I have a large unused radio tower on my property, it previously held an old HAM set-up from the previous owners. Length is about 125 feet with 4 guy lines. I climbed it the other day and there is a definite sway, but it’s pretty solid. I removed the antennae and now we are planning on flying a flag from it. We’d like to come up with something fun, but the material has to be durable.
I was thinking of going down to Jo-Ann Fabrics, but I was wondering what material to get? Nylon, canvas, something else that is durable? I’ll probably spray the finished product with the same sealer I put on my tent…so what do you think?
Rip stop type nylon, its probably what your tent is made of. The sealant isn’t likely to last because of the constant movement and weathering, but you don’t need it, the flag isn’t keeping anything dry.
Canvas might stay wet and begin to mildew after awhile. And, like alluded to, it’ll require more of a breeze to make ‘your freak flag fly.’ I’ve recently looked at a number of flags, thinking to replace some of the older ones I fly a lot. From Flagsbydelta.com, they say:
** Nylon is the most popular material for US flags. They are durable, dry quickly and fly in a light breeze. Nylon flags are an outstanding value for everyday use.
Polyester flags are considered the longest lasting. They are the best choice for high wind areas and are highly recommended for commercial and industrial use. Today’s Polyester material has the look and feel of cotton, making it a more durable substitute.
Cotton is the more historically correct material. The choice for those looking for the traditional look. Cotton flags are considered best for occasional use. *
Uncoated nylon degrades under UV light so a nylon flag will get weaker over time and eventually start to come apart but it may take a while. As noted, polyester might be a better long-term choice.
Also, the OP might not be in the US. OP: if your family has a coat of arms, but that on your flag! Then issue a declaration of independence, stop paying taxes, and secede from your country. Let us know how it goes!
The US Flag Code is not an enforceable law and is not binding on private citizens. If the OP decides that the flag is going to be a US flag, he can fly it whenever and however he wants.
Glad to see so many old-timers [ouch did I say that] here talking about proper flag illumination and protocol. However, I live in Colorado now, and from what I can tell from Boulder County, it doesn’t matter if I fly a US flag, a giant pot leaf, or my Polish coat of Arms- [which would be bedazzled with sequins, a horse, and some red and white] - the material has to be durable because there is a constant westerly wind nearly daily. Unfortunately, if anyone has paid attention to the news, the winds here in Boulder county have fueled the massive Four Mile Fire just a couple weeks ago, luckily for me, that fire spread north and east from where I am. It started a mere 5 miles from my home.
As for the flag, I think I am going to use Nylon, make it big, and hope for the best. I already know it will fly every day…Now I just have to decide with my SO what to put on it - as she is not Polish, I may have to think of something else… a little more cool. Perhaps and Acorn, or some other symbol of strength and virility.
In any big fabric store there is a separate shelf for “outdoor materials”, usually canvas or nylon, that is used to make cushions and covers for things. I bought ordinary heavy green cotton canvas once to make a canopy for my porch swing but it faded almost completely white within a summer. The sun actually faded the purple color from one side of my porcelain ginger jar lamp sitting in the window. Just sayin’.
