What to use instead of drop cloth?

What to use instead of drop cloth includes many household items and cheap alternatives that protect floors and furniture from paint when you do not have dedicated canvas or plastic drop cloths. You can use old bed sheets, blankets, comforters, or tablecloths to cover floors and furniture, though thin sheets may allow paint bleed-through, so double them or place plastic underneath. Flattened cardboard boxes work well for hard floors, providing sturdy non-slip protection. Rosin paper, builder's paper, or kraft paper rolls from hardware store are inexpensive and cover large floor areas. Plastic trash bags cut open, shower curtains, old curtains, tarps, or camping ground sheets can be repurposed. Newspapers can cover small areas but ink may transfer. Old towels or rugs can protect specific spots. Painter's plastic sheeting or Visqueen, sold in rolls, is cheap and waterproof for furniture. For small trim jobs, use paper grocery bags. Many DIYers combine materials, such as cardboard along baseboards and sheets over furniture, or plastic over carpet topped with old sheets to prevent slipping. While not as durable as canvas, these alternatives work for occasional painting if you use thick layers and secure edges with tape.