What are your flag attaching techniques?

Started by mmcv, 06 June 2020, 09:54:27 AM

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mmcv

As I've around 20 flags painted and ready to attach this weekend thought I'd ask what techniques others use?

I originally tried using PVA in the past but found it a bit thick and watering down smudged the paint.

Usually use superglue now, just have to work fast or risk sticking the flag to my finger and having to repaint!

FierceKitty

Attach piece of paper around flagstaff or lance, same size as separate paper flag, using UHU. Fold a bit. Apply glue and stick the real flag onto it; now have four thicknesses of paper, three of glue, so it's fairly durable. Paint edges.
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Chad

I use UHU power. I put some onto the blade of a small craft knife then smear it on one side of the flag.
The flag has been folded so I carefully fit it around the
pole and then use tweezers to compress it close to the pole

fred.

Fold the flag first - usually have a second go at folding to get the corners lined up  >:(

Then use slightly diluted PVA to glue. I prefer this as it gives a chance to reposition.

Fold the flag artistically round a paint brush handle or similar to show it blowing in the wind!

When dry colour in the white cut edges - usually with an appropriate shade of wash, though depending on the paper paint may be better.
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mmcv

Interesting, I'm perhaps using too strong/fast a superglue, I usually use loctite max or something to that effect. May have a rummage in the box and see if I have any other types.

My current technique is quite close to Chad's.


I like the idea of the paper underneath for the initial attachment FK, may try that.

Fred, I did initially try a similar technique but ended up making a mess of it too many times.  #-o

fsn

Quote from: fred. on 06 June 2020, 10:18:07 AM
Fold the flag first - usually have a second go at folding to get the corners lined up  >:(

Then use slightly diluted PVA to glue. I prefer this as it gives a chance to reposition.

Fold the flag artistically round a paint brush handle or similar to show it blowing in the wind!

When dry colour in the white cut edges - usually with an appropriate shade of wash, though depending on the paper paint may be better.
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Last Hussar

Ditto.

I've never had problems caused by the PVA on printed flags
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John Cook

06 June 2020, 02:07:40 PM #8 Last Edit: 06 June 2020, 02:10:53 PM by John Cook
I either use commercially produced flags or print them from one of the sites on-line.  In the case of commercially produced flags I often buy them in 28mm size, scan and re-size them, and print them myself, retaining the originals as masters.  Once dried, say 24 hours, I cut them out, fold them round the staff to make sure the two sides match, then glue them with PVA glue.  This moistens the paper and allows you to drape/fold it. Let them dry hard then paint the edges, otherwise the white of the paper will show.  That's about it really.  I too have never had any problem using PVA with printed flags as long as they are dry. The examples in the picture came from War Flags and were originally 28mm size, scanned, reduced and printed on an ordinary ink-jet printer.

mmcv

Found a thinner superglue that seemed to work well.

Tried FKs trick for the cavalry though hadn't the patience to do it for all the infantry. Seems to have done well though.

I'll try PVA again in future. I maybe just watered it down too much when I tried.

GrumpyOldMan

Hello

I usually print them out on envelope label stationery so they are pre-sticky and I like to change flags to save painting up two regiments when one will do.  :D

Cheers

GrumpyOldMan

mmcv

Quote from: GrumpyOldMan on 06 June 2020, 08:58:21 PM
Hello

I usually print them out on envelope label stationery so they are pre-sticky and I like to change flags to save painting up two regiments when one will do.  :D

Cheers

GrumpyOldMan

Interesting idea! I did try making swappable flags for my ECW stuff using glued flags, hadn't thought about using labels. I generally paint flags but will keep that in mind if doing more complex flags

pierre the shy

06 June 2020, 09:41:16 PM #12 Last Edit: 06 June 2020, 09:44:19 PM by pierre the shy
Like most others I use PVA for 10mm flags and never had an issue with it running the ink of the flag designs.

FWIW my technique is as follows:

1. Design flags using MS Paint/GIMP (or ocassionally use commercial ones) and print onto good quality A4 paper at your printers highest print quality settings.
2. Carefullly cut out the flag using a very sharp craft knife and metal ruler.
3. Gently test fold the flag so that the two halves line up and make a crease along the base of the flag where it will attach to the flagpole/lance/spear/pike etc
4. Apply enough (but NOT too much) PVA to the first 1/3 of the two ends of the flag and gentily bring them together, lining up the two sides so that they evenly match and leave to dry for a few minutes.
5. Push the base of the flag open and apply enough PVA to stick the rest of the flag together and also apply some round the flagpole that it is going to be attached to.
6. Push the flagpole through the flag and gently press the two sides together until they wrap round the whole length of the pole. At this stage the flag should still be pilable enough to mold some folds into it to make it look like its moving in the wind.
7. Using appropriate colours paint or wash the white edges of the flag and use a matt varnish to seal the whole base.

Some Scots ECW command bases that I did recently to show the results:

   
 
Though much is taken, much abides; and though
we are not now that strength which in old days
moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are.

mmcv

Looks well. My PVA experience tended to be it getting clumpy or squeezing out of the flag. May have just used too much and a slight water down would work well. One for experimenting.

Looking at your pictures makes me want to get my ECW out again. Just don't have the space to put up a big game at the moment. Someday soon hopefully.

paulr

I use a very similar approach to Pierre the Shy but like Fred I glue all the flag in one go but don't dilute my PVA

The keys are to fold the flag first and use a very thin smear of PVA on both sides

One interesting thing I learnt during my Hundred Years War banner research was that they used battens and other stiffening techniques to ensure the banner 'flew' square rather than flapping in the breeze

Fortunately I found that out before I had applied any banners #:-S

If I have suggested to anyone in the past that they should add a bit of movement to their medieval flags, my apologies :-[
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