / Wind / Humidity

4. Size

- For example, 2 × 2 m / 3 × 3 m / 3 × 6 m, or custom dimensions

5. Transportation and Storage

- Dismantled and stored daily, or permanently installed

6. Branding

- Is printing required?

7. Budget

- What is the target cost per tent?

Once these requirements are clearly defined, you can select the most suitable material for the application.

Should Event Tents and Long-Term Tents Use the Same Specifications?
You should not assume that the same specifications will be suitable for both applications.

For event tents used for 1–3 days, the main considerations are:

- Convenience
- Appearance
- Ease of transportation
- Cost
- Branding

For tents installed outdoors for extended periods, greater emphasis should be placed on:

- UV resistance
- Weather exposure
- Seam performance
- Structural loads
- Maintenance requirements
- Service life
Therefore, the application should come before the material selection.


What Should Be Considered for Commercial Tents in Thailand?
Thailand's environmental conditions may include intense sunlight, heavy rainfall, high humidity, and strong winds during certain periods.

Therefore, when tents are used outdoors, manufacturers should consider multiple systems together rather than focusing on the tarpaulin alone.

1. Roof Drainage
The roof should have an appropriate slope.

If water accumulates on the roof, it can create a substantial load on the supporting structure.

A simple example:

One liter of water weighs approximately one kilogram.

Therefore, water accumulating across a large roof area can significantly increase the load on the structure.

2. Tent Anchoring
No matter how strong the fabric is, it cannot compensate for a situation in which wind lifts the entire tent.

Anchors, ballast weights, and the supporting structure must be appropriate for the installation site.

3. Drainage Around the Tent
If water drains from the roof but collects around the tent legs, it may create additional problems.

The surrounding area should therefore be considered as part of the overall design.

4. Ventilation
Tents with all sides enclosed may trap heat.

If the tent will accommodate people, adequate ventilation should be considered.

Should Large Tents Be Evaluated Based on Fabric Alone?
Fabric is only one component of a large tent system. Manufacturers should also evaluate the supporting structure, anchoring, roof drainage, seams, and load-bearing points to ensure that the complete tent is suitable for its intended application.

Is SUN STAR Suitable for Tent Rental Businesses?
SUN STAR can be considered for commercial tent manufacturing. However, rental businesses have additional requirements related to repeated use cycles.

Operators should test whether the tent:

- Is easy to set up
- Is easy to fold
- Develops damage or creases after folding
- Is easy to clean
- Is easy to repair
- Experiences color changes after use
- Has stress points that withstand repeated use
These factors should then be used to calculate the cost per rental.

What Is the True Cost of a Tent?
The true cost is not just the price of the fabric.

It should include:

- Material costs
- Labor costs
- Structural costs
- Accessories and hardware
- Printing costs
- Transportation costs
- Repair costs
- Cleaning costs
- Storage costs
- Service life
If a cheaper fabric requires frequent repairs, the total cost may ultimately be higher.

How to Select SUN STAR Tarpaulin for Tent Manufacturing
Follow this process to evaluate the material and its suitability for production.

Step 1: Identify the tent type — Market, event, restaurant, rental, or other commercial applications.
Step 2: Define the dimensions — Width × length × height.
Step 3: Identify the environment — Indoor or outdoor.
Step 4: Define the usage period — Days, months, or years.
Step 5: Specify weather requirements — Sunlight, rain, and wind.
Step 6: Define technical requirements — Water resistance, UV resistance, tensile strength, tear strength, and flame retardancy (FR), as applicable.
Step 7: Select the material — SUN STAR, SUN STAR UV, or another suitable material.
Step 8: Develop the pattern — Calculate fabric width requirements and material waste.
Step 9: Build a prototype — Produce at least one complete unit.
Step 10: Conduct testing — Set up the tent outdoors.
Step 11: Inspect seams and stress points — Do not evaluate only the central fabric panels.
Step 12: Approve the sample — Establish an approved master sample before mass production.
Why Is Prototyping So Important for Tents?
Fabric on a roll behaves differently from fabric stretched over a tent frame.

Once the tent is assembled, manufacturers can assess:

- Stretching
- Tension
- Wrinkling
- Seams and joints
- Drainage
- Stress points
- Setup
- Folding
- Overall appearance
These factors cannot be fully evaluated using a small fabric sample alone.

How Should Tents Be Tested Before Sale?
At a minimum, manufacturers should conduct internal tests based on the product's requirements.

Examples include:

Fit Test: Set up the tent on the actual frame.
Water Simulation: Simulate rainfall at the required level.
Seam Inspection: Inspect stitched or joined areas.
Repeated Folding: Fold and unfold the tent multiple times.
Load Point Inspection: Check eyelets and attachment points.
Print Test: Conduct printing tests if logos are required.
If customers specify particular standards, additional laboratory testing may be necessary.

