What is the best type of drop cloth for painting?

The best type of drop cloth for painting depends on surface you are protecting and type of painting, but for most interior house painting, heavy-weight canvas drop cloth is considered best overall for floors. Canvas drop cloths, typically 8 to 12 ounce cotton canvas, are absorbent, so paint drips soak in rather than staying wet and slippery, they stay in place without blowing around, are reusable and washable, and protect against spills, with heavier 10 to 12 ounce canvas offering better protection against bleed-through. For best leak-proof protection on hardwood or carpet, rubber-backed or butyl-backed canvas drop cloths are best, as they combine absorbent canvas top with waterproof backing that prevents any paint from seeping through. For furniture and quick coverage, plastic drop cloths or poly sheeting are best because they are cheap, lightweight, and waterproof, but they are slippery on floors and paint stays wet on them, creating slip hazard. For large areas and budget, rosin paper or builder's paper is good for hard floors. Professional painters often use 9x12 feet 8 ounce canvas for floors and plastic for furniture. So best type for floor protection is 10 ounce canvas or rubber-backed canvas for durability and no bleed-through.