Which Flag Should I Buy?
How to select the correct flag for your application-
Our flags can be broken down into 4 different types.
Budget - ValuePoly II
Our entry level polyester flags are significantly less expensive than our main line knitted polyester flags. They are of a thinner fabric and are great for events or in situations where the flag will not be exposed to weather or wind for an extended period. That being said, many customers have had much success with our budget line and as mentioned above; lifespan on these varies greatly with each situation. Great for: Canada Day, events, farmers markets, indoor use, outdoor use in moderation.
Every day use - ToughtKnit
The woven polyester flags are our main line - everyday use flag. They are affordable and suited for any application you can think of. Made of a thicker woven polyester fabric than our entry level flags, they offer resilience and uv protection at a mid range price.
Strong - StormTex II
Spun woven polyester. A stronger flag, for windy locations but slightly more expensive. They also have a traditional look to them - reminiscent of flags from older times. Printed.
Nylon - Appliqué
Appliqué flags are our top tier flag, representing quality, craftsmanship and historical construction. They are recommended for display and are often used by military, police, government, and many commercial organizations. They can be flown year round and are extremely fade resistant and durable. Their pricing reflects the more hands-on production required to assemble them.
Popular sizes
- 18”x36”
- 27”x54”
- 36”x72”
Popular printing types
Screen printing, also known as silk screening, is a printing technique that involves transferring ink onto fabric through a mesh screen. Here's a summary:
- Process: Screen printing involves creating a stencil (or screen) by blocking out areas not meant to be printed using a light-sensitive emulsion or film. Ink is then forced through the open areas of the stencil onto the substrate using a squeegee.
- Materials: The basic materials needed for screen printing include a mesh screen (traditionally made of silk, hence the name), a frame to hold the screen in place, stencils, ink, and a squeegee.
- Applications: Screen printing can be used on various surfaces, including textiles (such as flags, T-shirts, tote bags, and posters), paper, glass, ceramics, and metals. It's widely used for printing apparel, promotional items, signage, and artwork.
- Advantages: Screen printing offers vibrant colors, durability, and versatility. It's suitable for printing on both flat and curved surfaces and can be used to create intricate designs with precise detail.
- Limitations: Screen printing can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, especially for multi-color designs that require separate screens for each color. It may not be cost-effective for small production runs or designs with many colors.
- Evolution: While traditional screen printing methods involve manual processes, advancements in technology have led to the development of automated and digital screen printing systems, which offer increased efficiency and precision.
Overall, screen printing is a popular and widely used printing technique for its ability to produce high-quality, long-lasting prints on a variety of surfaces.
Screen printed flags are best suited for everyday use and are an economical choice for anyone wanting an all purpose flag.
Appliqué
The appliqué flag-making process involves sewing individual pieces of fabric onto a base fabric to create a design. This technique allows for intricate designs and vibrant colors. Here's a summarized breakdown of the process:
- Design Creation: A design for the flag is created, either digitally or by hand, outlining the desired shape, colors, and details.
- Fabric Selection: Different colored fabrics are chosen to match the design. These fabrics are durable and colorfast to ensure longevity.
- Cutting: The chosen fabrics are cut into the desired shapes according to the design. These pieces will form the various elements of the flag's design.
- Base Fabric Preparation: A base fabric, usually a sturdy material like nylon or polyester, is prepared for the appliqué process. This fabric serves as the background onto which the design will be sewn.
- Appliqué Technique: Using a sewing machine or hand-stitching, the fabric pieces are carefully sewn onto the base fabric following the design outline. This process requires precision to ensure the design is accurately represented.
- Finishing Touches: Once the appliqué work is complete, any excess fabric threads are trimmed, and final adjustments may be made to ensure the flag's overall appearance is clean and professional.
- Quality Check: The finished flag undergoes a thorough quality check to ensure that all elements are securely attached, colors are vibrant, and the overall craftsmanship meets standards.
- Packaging and Distribution: The completed flags are packaged for shipment or display. Or sold directly to consumers, retailers, or used for various purposes such as events, displays, or patriotic ceremonies.
Overall, the appliqué flag-making process requires skill, attention to detail, and craftsmanship to produce high-quality flags that accurately represent the intended design and withstand the test of time.
Appliqué flags are a high end solution for anyone looking for a flag that is known for its craftsmanship and display value. They can be flown outdoors just like printed flags and are created by a process that dates back hundreds of years. We recommend them for presentation, ceremony and indoor too.
