"How do you get realistic folds in paper flags?" Topic

I was wondering how to get realistic folds in the paper flags so they looking like they are waving in the wind?

Also the flags are then hardened into that shape after?

And will dullcoat cause the ink on the printed paper flags to run?

I am thinking that a watered down white glue is perhaps used?

I use watered down white glue to wrap my flags around the pole.
Be careful in aligning them as the wet paper will tear if abused.
When it's aligned properly, just pinch some kinks in it and let it dry.
Practice with plain paper first.

What Winston said

For two sided flags you could glue it together but leave an extra big hole on the hoist – big enough to slip it over the finial. This gives you the opportunity to wrap it around a pencil and in reverse a few times to get the fluttery effect before it's on the figure.

White glue (PVA) will stiffen it up nicely. With effort you could alter it but not in any controlled way.

I don't know about sealant – I've been putting the flags on after the last coat of dullcoat is dry for the same concern you have – will the colors run/smudge?

Cut out the paper flag. Test fold it around the flag pole. Remove from flag pole. Paint 1/2 the inside of the flag with PVA (doesnt need to be watered down – ink may run if you use too much water or glue). Fold it around the flag, aligning it correctly.

At this point the paper flag will be slightly wet and bendable. Use a paintbrush handle to wrap the flag around. With a little practice you can get some nice and complex waves and curves. Let the flag dry, and then touch up where the paper is showing.

I always Dullcote my flags. It won't make the ink run unless maybe you really hosed down the flags

A little tip someone gave me:

use a pen or pencil to fold the freshly glued flag around (2 curves).

Then bend one of the outer corners one way & the other the opposite way.

It really works.

If you print the flags yourself on an inkjet printer, it's a good idea to spray with a sealant fairly soon. I can't remember which Krylon it was, but the label should let you know you've got the right one.
Bob

I actually place a piece of aluminum foil between the folded sheets of paper and glue it with PVA(elmers glue). Then you can shape it to what you want and let it dry.

Recently I've been using the metal wrapping on top of wine bottles as a stiffener in between the two halves of a flag. It really gives it a good bendable look, and it holds well.
I used Dullcoat on a GMB flag and it changed color from blue to purple. I don't spray any more.

What Nick Bowler said. When wrapping the flag around the paintbrush handle, do it in both one direction then the other, that makes it easier to make multiple bends. You can also do some slight twists and ochoin's suggestion in bending the outer corners in different directions should work too. I then seal my flags with a satin coat instead of dullcoat. I figure flags are usually made of silk and so are probably a little bit shiny.

Get my wife to do it.

Nick Bowler's point about touching up the white edge can't be over emphasised.

This transforms your flag.

Over the years the following practice evolved (mostly involving the warflag.com prints which cannot be praised highly enough):
Seal the inkjet prints with a spray. Let dry.
Fold vertically and press together.
Put white glue inside (one side is enough).
Wrap around a seperate pole the same thickness of the figure's pole. Be careful that it remains removable.
Let dry for some minutes.
Fold along the diagonal (that's the main trick!).
Than make folds according your wishes. They will remain in place when the flag is completely dry.
Remove from "working-pole" and attach to "figure's pole".
Touch up the white edges.

The "working-pole" saves you a lot of troubles with the colour bearer being in the way of your fingers …

I print my flags out on "printable" fabric and then use water down PVA. This enables me to scrunch up the flag as its almost dry and leaves all kinds of wrinkles in the flag.

The comment about folding the flag on the diagonal from the staff is the key to making the end result looking realistic. Also, most of us ( self included) often have the standard bearer holding the staff too high -- the bottom of the flag should be near the hands of the figure.

I never Dullkote GMB flags as I've never had a good experience doing so. I spray the other figures first, spray the standard bearer next, then glue on the flag, then finally glue the figure to the stand.

Per Der Alte Fritz.
As said the key is diagonal from the staff. i use a small set of needle nose pliers to make the wraps.
Once glue sets- flags remains to shape.
I dull coat mine since the dull coat makes it look more like fabric/cloth.

MG

As above, paint them with PVA glue and (carefully) crinkle into shape.

Don't fold the paper flag around the pole, even a stand in one. Instead, when folding in half for gluing with white pva glue, fasten a clip fastener around the pole end for a couple of mil so that no glue goes in that section. So effectively at this stage your flag is 'butterflied' with the centre held in the clip, and the two insides from the pole out to the 'fly' exposed. Now apply the glue, and then work the folding magic with narrow paint brush handle. Allow to dry. Now release the clip, and scissor along the pole edge, so that you are left with a shallow v shaped cut, which you can leisurely glue to the pole.

Yes, I do a combination of what Grenadier and Fritz both reference. It'll give a very good, real, look to the flag. Flags are not always fully waiving.

The diagonal runs from close to the pole at the top to away from the pole at the bottom. This makes the flag look like it is drooping a bit.

Grelber

I have an order placed with GMB so I can practice and try all the great advice! Thank you everyone!

I have found that if you paint both halves of the flag with glue it is easier to move it around to match up edges.

I have to agree with Grossman about both sides – it allows you to slide the sides around better to aline the edges.

Those of you who print your own, what material do print them on? I saw one comment about printable cloth, I've been using just regular stock paper. Is there something better? Where do you get it? Thanks

I have written a feature on this subject and it will be published in issue 101 of Wargames, Soldiers and Strategy magazine