You must select the right material for your flag during the flag-designing process. This is especially important when it comes to outdoor flags. Even though the flag material might not be the first thing you consider when buying a flag, it is still crucial. Whether you want to purchase a flag for your office or company, it is best to consider the material used. This article provides knowledge on how to select the best material for your outdoor and indoor flags.
Which Materials Are Utilized in Making Flags?
Flags in the United States and around the globe are made using various materials. Usually, the material used in making a flag depends on its location and purpose. Nevertheless, the popular materials used in making flags include nylon, cotton, and polyester. However, cotton is typically limited for indoor use. Are you looking for a flag but need help knowing where to begin? Here is an unlimited flag selection to choose from.
Even though linen, wool, and silk have been utilized over the years in flag construction, they are largely absent in the present industry. Instead, more sturdy materials such as canvas are now used in flag making, following their ability to withstand rough weather elements.
Indoor Flags
An indoor flag means it will be used under a roof; thus, it will not be exposed to harsh weather conditions like sun, rain, or wind. Theoretically, indoor flags can be made from any material. However, certain factors affect the material you select for your indoor flag. For instance, printed flags will require you to use a material that is print ready.
Outdoor Flags
Unlike indoor flags, which can use almost any material type, outdoor flags require heavy-duty materials. Therefore, you do not have the freedom to select any fabric of your choice. The material for making an outdoor flag should be weather-resistant and durable. Also, it should be lightweight to allow proper movement in the wind. The most popular materials used for outdoor flags include polyester and nylon. These material types are highly weather resistant and will maintain their colors even after exposure to harsh sun rays. Nylon and polyester fly well in the air with the slightest breeze.
Hybrid materials like polyester offer amazing benefits when used in flag construction following their unique properties. For instance, polyester takes about 200 years to decompose, thus guaranteeing longevity.
Is Cotton Good for Making Flags?
While cotton is a popular material for making flags, it is not ideal for outdoor flags. Cotton flags tend to be heavier than nylon and polyester. Also, this material is more prone to wrinkles. Nevertheless, cotton works perfectly for an indoor banner or flag.
Other factors you must consider about a flag material include resistance to fire. This is highly dependent on the selected location and purpose of your flag. Generally, a fire-resistant material is useful for indoor and outdoor flags. The good thing is that most materials used in making flags consist of fire-retardant features.
Also, an ideal flag material should be wrinkle-resistant, anti-static, and non-fraying, especially for outdoor flags.
