"Best paper for printing flags." Topic

What is the best paper to print flags on?

I've had fine results using any standard white computer paper. Spray the inkjet prints with a bit of acrylic or enamel varnish and done.

I use regular paper also and haven't had any problems with flags for either 25/28mm or 15mm sized figures.

Jim

Same here. I print the flags on regular computer paper. I do print them in foldover pattern so the flag can be wrapped around the pole. (e.g. I have not printed 2-sided paper and tried to get that on a pole.)

Have done both color inkjet and color laser. With the inkjet you want to be sure it's dry before you touch it, which is usually easy to arrange.

Soak the flag in thinned white glue to get it to stick to itself, let dry stiff, trim as needed, then soften again with more thinned white glue and shape. Repeat until you get the shape just right.

Touch up the white edges with thinned black paint or another suitable color. Permanent marker works really well for this, except superglue will make it run, so I find it's easier to use paint versus remembering which models can't be repaired with superglue. I imagine paint pens would be the best of both worlds, but I didn't have paint pens the last time I made flags.

I have been using standard white paper for years. CeruLucifus, I did not know you could soften the flag by giving it a new coat of white glue--I'll have to remember that!

Grelber

For 15 mm, paper with 60 g/mē
For 28 mm, paper with 80 g/mē

Most paper will work fine in an inkjet but avoid using coated paper in a colour laser as the toner tends to separate from the surface when the flag is bent or creased.

I use 80-90gsm for smaller flags (6-8mm) and 100gsm for larger. I find the cheaper paper tends to be thicker for the same weight than better quality papers and thickness, rather than weight, is what, in my experience, makes a better flag.

Good 60gsm would be my ideal but it doesn't always feed well in my printer and the cold pressed type I buy rarely comes as thin as that.

Epson presentation paper MATTE (inkjet only) 41062

It's 102gsm but only one side is printable. This allows the printed surface to give a very vivid colour, but can still be folded to make a flag

John

For larger scales, 20mm and above, I have found that 24lb. paper works best. For smaller scales, I use 20lb. stock. One thing that you want to look for is the BRIGHTNESS factor which is normally listed near the weight. Brightness is a matter of personal taste, but for medieval flags, I used a lower brightness, for silk flags, (18th cent and Napoleonic) I use brighter paper. Elmers makes a CLEAR school glue which works great on flags and doesn't yellow with age. There is one thing that many people forget to do, is to paint the edges of the flags after they dry. I have seen many beautiful figures with nice flags, only to see white edges, take the extra 30 seconds to touch up the edges, you will be happy with the results.