Shop Note

Flags

William Booth

Awhile back I asked if anyone had made the silk flags using the inkjet printer, and since there was no response, I decided to try it myself; I have mixed feelings about the results. Having made over 50 flags I came up with the following.

The steps I used are as follows:

  1. get Jacquard inkjet fabric paper-10 pack for $13
  2. download flags needed – many sites available
  3. using word perfect made a sheet with 12 flags on it – I was able to make exact sizes as needed
  4. print fabric paper on inkjet let dry 24 hours ( a must) – peel off the paper
  5. Steam as to their exact instructions – silk does not get wet and it is very easy to do!
  6. wash silk in synthrapol (their product – pint $4.09)
  7. Iron silk making sure not to burn it
  8. A stiffening agent must be applied and I have tried many! Dilute white glue is fair and acrylic spray seem to work best, but I'm still not satisfied so will keep looking. Fabric stiffening does not hold up well.
  9. If the flag has a lot of white or any other color than you can actually paint that area.
  10. I have taken a length of thread and glued it to the edge of the flag and it does not destroy the looks
  11. Cut out flag and mount it.
Evaluation: This process will not replace the flags found in quality kits or the one bought from some of the flag sites. They are better than the paper flags and some cheap kits. The larger the scale the better the flags look (1:98).

When you get to 1:50 or working with larger models the flags can be doubled. This is done by using your computer to flip the flag when you lay out our original design. After the above process is completed fold and iron the sides together than coat them with diluted white glue. Results of the doubling process is that it only looks fair.

I found that the American flag does not need doubling but flags with a large amount of white either need the doubling or a painting. The beauty feature is that you can make a crest flag or an imperial banner and reduce it to the size needed or make an American flag with the correct amount of stars for your time period. Flags with less than 1inch in height look best. For less than $20 you can make more flags than you will need in a life time.

If there are any questions just ask .
{Bill Booth}

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