Digital Fabric Printing
Digital printing for flags is a modern and versatile technique that allows for the reproduction of intricate designs, vibrant colors, and photographic imagery with exceptional detail and clarity. In this process, the desired design is digitally printed onto fabric using specialized printers equipped with high-resolution printing technology.
The process begins with the creation or selection of a digital design file, which can include complex graphics, text, logos, and photographs. This digital file is then loaded into the digital printer, which utilizes advanced inkjet technology to transfer the design onto the chosen flag fabric.
One of the key advantages of digital printing for flags is its ability to accurately reproduce intricate designs and vibrant colors, making it ideal for flags with detailed artwork or complex graphics. Additionally, digital printing allows for customization and personalization, as designs can be easily modified or tailored to specific requirements.
Digital printing offers a cost-effective solution for producing small to medium quantities of flags, as it eliminates the need for costly setup fees or printing plates associated with traditional printing methods. It also offers fast turnaround times, making it suitable for tight deadlines or last-minute orders.
Furthermore, digital printing is environmentally friendly, as it minimizes waste by using precise amounts of ink and reducing the need for chemicals typically associated with traditional printing processes.
Overall, digital printing for flags provides a modern, efficient, and high-quality solution for producing custom flags with intricate designs, vibrant colors, and exceptional detail.
This process is used mainly for our custom flags, our beach flags and teardrops as well as associated products.
Woven Polyester - ValuePoly II
Our Basic polyester flags are commonly used for outdoor and indoor display due to their durability, vibrant colors, and resistance to weather conditions. Here's a summary of polyester flag construction:
- Material: Polyester is a synthetic fiber known for its strength, durability, and resistance to stretching and shrinking. Flags made from polyester are lightweight and can withstand exposure to sunlight, wind, and rain.
- Printing: Polyester flags are typically printed using dye sublimation, screen print, or digital printing techniques. Dye sublimation involves transferring dye directly onto the fabric using heat, resulting in vibrant, long-lasting colors and detailed designs. Digital printing allows for full-color printing with precise detail and can accommodate complex designs.
- Construction: Polyester flags are constructed from polyester fabric, with the design printed on one or both sides of the flag. The edges of the flag are double-stitched or hemmed to reinforce durability and prevent fraying.
- Finishing: Polyester flags feature reinforced grommets along one edge for easy mounting on a flagpole. Grommets are metal rings inserted into the fabric, while a pole hem is a fabric sleeve through which a flagpole can be inserted. Pole hem is available on a custom order basis. Please contact us to learn more.
- Maintenance: Polyester flags are relatively low maintenance and can be hand-washed or machine-washed with mild detergent to remove dirt and debris. It's recommended to avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as they may damage the fabric or affect the color quality.
Overall, polyester flags offer a cost-effective and versatile solution for displaying national pride, promoting brands or events, and adding decorative elements to indoor and outdoor spaces. These flags offer a combination of being able to accept vibrant colors, and customization options makes them a popular choice for a wide range of applications.
Knitted Polyester - ToughtKnit
Knitted polyester is a type of polyester fabric that is produced using a knitting process, resulting in a flexible, stretchable, and durable material. Polyester itself is a synthetic fiber known for its strength, resistance to wrinkles, and ease of care. When knitted, polyester fibers are interlocked to create a fabric that offers several advantages:
- Durability: Knitted polyester is highly durable and resistant to abrasion, tearing, and stretching. This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, including flags, banners, clothing, and upholstery.
- Flexibility and Stretch: The knitting process allows for the creation of a fabric with inherent stretchability and flexibility. This makes knitted polyester ideal for applications where movement is important, such as flags and clothing.
- Vibrant Colors: Knitted polyester can be dyed using various methods, including digital printing screen printing and sublimation, resulting in vibrant, long-lasting colors. This makes it an excellent choice for applications requiring high-quality graphics and designs, such as flags and banners.
- Quick Drying: Polyester fibers have low absorbency, meaning they do not retain moisture. Knitted polyester fabrics dry quickly when wet, making them suitable for outdoor use or in environments where moisture resistance is important.
- Easy Care: Knitted polyester is easy to care for and maintains its shape and color even after repeated washing. It is also resistant to shrinking and wrinkles, making it a practical choice for clothing and textiles that require low maintenance.
Overall, knitted polyester offers a combination of durability, flexibility, vibrant colors, and easy care, making it a versatile and popular choice for a wide range of applications in various industries.