"My GMC flags are loosing their colour" Topic

Some of my GMC flags are getting decolorized. This is particularly evident in some french flags. I bought these less than two years ago, the red has become pink, the dark blue light blue and the golden embroidery… well, some sort of dull ochre.
They are kept in a showcase behind glass and,no, they are not exposed to direct sunlight.

This is quite distressing because this is not particularly cheap stuff. Has anybody had the same experience?

GMC?

Or, did you mean GMB?

How (where) do you store your figures? Lots of direct/indirect sunlight? I have a lot of GMB flags, hence the curiousity.

loose
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LOSE
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Though I suppose, since their color was not very will fixed, that it was "loose" in a certain sense.

Sorry to hear about the fading colors, that is unfortunate.

I've been using these a lot for several years and have not had this experience. This is disturbing, though, keep us informed.

I keep them same as you (in a glass cabinet) and my oldest flags have around 5 years, and I never had that problem. I'm wondering what could have caused that…?

Well, if GMC made your flags then the quality problem should be obvious.

But seriously, I've never had any problems with GMB Designs flags other than if I have sprayed them with Dull Coat, then they get kind of fogged over. So never spray any coating over the flags.

"other than if I have sprayed them with Dull Coat, then they get kind of fogged over. So never spray any coating over the flags."

DAF is absolutely right on that one.

Is it possible that these are scans and printed out with a low end printer and ink?

Did you get them direct from GMB?

I'm not questioning your integrity, but I spent 17 years selling print technology and what you described are symptons of what I've seen on some cases when people use third party ink or refill toners and cartridges.

Or maybe the manufacturer tried a different printer or process.

Just a few ideas…

Yes, I got them directly from GMB. I am thinking of getting in touch with them to see what they have to say about it.

I tend to think like Dr X: some printing problem with some specific batch. As I have told you, this is only evident in some french flags, the rest seem to be OK…thus far!

Hmm, interesting. I have a pair of GMB flags that have faded too. British SYW flags of the 20th foot. Stored in my attic, so no strong light either. This set is the only set that has faded out of about 70 GMB sets I've used and which are all stored in the same place.

I must confess I routinely apply gloss varnsih to all my flags and then matt varnish over them to seal them

GMB is too big to fail.

[And I'd contact him; he'll probably exchange them for you. And maybe he can check out the batch it came from to narrow down the possible problem and avoid it in the future.]

Kellermann,
I sent you the mail below on the 18th. Did it reach you ?

Hi Piero

I'm very sorry to hear that. I have only had reports of this on three occasions in the ten years I've been trading ! That isn't to say that it hasn't happened more often – only that those were the only notifications. If there are ever any problems, please do get in touch, I'm happy to help.

First of all let me reassure you that I will replace all your faded flags. Please let me know the codes and your postal address.

The fading can happen if the flags are not sealed in any way. I do use an artists fixative on the flags after printing – but most customers would use a varnish on top of that. There can be problems of chemical reactions depending on which varnish is used. The inks are water soluble – so I would imagine a spirit based spray varnish would be best.

I would recommend an inkjet fixative ( a spray can ) Ghiant make one. Used after cutting and shaping the flag – but before attaching to the figure.

I'll add a few extra prints for you to experiment with. Please let me know how it goes.

Regards

Grahame Black
GMB Designs

Hi Grahame
I am having trouble ordering your flags, none of my emails are getting through to you, is there another way to place an order ?

Whoa…I pulled out my ECW army to show off to a new member of our gaming group and the yellow flag has turned a dirty white and the orange flags have turned pink. I used a elmer's glue stick to glue them together. That's rather benign and I've used this technique for over 20+ years with no adverse effects. I didn't seal the flags because I really like their detail plus the colors are quite subtle.

I'll get hold of Mr. Black and see if this is a recent problem. I'm sure he'll make it right. His reputation preceeds him. I really like GMB flags…they're exquisite and make my collection stand out.

Has anyone else had problems with recent purchases of GMB flags? I wonder if this is a problem with a recent ink cartridge or color toner purchase? If it was just one flag, I wouldn't question it was probably user error (mine) but multiple issues are a bit strange. Would it help if I posted a couple of pics?

Thanks!

Steve Miller
DFW Irregulars

Hey Steve !

'I'll get hold of Mr. Black and see if this is a recent problem. I'm sure he'll make it right. His reputation preceeds him. I really like GMB flags…they're exquisite and make my collection stand out.'

I will indeed, email me. gmbdesigns@blueyonder.co.uk

So far tracing to prints made around 2008 – and possibly a batch of paper which at the time seemed to be different to that which was usually supplied.
All inks fade to some extent – but I'm currently putting together an information sheet with advice which should keep the flags good for 60 years or so…

G