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Flag Care and folding
Exposure to the elements (wind, rain, pollutants, and U.V. light levels) will ultimately result in deterioration, which cannot be avoided - a flying flag is a working flag. Premature wear can be avoided however, and flag life extended dramatically with a little care, if the following recommendations are followed:
Don't fly flags at night. Flags can't be seen (unless floodlit), but wear continues.
Dirt and pollution discolour flags and hasten wear. Wash occasionally (machine or hand) in warm soapy water will revive their lustre. Iron flags (do not Iron bands) on a low heat polyester setting.
Dry before storing to avoid creases or mildew.
Ensure flags are not striking any projections,
or catching on rough flagpoles or fittings.
Frayed or torn hems should be trimmed and
re-hemmed as soon as possible.
Avoid flying in high winds.
Exposure to sunlight over a long period should be avoided. store in a cool, dry, dark cupboard.
Don't fly flags at night. Flags can't be seen (unless floodlit), but wear continues.
Dirt and pollution discolour flags and hasten wear. Wash occasionally (machine or hand) in warm soapy water will revive their lustre. Iron flags (do not Iron bands) on a low heat polyester setting.
Dry before storing to avoid creases or mildew.
Ensure flags are not striking any projections,
or catching on rough flagpoles or fittings.
Frayed or torn hems should be trimmed and
re-hemmed as soon as possible.
Avoid flying in high winds.
Exposure to sunlight over a long period should be avoided. store in a cool, dry, dark cupboard.
Flag shown is our original prototype flag from 2003
How long should a flag last?
There is no exact answer. Flag manufacturers do not warranty flags with a "life expectancy" because weather conditions are constantly changing.
The government generally expects a flag to last approximately 90 days based on daily usage from sunrise to sunset - but not during periods of inclement weather. Tests have shown that in some cases a flag flown 24 hours a day will last only a quarter as long as one flown during daylight hours only.
The major enemies of a flag are the wind and sun. Neither you nor we can control the weather, but you can take care of your flag and lengthen its life.
1. Occasional washing in warm mild detergent water will prevent dirt and pollutants from attacking the fabric.
2. Have your flag repaired at the first sign of fraying.
To extend flag life, flag repair is okay. Repair requires trimming off the tattered or frayed end and sewing a new hem resembling the original hem with nylon or polyester thread. It is proper to repeat this repair sequence until the flag reaches the tip of the first star of the Southern Cross nearest to the fly end (the part of the flag furthest from the flagpole). Keep in mind repair flags will not last as long as the flag did when it was new because the flag fabric has already started to deteriorate.
Our flags are hand manufactured with 4 lines of hem stitching to give maximum service in return for reasonable care. No two flags wear the same. Because weather conditions vary, most flags flown 24 hours a day 7 days a week will need to be replaced five or six times a year. The best way to stretch your "flag dollars" is to have two flags: one flying, and one in the wash.
That said, a flag that is displayed indoors and is not flown outdoors can last for many years, our original prototype was made 11 years ago and has been flown a couple of times and displayed indoors, and it still looks almost brand new.
The government generally expects a flag to last approximately 90 days based on daily usage from sunrise to sunset - but not during periods of inclement weather. Tests have shown that in some cases a flag flown 24 hours a day will last only a quarter as long as one flown during daylight hours only.
The major enemies of a flag are the wind and sun. Neither you nor we can control the weather, but you can take care of your flag and lengthen its life.
1. Occasional washing in warm mild detergent water will prevent dirt and pollutants from attacking the fabric.
2. Have your flag repaired at the first sign of fraying.
To extend flag life, flag repair is okay. Repair requires trimming off the tattered or frayed end and sewing a new hem resembling the original hem with nylon or polyester thread. It is proper to repeat this repair sequence until the flag reaches the tip of the first star of the Southern Cross nearest to the fly end (the part of the flag furthest from the flagpole). Keep in mind repair flags will not last as long as the flag did when it was new because the flag fabric has already started to deteriorate.
Our flags are hand manufactured with 4 lines of hem stitching to give maximum service in return for reasonable care. No two flags wear the same. Because weather conditions vary, most flags flown 24 hours a day 7 days a week will need to be replaced five or six times a year. The best way to stretch your "flag dollars" is to have two flags: one flying, and one in the wash.
That said, a flag that is displayed indoors and is not flown outdoors can last for many years, our original prototype was made 11 years ago and has been flown a couple of times and displayed indoors, and it still looks almost brand new.
FURTHER CARE INFORMATION
Give your flag the attention it deserves. Watch the corners on the 'fly' end of your flag. This is normally the first area to show signs of wear and tear. Trim off the worn hem and re-hem the end. It’s perfectly proper and when done promptly can greatly extend the life of your flag.
HIGH WINDS RUIN FLAGS
When your flag has to take the lashing punishment of high winds, something 'has to give'. Remember. Wind velocity at the top of your flagpole is usually much greater than at ground level.
