How do y’all do flags?

[Basementboy]

Precisely the above- I’ve been looking at some medieval polish but I’m not freehanding that flag and I can’t find any transfers- how do you all do flags and heraldry usually? This needn’t relate specifically to Poland I just wanted to know

[FifteensAway]

Find a company that makes the desired flag - ideally scalable to whatever size figures you use.  There are a lot out there and I'm sure folks who know more than me will fill in the blanks soon.

[Fitz]

I print them with both sides splayed out like a two-page spread, trim to size, and then fold and glue them around the flag staff. Once the glue has dried thoroughly, then I press some waviness into the flag so that it's not completely flat.

Quite often I'll add some paint over the top of the printing, which smooths everything out and helps to disguise any flaws in the printedness of it.

Here's some Napoleonics I've done that way:

[LazyStudent]

I can recommend this supplier for Med Polish flags and lance banners! http://www.qrminiatures.pl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10&Itemid=10

[Basementboy]

Why thank you very much! All extremely useful, and I’ll probably be grabbing some of those Polish flags

[fred]

I print them with both sides splayed out like a two-page spread, trim to size, and then fold and glue them around the flag staff. Once the glue has dried thoroughly, then I press some waviness into the flag so that it's not completely flat.

Quite often I'll add some paint over the top of the printing, which smooths everything out and helps to disguise any flaws in the printedness of it.]

Yes, very much this approach, sometimes using bought flags or sometimes printed ones.

There are some glorious linen flags out there if you want to splash out.

[Capt Troy Tempest]

I use felt pen to hide the white around edge of flag.

[fred]

I use felt pen to hide the white around edge of flag.

Good tip. I use thinned paint for the same job. You don't need to be too precise with the colour match, close enough works, but anything is better than a bright white stripe at the top - especially as you are normally observing from above

[OB]

Undiluted PVA White Glue is best just in case you were wondering.  A thin(ish) coat is good. Cover the whole surface.

Use to much and it will squirt out the edges. Just wipe it off with the flat of a blade. The real risk is that it will cause the colours to run on the printed side. 

Use to little and you risk premature sticking spoiling the flag as you wrap it round the pole.

Also, there are at least half a dozen blogs or sites with free medieval flags.  Mostly very well done indeed.  Have a google.

[Fitz]

Undiluted PVA White Glue is best just in case you were wondering.
[...snipped...]
Use too little and you risk premature sticking spoiling the flag as you wrap it round the pole.

There's a slightly different polymer glue used in bookbinding called EVA, it has a longer working time than PVA. Another trick is to use a 50-50 mix of PVA and cellulose wallpaper paste, which again has a longer grab time, and is also slippier — you can move the glued pieces around a bit before they start to set up.

[bluewillow]

Find image, shrink to scale, print then over paint

Cheers
Matt

[Basementboy]

Thanks for all the answers! All extremely useful

[Charlie_]

There's a slightly different polymer glue used in bookbinding called EVA, it has a longer working time than PVA.

That's a really useful tip, I'm going to look into it. Do you use EVA yourself? Can you confirm it will give you more time to slide the paper around before it starts to stick?
I get very frustrated glueing my flags when the paper starts to 'grip' before I've positioned it correctly, I have to tear it up and start a new one (luckily I mostly use my own flags so I print off several backups). I've never really worked out the ideal quantity of PVA to use, and whether to have it diluted or not.

[Daeothar]

Most of my flags are made from the aluminum from soda cans, with the sharp edges filed down and bent into billowing shapes.

For the depictions on the flags (sourced or own work), I usually print them on decal paper, cut them out and apply them onto the flag/banner. I then embellish and/or work the decals in with acrylic paint and give them several coats of varnish for protection...

[Fitz]

That's a really useful tip, I'm going to look into it. Do you use EVA yourself? Can you confirm it will give you more time to slide the paper around before it starts to stick?

I use the PVA/paste mix myself, as it's easier to come by (and cheaper) than EVA.