Normal dropsheets are generally heavy and thick - great for covering carpets and the like but not best suited to other tasks such as protecting handrails on stairs, kitchen units and sanitary ware.

Fortunately companies such as 3M and Pentrilo make lightweight plastic dropsheets of varying lengths which are just brilliant. They also come in pre-taped versions which can save a lot of time depending on what you're doing.

                                                                          Lightweight sheets are particularly useful

                                                                                  for covering awkward shapes

Use a shorter pre-taped dropsheet if you are painting a ceiling but don't intend painting the walls.

This prevents paint splatters from the roller spoiling the upper section of either emulsion or wallpaper.