Colour Printer paper for flags -suggestions?

[Emperorbaz]

Hi. I’m looking to print my own flags. I’ve got a pretty good inkjet printer, and print good quality shield transfers on decal paper, but I’m looking for the equivalent printer paper that will print good quality colour 28mm flags and is relatively light weight. Any suggestions? (Uk based)

[zemjw]

I'm playing with making my own flags at the moment (1 down, too many to list to go).

For the first one, I just went with 90gsm HP bright white paper, as I had a bunch of it. I then put some aluminium foil (heavy art and craft stuff) in the middle to give it some strength for folding, and used double-sided tape to stick things together.

I was happy enough with the flag, but I wasn't happy with the white edges of the paper. I used a felt-tip pen to colour them black. That mostly worked, but there was a bit of bleeding into the paper.

I have bought some black 120gsm paper to see how that works, but I haven't tried it yet. The brand is Pollen, bought from Amazon.

Curious to see what others are doing

[fred]

I do something similar - but for 10mm figures so the overall flag size is around 10-15mm.

I print on normal paper in an inkjet printer. Fold round the flag staff, and glue with diluted PVA. Whilst the flag is wet I put some folds in it using a handle of a paint brush to give a nice curve.

As for edges, I too dislike the bright white, and then paint the edges with a similar colour, I find that as long as this is close to the flag colour it works, and stops your eye catching on the white.

For 28mm the only flags I recall doing where ones with the Perry WoTR kits, which are printed on a heavier paper but other than that did much the same as above.

[Emperorbaz]

Thanks. I can’t get the richness of colour onto ordinary printer paper.

[zemjw]

Fortunately I'm going for a fairly grubby Dark Ages look, but I know what you mean.

I did wonder about photo paper, but it can be quite heavy, so I haven't tried yet. Perhaps some shiny label paper, which could help with sticking the parts together.

The other thing to check is the print settings, making sure you match them to the type of paper, and set to max quality.

I watched quite a good video on youtube on the subject, so you may find some tips in there

[Emperorbaz]

Typically the standard photo paper is too thick for flags. I’m printing from the same program I use to print my shield transfers (Inkscape), and the colour is fine on decal paper, but on ordinary plain paper, it’s not.

[mikedemana]

Probably NOT what you wanted to hear, but I don't print them off at home. I cram as many as I can onto a PDF and go to the local office supply store and print them off on their color laser printer. Not only does it hold up better than ink jet, IMO, they also use a high quality paper that is thicker than what I have at home.

Just a suggestion, it is like 50 cents a page I think for color. I can spring for that...

Mike Demana

[Just a few orcs]

I use artists water soluble coloured pencils. They are very soft and seem to cover the edge easier than conventional coloured pencils. 

[Charlie_]

I just use normal printer paper. The higher quality ones, but still nothing you can't just get from your local stationary shop - what I use is 100 gsm. If you can find a higher number it's probably better.

I don't like the glossy card that come with the Perry sets - if I wanted to use those flags I would scan them in and print them off on my own paper, perhaps altering the colours to suit personal taste as I do so.

Make sure your printer settings are set to highest quality! I assume the default is normally 'standard' or something.

You've GOTTA paint the edges. No one wants to see the white edges!
I actually paint them BEFORE I glue the flag together, as I often find it awkward to paint them afterwards, especially close to the flagpole.
I also paint the back of the flags the same colour a few mm in from the edge, so you're covered if you don't get them aligned perfectly.

[Emperorbaz]

Thanks Charlie. I like your flags, but I’m seeing quite a dull / faded red there in your pictures, which is probably what you intended, but I’m searching for paper that will cope with mote vivid colours.

[fred]

You can use the printed flag as a template for painting in extra colours - either to make them brighter or to add shadows to folds. Just don't use too wet a paint.

[Charlie_]

Thanks Charlie. I like your flags, but I’m seeing quite a dull / faded red there in your pictures, which is probably what you intended, but I’m searching for paper that will cope with mote vivid colours.

I think what you see is a combo of both the colours I chose and perhaps some lightening I did to the photos.
Its capable of getting bright reds too!

[HerbertTarkel]

I used to print flags on linen paper, the nice stuff that you’re supposed to use for resumes or whatever. I liked the texture of it, felt more “fabric like”.

Colour laser all the way , though, inkjet I found could run? Maybe they’re better now.

[Cory]

I use color laser printer and a cream colored paper for most and then line edges after gluing with a light brown/tan marker. For flags with a lot of white I use a heavy white linen with a low brightness rating.

[mikedemana]

I actually paint them BEFORE I glue the flag together, as I often find it awkward to paint them afterwards, especially close to the flagpole.
I also paint the back of the flags the same colour a few mm in from the edge, so you're covered if you don't get them aligned perfectly.

Two amazing suggestions -- thank you!!

Mike Demana