Yes, this post is going to teach you how to keep garden flags from fading just in 4 easy methods.
It’s obvious that the flag is a sacred and significant symbol of what it represents. That is why it must be displayed in good physical condition.
Moreover, hanging frayed or faded flags in the United States can be a serious violation of the Federal Flag Code. No one, nor me nor you wants to go against our national law.
We’re breaking down these 4 methods as a step-by-step guide. Scroll down right now!
Contents
Method #1: Using Fabric UV Protection Spray To Keep Garden Flags From Fading
Outdoor garden flags are utterly exposed to sunlight, rain, and air dust. These are the main factors to make an outdoor flag easily lose its brightness. Therefore, the first and foremost method for preventing the flag from fading is to spray a layer of UV protectants for outdoor fabric on them.
The protectant not only block the sun from fading your garden flag. It also provides resistance to moisture, mildew, stains, and spills. You can find this fabric UV protection spray product on many e-commerce sites, such as Amazon, Etsy, Home Depot, etc. Make sure to buy a protectant that clearly states it is safe to use on colored fabrics. Now, let’s get into the practice.
Step 1 - Preparation
Place your flag on a flat surface, such as a tabletop, or the floor. Line a layer of paper or carton with a larger size than the flag to prevent chemicals from splashing on the surface. Then, stretch the flag with your hands. To remove dirt from it, gently wipe both sides with a soft cloth.
Step 2 - Application
Grasp the fabric protectant can about 25cm away from the flag. With your hand moving back and forth from top to bottom, spray a thin, even layer. Allow it to dry naturally for about 30 minutes before flipping it over and repeating the process. Spray one more coat after both sides of the flag have dried.
Step 3 - Reapplication
To keep your garden flags looking great all the time, reapply fabric protectant to them every three months. If you live in a warm, sunny climate, do it more frequently to protect them from strong UV light and dirt.
Method #2: Keeping Flags Unexposed To Inclement Weather
Keep an eye on the weather, whether you’re at home or away. Due to adverse weather conditions, the majority of flags deteriorated over time. If you’re going to be gone for a few days, bring the flags inside. Otherwise, carefully examine the weather forecast to ensure that it will not be subjected to severe weather conditions. Even when you’re at home, do not forget to check the weather frequently to maintain your flag. Particularly while you’re sleeping at night, take the flags down and move them inside your house. You would probably have no idea what your flags are going through because you’re getting deep into the night.
Another thing to keep in mind is not to fly your flags outsite too long, especially if you live in a windy area.
High winds will cause your flags to rub harder against the air, causing the color to fade more rapidly. Needless to say, even if your flags aren’t fading, strong winds could rip them off.
Method #3: Proper Flag Cleaning And Restoration
It’s clear that how much you try to protect something from being destroyed while using it, somehow it still becomes progressively worse over time. The best way to keep your flags fine for as longest time possible is to check the fabric regularly. If it’s damaged, immediately repair it. Most of the time, flag users can hardly fix a faded flag themselves. So, bringing your flags to the professionals is an advisable option.
Also, remember to clean or wash your flags frequently using mild detergent only. The accumulated dirt and pollution on flags can cause them to look dull in weak color vibrancy, lose brightness, and gradually fade. Dust can affect the strength of the fabric’s fiber as well.
Method #4: Using Two Garden Flags Interchangeably
A wise way to help your flags avoid fading or any damage is to purchase two flags and rotate them. This way gives you a chance to always have a flag hung in your garden without let any individual flag work a ‘full-time’ job. Furthermore, having two in the rotation allows you to keep a closer eye on potential damage and stay on top of flag maintenance with ease. Well, the flag then has time to rest and be restored securely to extend its life. This is a tip rather than any so-called method, anyway, it surely benefits the flag users.
When a flag is stored for another one to be displayed in the garden, make sure to keep it in a dark, dry space or anywhere without natural and artificial light. Do the best you can this way and you will always have a stunning flag to hang every day.
What Is The Longest Lasting Flag Material?
Nylon fabric is the longest-lasting flag material. This fabric has a high level of tensile strength. It is durable and adds a luxurious touch to clothing and decor. Nylon flags are commonly used to fly on flagpoles outside because they are UV resistant, waterproof, and lightweight. Therefore, it’s hard for them to be damaged in unpleasant weather conditions.
At What Wind Speed Should I Take My Flag Down?
Winds with a speed of over 40mph are the warning sign for you to lower your flags. This extent of wind speed can cause any flag to quickly be torn apart.
How Long Will A Flag Last?
The United States Government expects a nylon or cotton flag to last 90 days if flown daily from dawn to dusk – but not during inclement weather. In some instances, tests have shown that a flag flown 24/7 will only last one-fourth as long as one flown only during the daytime.
When Should You Replace A Flag?
If the flag has faded or deteriorated to the point that it can no longer be repaired, or dirty to the point that it can no longer be cleaned, it is time to replace it. If the stripes (cut where the rag begins) are even longer than the field, any flag that is ragged at the tip of the fly can be repaired.
Do Polyester Flags Fade?
Polyester flags are all fade-resistant. Like nylon, polyester fabric is a type of plastic composed of man-made synthetic fibers. Polyester flags are thus extremely durable, mildew-resistant, quick-drying, and smooth. They are best used in areas with high winds and inclement weather.
Can I Leave My Flag Out At Night?
According to the Flag Code, the American flag is only allowed to be displayed from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open. When a patriotic effect is desired, however, citizens are permitted to hang the flags 24 hours a day if it is properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
