Archival flag/banner storage system. By Paul R ©
The topic on how to properly store flags and banners has come up every so often. There are several different ways of how to store them in an archival safe manner. One of the ways to store them will be talked about in this pinned article.
Simply folding a flag or banner will produce creases in the flag. In time the folded method also will stress the flag’s fabric threads breaking them down and tearing them apart. Even refolding the flag every few months will not protect the threads from breaking down. I have seen large flags and banners 8ft. X 15ft. folded down to a 3ft. X 5ft. bundle.
Yes, the tightly folded bundle takes up little space, but now you added the weight of the flag to help stress the creases and tear the fabric’s threads.
Rolled flag/banner storage system.
This method is how a lot of museums store such items. It’s a fairly inexpensive method and a safe way to put it together with out spending a small fortune.
A list of supplies that you will need to complete your project follows (some items can be purchased at local fabric stores):
* Acid free cardboard tubes come in various lengths and widths to make it easier to roll the flag. There are several companies that sell these tubes in different lengths and widths. For smaller flags and banners I have found that a 3 inch diameter tube works well for a 3ft. X 5 ft item. For those flags that are in poor condition or torn a 4-5 inch diameter tube works better. It‘s better to have that type of flag rolled over a larger tube than a smaller diameter as not to stress torn areas. (most likely you have to order these tubes). I would advise you not to use cheap plain cardboard tubes. They are made with poor quality wood pulp, sulfur, and paper stiffeners. All of these inexpensive tubes are prone to out gas and deteroite quickly.
* Unbleached muslin fabric (easily found in a local fabric store). This must first be washed (wash fabric in a washing machine on cool water DO NOT USE SOAP) the plain water will wash out the starch that was added to the fabric during the fabric’s manufacturing process. Air dry or line dry only. Do NOT put cotton fabric a hot drier.
* Cotton twill tape ½ wide (local fabric store)
* An Acid free box to store your flags in when you are finished (ordered)
* Cotton gloves (may have to be ordered)
There are a few necessary first steps to conceder before you start your project. Have a clean work area to start with. A clean kitchen, or a dinning room table may be used, or a cleaned vacuumed floor area.
For larger flags you might enlist someone’s help to roll the flag on to the tube straight. Use cotton gloves on your hands.
Photo #1 Is showing the acid free tube on washed muslin fabric. The fabric is cut 3 longer than the tube, and the fabric goes around the tube once (allow for at least a 1 in amount over the fabric).The muslin will help to keep the flag/banner from sliding off the tube. Do not glue or staple the fabric on to the tube. If you find that the acid free tube is too long for your flag/banner. You can saw it down with a hand saw.
The topic on how to properly store flags and banners has come up every so often. There are several different ways of how to store them in an archival safe manner. One of the ways to store them will be talked about in this pinned article.
Simply folding a flag or banner will produce creases in the flag. In time the folded method also will stress the flag’s fabric threads breaking them down and tearing them apart. Even refolding the flag every few months will not protect the threads from breaking down. I have seen large flags and banners 8ft. X 15ft. folded down to a 3ft. X 5ft. bundle.
Yes, the tightly folded bundle takes up little space, but now you added the weight of the flag to help stress the creases and tear the fabric’s threads.
Rolled flag/banner storage system.
This method is how a lot of museums store such items. It’s a fairly inexpensive method and a safe way to put it together with out spending a small fortune.
A list of supplies that you will need to complete your project follows (some items can be purchased at local fabric stores):
* Acid free cardboard tubes come in various lengths and widths to make it easier to roll the flag. There are several companies that sell these tubes in different lengths and widths. For smaller flags and banners I have found that a 3 inch diameter tube works well for a 3ft. X 5 ft item. For those flags that are in poor condition or torn a 4-5 inch diameter tube works better. It‘s better to have that type of flag rolled over a larger tube than a smaller diameter as not to stress torn areas. (most likely you have to order these tubes). I would advise you not to use cheap plain cardboard tubes. They are made with poor quality wood pulp, sulfur, and paper stiffeners. All of these inexpensive tubes are prone to out gas and deteroite quickly.
* Unbleached muslin fabric (easily found in a local fabric store). This must first be washed (wash fabric in a washing machine on cool water DO NOT USE SOAP) the plain water will wash out the starch that was added to the fabric during the fabric’s manufacturing process. Air dry or line dry only. Do NOT put cotton fabric a hot drier.
* Cotton twill tape ½ wide (local fabric store)
* An Acid free box to store your flags in when you are finished (ordered)
* Cotton gloves (may have to be ordered)
There are a few necessary first steps to conceder before you start your project. Have a clean work area to start with. A clean kitchen, or a dinning room table may be used, or a cleaned vacuumed floor area.
For larger flags you might enlist someone’s help to roll the flag on to the tube straight. Use cotton gloves on your hands.
Photo #1 Is showing the acid free tube on washed muslin fabric. The fabric is cut 3 longer than the tube, and the fabric goes around the tube once (allow for at least a 1 in amount over the fabric).The muslin will help to keep the flag/banner from sliding off the tube. Do not glue or staple the fabric on to the tube. If you find that the acid free tube is too long for your flag/banner. You can saw it down with a hand saw.
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