At R9Kustoms we use a heavy 22 ounce waxed canvas on all our products. Waxed canvas is an increasingly popular material because it is eco-friendly and has a vintage look and feel.
Waxed canvas is a strong, hard-wearing material which is resistant to tearing. Properly maintained it will give a lifetime of use.
Waxed canvas is a waterproof material which will repel driving rain, however, it is not impermeable and if immersed in water for long periods it will become saturated. The canvas used on our bags is dyed prior to waxing and once waxed it cannot be re-dyed.
If re-waxed appropriately and the frequency of the this depends on usage, it should not become dirty and marks and scuffs are part of its visual appeal. With extended exposure to the suns UV rays, your bag will fade and age, with a re-wax if the canvas has not faded too much it should darken and regain its original look.
If, in extreme cases, it is necessary to wash a waxed canvas item it should be done using cold water and soft soap and the item should be completely re-waxed afterwards.
One of the features of waxed canvas which has resulted in its increasing use in fashion accessories is the attractive way in which it ages. Like leather its appearance improves with age, making it a unique personal accessory. Scuffs, marks and creases create a rich patina which continues to develop with age when you are riding.
As a result of its water repellent qualities waxed canvas also repels dirt. Dust or mud will not penetrate waxed canvas and can be removed with a damp cloth. An oil stain which has soaked into the material needs to be treated with corn starch or a similarly absorbent substance.
Apply the absorbent substance generously to the affected area and leave for forty-eight hours, after which time it can removed with a stiff brush. If necessary, repeat the process.
A stained area of waxed canvas can be washed using cold water and a gentle soap, but it will need to be re-waxed afterwards. Do not put waxed canvas articles in the washing machine and always allow them to dry naturally.
FAQ: Fitment and caring for your new luggage?
Hustler Sissy Bar Duffle Bag: If you are running a super wide sissy bar, we have allowed enough lace that should give you a good fit. Some customers though have really wide bases to their sissy bars.
To help improve fitment, if the lace is not long enough using the eyelets, move them onto the new tabs which allow for more width. If you are using the early model without the tabs, to allow you to slide the corset completely down the sissy bar with ease, remove the toggles from the end of the lace, and drop the lace from the top two eye holes and put your toggles back on, that will allow more length to the lace and width at the base for a good fit.
En-Route Pannier Saddlebag: Your new pannier comes with three top straps and one lower locating strap. Always ensure you use the three top straps, the top panel they thread through is double leather laminated with 600D behind. It is super strong and carries all the weight of your bag. The lower strap (used for locating) can be moved to one of the other positions depending on the layout of the rack on your bike. Always try and mount the pannier high on your rack, ensuring the top straps over the rolltop are secure and tight.
To prevent holes or tears in your canvas bag, consider the following tips:
- Avoid overloading your bag with heavy items. There is an ideal load for your bag and exceeding what it was designed to do is just asking for trouble.
- Be mindful of sharp objects that could puncture the fabric and be watchful for regularly carried items that might be causing damage.
- Regularly inspect your bag for any signs of wear and tear and repair small holes quickly as they can spread.
- Keep your bag waxed regularly to maintain its water-resistant properties. Waxing also binds the weave together making it more resistant to tearing.
- Store your bag in a cool, dry place when not in use.
You bought your bag to use, and lets face it, it’s getting used out on the road, maybe a dirt track or in the rain with grime on the road. When you get home, if your canvas has mud on it, a soft damp cloth will suffice to clean it off, or if there is a larger amount, an old toothbrush can be a great help also.