RAIN IS TOUGH ON FLAGS
The combination of wind and rain can literally beat some of the dye out of flag fabrics and cause colour migration. This condition can occur even to the finest quality dyes and materials. If your flag suffers colour damage due to storm exposure, prompt washing in a mild detergent will usually remove the discolouration. The added weight of moisture in the fabric causes the flag to snap harder and wear out sooner. Where possible please don't fly your flag in the rain.
DON'T FLY A DIRTY FLAG
Keep your flags clean. A little investment in cleanliness pays big dividends in flag life. Dirt is sharp. It cuts fabrics, it dulls colours, and it causes wear. Most outdoor flags can be washed using a mild detergent on a 30 - 40 degree cycle in a domestic washing machine. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you have flags dry cleaned.
STORING WET FLAGS
The emergency of getting your flag out the rain is no reason to store it wet. Dry it as you would wearing apparel. Hang it neatly and evenly. Wet folds turn into nasty permanent creases. Dampness ruins fabrics and causes mildew.
FLAGS SUFFER FROM AIR POLLUTION TOO
Dirt, smoke and dust cause premature wear of flag materials and make the flags loose their brightness and lustre. Concentrations of smog, exhaust fumes and many industrial gases actually destroy flag materials. The fibres of the cloth and sewing threads are rotted and flags can literally fall apart.
CONTACT WITH PETROL / OIL
Petroleum products are injurious to flag fabrics. Flags for boats are particularly subject to this hazard. Keep your flags away from motor and fuel tanks and out of water fouled with diesel and oil. Do not handle your flag with greasy hands.
POLE PAINT AND METALLIC OXIDES
Pole care is related to flag care. Rusty, pock marked poles chafe and tear flag fabrics and stitching. Rust and scale will cause permanent stains. Some metallic oxides (rust) actually eat holes in fabric. Keep your flag pole in good condition.
BEWARE - CHEMICALS HURT FLAGS
Storing flags in unventilated areas is courting trouble. Cleaning compounds, waxing, maintenance and janitorial chemicals are 'death' to flag fabrics. Even super-strong nylon stitching is damaged by those super-strong chemicals. Why run the risk?
Give your flags lots of fresh air!
Give your flag the attention it deserves. Watch the corners on the 'fly' end of your flag. This is normally the first area to show signs of wear and tear. Trim off the worn hem and re-hem the end. It’s perfectly proper and when done promptly can greatly extend the life of your flag.
HIGH WINDS RUIN FLAGS
When your flag has to take the lashing punishment of high winds, something 'has to give'. Remember. Wind velocity at the top of your flagpole is usually much greater than at ground level.
RAIN IS TOUGH ON FLAGS
The combination of wind and rain can literally beat some of the dye out of flag fabrics and cause colour migration. This condition can occur even to the finest quality dyes and materials. If your flag suffers colour damage due to storm exposure, prompt washing in a mild detergent will usually remove the discolouration. The added weight of moisture in the fabric causes the flag to snap harder and wear out sooner. Where possible please don't fly your flag in the rain.
DON'T FLY A DIRTY FLAG
Keep your flags clean. A little investment in cleanliness pays big dividends in flag life. Dirt is sharp. It cuts fabrics, it dulls colours, and it causes wear. Most outdoor flags can be washed using a mild detergent on a 30 - 40 degree cycle in a domestic washing machine. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you have flags dry cleaned.
STORING WET FLAGS
The emergency of getting your flag out the rain is no reason to store it wet. Dry it as you would wearing apparel. Hang it neatly and evenly. Wet folds turn into nasty permanent creases. Dampness ruins fabrics and causes mildew.
FLAGS SUFFER FROM AIR POLLUTION TOO
Dirt, smoke and dust cause premature wear of flag materials and make the flags loose their brightness and lustre. Concentrations of smog, exhaust fumes and many industrial gases actually destroy flag materials. The fibres of the cloth and sewing threads are rotted and flags can literally fall apart.
CONTACT WITH PETROL / OIL
Petroleum products are injurious to flag fabrics. Flags for boats are particularly subject to this hazard. Keep your flags away from motor and fuel tanks and out of water fouled with diesel and oil. Do not handle your flag with greasy hands.
POLE PAINT AND METALLIC OXIDES
Pole care is related to flag care. Rusty, pock marked poles chafe and tear flag fabrics and stitching. Rust and scale will cause permanent stains. Some metallic oxides (rust) actually eat holes in fabric. Keep your flag pole in good condition.
BEWARE - CHEMICALS HURT FLAGS
Storing flags in unventilated areas is courting trouble. Cleaning compounds, waxing, maintenance and janitorial chemicals are 'death' to flag fabrics. Even super-strong nylon stitching is damaged by those super-strong chemicals. Why run the risk?
Give your flags lots of fresh air!
| silver_fern_flag_care_instructions.pdf |
Download the care and flag information sheet by clicking the pdf icon above. The sheet outlines care instructions and a full description of the significance of the Silver Fern Flag.