Canvas and leather-coated or uncoated?

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L

lovingmybags

O.G.
Nov 24, 2006
5,454
1,136
#1
Hi!

I was debating purchasing an uncoated canvas bag in a light color-does anyone have any experiences on how they wear? Over the last few days, I did try researching on the forum for information, but don't think I found anything decisive. So far, I only know that coated canvas is easier to take care of, if the dirt is only on the surface; once it gets past the PVC, then nothing will get it off. The same would seem to apply for patent leather bags. Which one would you pick-uncoated or coated? What are the pros and cons? Thanks so much everyone! :smile1:
 
#2
Which bag are you looking at? I have seen many of the Gucci uncoated that fray and wear out and can't be repaired. A friend of mine who sold them told me it was so frustrating dealing with all the complaints associated with the uncoated canvas despite their warnings to customers.

If I really loved something I may go for it but knowing with uncoated it wouldn't last.
 
#3
Uncoated canvas can be a nightmare. Particularly if it's a light color. The only way I would consider it is if it could be treated with Scotch Guard or any other reputable brand of upholstery/fabric protector.
 
#4
I would not spend a lot of money on an uncoated, light-colored canvas bag. It will definitely get dirty. I have lots of natural canvas totes and they are all subject to dirt!
 
#5
I have, and have had both.

The coated canvas is supposedly less hassle but my uncoated beige canvas and croc Trussardi went to the dry cleaners and the canvas came out looking like new. Canvas/Toile (posh French for canvas) is actually a very hard wearing material, it depends on the quality. You may want a really light and go for coated, but keep out of direct sunlight as plastics can turn yellow-y. In a way natural canvas can at least be cleaned year in and year out.

The fraying issue of the old Gucci fabric bags circa 2000 affected those more with permanent folds or if they rub against harsh materials constantly when worn. I had an affected Jackie but it didn't put off my niece from wanting it so it couldn't have been as bad as I thought.
 
#6
papertiger said:
I have, and have had both.

The coated canvas is supposedly less hassle but my uncoated beige canvas and croc Trussardi went to the dry cleaners and the canvas came out looking like new. Canvas/Toile (posh French for canvas) is actually a very hard wearing material, it depends on the quality. You may want a really light and go for coated, but keep out of direct sunlight as plastics can turn yellow-y. In a way natural canvas can at least be cleaned year in and year out.

The fraying issue of the old Gucci fabric bags circa 2000 affected those more with permanent folds or if they rub against harsh materials constantly when worn. I had an affected Jackie but it didn't put off my niece from wanting it so it couldn't have been as bad as I thought.
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^^ :goodpost:

I never even thought about dry cleaning untreated canvas bags! What a great idea. Papertiger, you rock!
 
#7
Fimpagebag said:
^^ :goodpost:

I never even thought about dry cleaning untreated canvas bags! What a great idea. Papertiger, you rock!
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My pleasure

15 years of city Summer living and beach trips came off that bag. It was basically find someone to clean it or bin it, and seeing as though it cost a pretty penny new, it was worth trying to save.

Tell your dry cleaners to properly mask any leather/exotic trimmings ;)
 
#8
Coated! I once had an uncoated canvas Coach and got caught in a bad rain storm - soaked through and some stuff wasn't salvagable. Fortunately this was before I had a cellphone or e-reader so it wasn't a huge loss. Love my LV and LAMB coated canvas purses.
 
#9
gail13 said:
Which bag are you looking at? I have seen many of the Gucci uncoated that fray and wear out and can't be repaired. A friend of mine who sold them told me it was so frustrating dealing with all the complaints associated with the uncoated canvas despite their warnings to customers.

If I really loved something I may go for it but knowing with uncoated it wouldn't last.
Click to expand...

I'm looking at a Loro Piana bag, that looks like this one, but the printed design is a little different:

http://howtospendit.ft.com/womens-fashion/34293-loro-piana-my-boat-bag
 
#10
papertiger said:
I have, and have had both.

The coated canvas is supposedly less hassle but my uncoated beige canvas and croc Trussardi went to the dry cleaners and the canvas came out looking like new. Canvas/Toile (posh French for canvas) is actually a very hard wearing material, it depends on the quality. You may want a really light and go for coated, but keep out of direct sunlight as plastics can turn yellow-y. In a way natural canvas can at least be cleaned year in and year out.

The fraying issue of the old Gucci fabric bags circa 2000 affected those more with permanent folds or if they rub against harsh materials constantly when worn. I had an affected Jackie but it didn't put off my niece from wanting it so it couldn't have been as bad as I thought.
Click to expand...

Oh that's a fantastic idea indeed!! I had no idea how to clean canvas, and would never have thought of the dry cleaner's either! :D Would the colors bleed when they dry-clean?
 
#11
My Neimans shoe guy told me the Chanel canvas espies can be dry cleaned too, so this makes sense.

That LP bag says it has cotton coated or waterproof I believe, so it should resists some staining. They have some nice bags.
 
#12
gail13 said:
My Neimans shoe guy told me the Chanel canvas espies can be dry cleaned too, so this makes sense.

That LP bag says it has cotton coated or waterproof I believe, so it should resists some staining. They have some nice bags.
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Thank you!! Yes, the waterproof advertisement is what sucked me in :laugh: It'll be my first LP bag! Love this forum-such a wealth of information :smile1:. I always want to make sure on here, that the purchase is a good idea, before jumping the gun.
 
#13
tiggycat said:
Coated! I once had an uncoated canvas Coach and got caught in a bad rain storm - soaked through and some stuff wasn't salvagable. Fortunately this was before I had a cellphone or e-reader so it wasn't a huge loss. Love my LV and LAMB coated canvas purses.
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Thank you for your input! I wonder how much I can trust the "waterproof" advertisement for the bag...hmmm ;)
 
#14
lovingmybags said:
Oh that's a fantastic idea indeed!! I had no idea how to clean canvas, and would never have thought of the dry cleaner's either! :D Would the colors bleed when they dry-clean?
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The printed colors on the back of my uncoated canvas Coach bag bled like crazy just from wearing it. I had treated it with Apple Garde prior.

I would not buy another.
 
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