How Can Proper Tarpaulin Care Extend a Tent's Service Life?
Even when the material is suitable for outdoor use, proper care can affect its service life.

Avoid Storing the Tarpaulin While Wet for Extended Periods
After use in the rain, allow the material to dry appropriately before storage to reduce the risk of moisture-related problems, odors, and accumulated dirt.

Clean the Material Properly
Avoid using harsh chemicals unless their compatibility with the material has been confirmed, as some cleaning agents may affect the surface.

Keep Sharp Objects Away
Small cuts can become starting points for tears when the fabric is placed under tension.

Inspect Seams Regularly
Rental businesses should inspect tents every time they are returned from an event.

Pay particular attention to:

- Corners
- Eyelets
- Seams
- Rope attachment points
- Fabric edges

What Color of Tarpaulin Is Suitable for Shop Tents?
The answer depends on the brand and the intended environment.

White Popular for applications that require a clean, refined appearance, such as weddings and events.

Bright Colors Suitable for retail tents and promotional events that require high visibility.

Dark Colors Can create a premium or industrial look.

However, heat and actual usage conditions should also be considered when selecting a color.

Are Dark-Colored Tents Hotter Than Light-Colored Tents?
In general, color and surface properties affect how much solar energy a material absorbs or reflects. However, the temperature inside a tent also depends on factors such as:

- Material
- Coating
- Ventilation
- Tent height
- Open sides
- Airflow
- Location
Therefore, color should not be selected based on temperature alone.


How Can Clear Plastic Be Used with SUN STAR Tarpaulin?
Restaurant tents, event tents, and exhibition spaces may require transparent viewing panels.

WLC offers several types of clear plastic designed for applications such as:

- Tent windows
- Viewing panels in tarpaulin tents
- Partitions
- Curtains
Tent manufacturers can therefore consider a design that combines a SUN STAR tarpaulin body with clear PVC windows to enhance functionality.

However, the joints between the materials must be designed appropriately.


Checklist Before Ordering SUN STAR Tarpaulin for Tent Manufacturing

Before contacting a supplier, prepare the following information.

Tent Type: Event / Market / Rental / Restaurant / Commercial

Dimensions: Width × Length × Height

Quantity: Number of tents required

Installation Environment: Indoor / Outdoor

Usage Period: Temporary use / Repeated use / Long-term installation

Weather Conditions: Sunlight / Rain / Wind

Color: Required color

Printing: Is logo printing required?

Water Resistance Requirements: Are specific performance values required?

UV Requirements: Is UV resistance required?

Flame Retardancy (FR) Requirements: Are there any applicable standards?

Joining Method: Sewing / Welding / Other methods

These details help improve the accuracy of material selection.

 
Summary: What Types of Commercial Tents Are Suitable for SUN STAR Tarpaulin?
SUN STAR tarpaulin is one of the materials that can be considered for commercial tent manufacturing, including market tents, shop tents, event tents, exhibition booth tents, activity tents, restaurant tents, rental tents, canopies, and temporary tent walls. SUN STAR tarpaulin is part of the material category used specifically for commercial tent applications.

However, the key principle is this:

Do not start by asking, “Which material is the best?” Start by asking, “How will our tent be used?”

Choosing the right material requires consideration of several factors together:

Tent type + Dimensions + Usage period + Outdoor exposure + Rain + UV + Tension + Folding and storage + Joining methods + Printing + Cost

An event tent used for only a few days may have different requirements from a shop tent that remains outdoors every day.

Similarly, rental tents that must be folded and set up dozens or hundreds of times have their own distinct requirements.

If a project has specific technical requirements, such as a waterproof rating, UV resistance, tensile strength, tear strength, or flame retardancy, request the specifications or test reports that correspond to the exact material grade being considered. Performance should not be inferred from the product name alone.

It is also important to remember that:

A tent is not made of fabric alone. Its performance depends on the combined system of:

Fabric + Seams + Joints + Frame + Anchors + Roof Slope + Drainage + Manufacturing Process

Therefore, even when suitable fabric is selected, an unsuitable seam design or structural configuration may prevent the finished tent from achieving the required performance.

For tent manufacturers, custom tent producers, contractors, event organizers, and tent rental businesses considering SUN STAR or SUN STAR UV tarpaulin, the recommended process is:

Define the Application → Select the Specifications → Request a Sample → Build a Prototype → Test on the Actual Frame → Inspect Seams and Stress Points → Calculate Total Cost → Approve for Production

This process helps reduce the risk of selecting the wrong material and makes it easier to choose tarpaulin that meets the functional requirements, service-life expectations, and cost objectives of commercial tent manufacturing, rather than making a decision based on price alone.