Flags

[fsn]

Dear Gentlemen of the Forum.

Has anyone got any hints, tips or videos on painting flags? I can do the clean, brand new uncased flags, but I'm looking for something that looks as if is has been in the wars.

I'm trying a few experiments, but nothing like milking the experience of the older, wiser heads.  


I should add, I'm thinking paper flags.

[paulr]

Based on some advise from Matt of Munslow before gluing the flag on I pick at the flag in several places, breaking the surface, with a modelling knife and then dry brush dark grey around each area of damage.

[Subedai]

Yep, that would be my advice as well.

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Use the edge of a credit card bill envelope, the paper is thick enough and thin enough at the same time to hold both paint and glue.
Paint your base colour, wash it with ink.
Highlight in base colour, add details & fringing if necessary.
Remember to paint the edges with fringe or base colour.
When dry, watered down pva to glue it to the pole, scrunching to make it wind blown.

[Matt J]

With this one I painted the flag on graph paper (easier to get proportions) front and back leaving a flap to wrap around and glue to the pole. Gently manipulate the flag to give that wind blown effect.
The battle damage is done before gluing to the pole. I gently tease the end of the flag with a scalpel so you are exposing the paper fibres. I made a few holes using the same technique. Then using a fine brush with watered down black paint gently run the edge of the brush ( not the tip) along the frayed edge barely touching. The watered paint will be absorbed by the exposed paper fibres. Not too much water or too much paint.

simples 

Matt

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Sweet

[Techno]

I've seen them....They're rubbish ! 
Cheers - Marvin

(Oh all right...They're not bad, I suppose.... )