Resource Guide

Caring For Your Flags

A little care goes a long way. Follow these tips to keep your flags looking vibrant and flying longer, plus assembly guides for our most popular products.

General Wear & Tear

Help Your Flag Last Longer

Most flags will last quite some time if they are cared for properly. Flags left outside day and night will not last very long at all. Here are a few tips to help your flag last longer.

Use the right flag outdoors

Only flags made specifically for exterior use should be displayed outdoors. For everyday outdoor display, 200-denier nylon is the most popular choice — it is lightweight, flies easily in a light breeze, dries quickly and resists mildew. In exposed or high-wind spots, two-ply spun polyester is the heavier-duty option and stands up far better to harsh conditions. Cotton flags are best kept for indoor or parade use, as they absorb moisture, run colour and wear quickly outside.

Avoid rain and high winds

For the best results, do not expose your flag to heavy rain, snow or abnormally high winds — these forces can shorten its life considerably. Even all-weather nylon and polyester flags can be damaged by severe storms, hail or sustained gales, so use good judgement and take the flag down when the weather turns. Should the flag become wet, spread it out or hang it flat and allow it to dry completely. Never fold or roll up a wet or damp flag, as trapped moisture leads to mildew and staining.

Keep colours bright

Clean your flag regularly, before soiling and discolouration from dirt, smoke, dust and airborne pollutants set into the fabric. Outdoor nylon and polyester flags can be hand-washed in cold or lukewarm water with a mild detergent, or machine-washed on a gentle cycle, then rinsed thoroughly and spread or hung to dry. Do not let the flag stand in the wash water or colours may bleed into lighter sections, and never use hot water, strong cycles or wringing. Nylon flags with gold fringe, and indoor or parade flags, should be dry-cleaned only.

Mind the surroundings

Do not place the flag where the wind will whip it against rough surfaces, tree branches, wires or cable ties — the smallest tear can soon result in a tattered flag. Keep pole surfaces free of heavy dirt, rust, scale and corrosion, all of which act like sandpaper on the fabric. If you use cable ties to attach the flag, snip the edges so they are not sharp, and consider a swivel-style mount so the flag rotates instead of wrapping around the pole and chafing. A smooth, clean pole and a little clearance from nearby objects make a big difference.

Inspect for signs of wear

Inspect your flag regularly for signs of wear, especially during periods of strong sun, frequent wind or severe weather. Pay particular attention to the fly end — the edge furthest from the staff — which absorbs the most force when the wind snaps the flag and is usually the first to fray. Hold the fabric up to the light to check for thin or transparent patches, and look for separating seams, stretched grommets or fading colours. Catching a small frayed corner or loose stitch early means a simple trim and re-hem can extend the flag’s life considerably.

Poles and bases

All feather-flag poles push together in order from smallest to largest, and we recommend using only the elastic bungee supplied to secure the flag to the base. Stronger items such as Ocky straps will damage the pole fittings and cause the sections to slide inside each other. When using a ground spike, use a hammer on the straight rod only — never strike where the flag pole drops onto the base, as this will damage the spike. Keep the pole clean and free of grit so the sections seat properly and the fabric slides on without snagging.

How Long Will My Flag Last?

There is no exact answer. The Government generally expects a nylon or cotton bunting flag to last approximately 90 days, based on daily usage from sunrise to sunset — but not during periods of inclement weather. Tests have shown that in some cases a flag flown 24 hours a day will last only one-fourth as long as one flown during daylight hours only.

Regardless of how well it is constructed, a flag is, after all, only a piece of cloth and will sooner or later succumb to the elements. However, it has been well documented that reasonably good care can contribute greatly to a longer life.

Take your flag down during inclement weather or high winds to maximise its lifespan.

Assembly & Specifications