Exploring the Composition and Processing Techniques of PVC and Canvas
LV’s Monogram series primarily focuses on the canvas material utilized in their canvas collection, which encompasses various types, including the Damier series and the Monogram series itself. The material used is PVC, categorized as a type of plastic. PVC serves as a key component of plastic and finds widespread use in daily life alongside polypropylene and polyethylene. Some individuals prefer alternatives to the term “plastic” when describing LV’s artificial leather products to convey a more upscale impression. In such cases, “resin” can be used, although it should be noted that PVC is a type of vinyl resin that contains PVC itself. The disparity between the two is minimal.
Certain consumers may experience discomfort after investing a substantial amount in LV’s PVC leather products. However, LV’s Monogram products not only feature PVC but also incorporate canvas—a machine-woven blend predominantly composed of cotton. LV employs its proprietary PVC formula for high-temperature bonding and foaming coating during the processing of this canvas.
The Impact of Patent Coating on Authenticity and Fire Resistance
The replica handbag industry managed to replicate this technology a decade ago, resulting in the Monogram canvas series of replica handbags being the closest to the authentic product. The patent coating of the Monogram series may be the sole saving grace for LV enthusiasts. The presence of this coating in the Damier series remains unknown. The patent coating primarily serves as a fire-resistant agent, effectively blocking heat. An online experiment involving the ignition of an NF-style bag revealed only minor surface particle melting while the rest of the bag remained intact. This outcome is unsurprising, as the fire-resistant coating performed its intended function.
Regular use exposes the bag’s leather surface to high temperatures indoors and outdoors. Certain leathers, such as the soft PVC used as bag surface materials, possess lower temperature resistance compared to genuine leather. Under extreme conditions, they may deform or even melt. To prolong the bag’s lifespan, LV applied a heat-resistant coating in the Monogram series, enhancing its durability.
This coating induces chemical reactions over time, resulting in the sought-after “aged” coloration, particularly in the vegetable-tanned leather portions.
The presence of the patent coating is also the reason why replica bag producers cannot achieve a perfect score of 100. It is generally deemed fair to assign a restoration score of 95. Even if the surface particle quality is exceptional, the absence of this primary coating is considered a defect, resulting in a deduction of 5 points. However, as consumers, distinguishing the difference may not be easy, even with a bag boasting 90 points in leather quality.