Styles, Options and Choosing the Right Company
Your national flag represents your country and thus, it deserves respect. Owning a flag shows your patriotism, your service to the country, your achievements and the sacrifices you’ve made for the country. Whether you or any of your family members belong to the military or you have received it as a symbol of honor, a flag deserves preservation and display that honors its significance.
Your national flag is not just a piece of cloth with colors; it is much more than that. To present it with the respect it deserves, getting it framed with a professional flag framing expert can give it a more defined and dignified presence. A frame not only showcases a flag perfectly but also protects it for generations.
Why opt for Professional Flag Framing
DIY framing projects are fun for sure, but professional flag framing offers added advantages. Flags are generally received on a special occasion as a token of honor, to mark the end of a respectful career, during a burial of military professionals or as a memorial. These hold immense emotional and historical value and thus, demand expert handling. Framing a paper is easier, but handling a flag becomes a little tricky. Professional framers understand the proper folding techniques, display protocols, and preservation methods for flags or any cloth. These techniques are specially followed to protect the fabric from deterioration and damage.
If a flag is improperly framed, you can experience numerous problems, like:
- Fading from sunlight or UV exposure
- Fabric degradation from contact with acidic materials
- Dust
- Moisture damage
- Fabric sagging
- Insect damage to natural fibers
- Disrespectful presentation
Professional flag framers are aware of the correct protocol for displaying a flag. By using high-quality materials, proper techniques and craftsmanship, these risks are eliminated. So it is recommended that you search for an expert flag framer in your area to handle your valuable country flag for framing.
Flag Framing Styles and Display Options
Professional flag framers offer different styles to frame your flag. Your choice of frmaing style generally depends on three factors:
- Your personal preference
- The space where you want to display it
- and the type of flag you own
Discussing the framing style with a professional framer can help you understand your options and choose the right presentation that honors your flag while complementing your display location. So here are some popular styles for framing a country flag:
1. Traditional Display Cases
Military burial flags are generally folded into a triangular shape and are supposed to be framed like that. A classic triangular display case is the perfect choice for such flags. For a burial flag, a ceremonial 13-fold process is performed during military funerals, with each fold carrying symbolic meaning. A triangular flag case is a sturdy wooden frame with various options in wood, like mahogany, cherry, oak and walnut finishes. The front is covered with a glass or acrylic to protect the flag while allowing full visibility.
To provide long-term protection to the flag, high-quality triangle cases are used featuring solid hardwood construction, precision miter joints and museum-quality UV-protective glass for durability. These keep the flag safe from acidic materials and provide a secure closure system. A traditional triangular display can be personalized in many ways. You can add special occasion photographs, engraved signs, a name plate with rank, service dates and military branch and medals to the frame. Displaying these in separate frames is another great idea to create a memory wall. These cases can also be displayed on stands, giving you more flexibility to change the setup anytime you like.
2. Shadow Box Flag Displays
A shadow box framing style provides depth to the display. It can accommodate the folded flag alongside medals, ribbons, emblems, photographs, service documents and any other military souvenirs. Such an arrangement is the best way to display a complete service time. It creates a meaningful tribute to celebrate the entire military career of a service personnel.
For shadow box framing, you can choose the material for the frame, front casing type – glass or acrylic, depth from two to four inches or more and the background fabric. Professional framers arrange elements thoughtfully, creating a balanced look that highlights every element and draws the attention of visitors. The background fabric or matting color is typically chosen to complement the flag and military branch. Generally, colors like navy blue for Navy personnel, Air Force blue for Air Force, scarlet for Marines and neutral tones for Army and multi-service displays are opted.
3. Full-Size Flag Displays
If the flag you own shouldn’t be folded, such as a historical flag, commemorative flag, organizational banner or flags with special significance, then full-size framing presents a great option. A full frame displaying the entire flag showcases its complete glory. Flags displayed in offices, institutions and homes with adequate wall space are generally framed in full size.
For full-size flag framing, specialized techniques are followed that support the weight and prevent sagging. Professional framers use conservation-grade mounting methods that distribute the weight evenly across the fabric. So after several years, the flag remains at its place safely. The conservation-grade mounting processes are reversible, which means that by using these techniques, the flag remains safe from external factors for decades and can be separated without any damage for reframing. Reversibility is a must-have feature for valuable or historical pieces.
4. Freestanding Flag Displays
If you don’t prefer or don’t have enough space for a wall-mounted frame, a tabletop or freestanding display is a great alternative. These displays feature triangular or rectangular cases mounted on decorative wooden bases. These can be placed on console tables, bookcases, an office table or a memorial table. Keeping them at eye level enhances visibility and allows more intimate viewing. You can add a rotating feature to the bases to allow display from different angles. A built-in LED lighting can further enhance the presentation.
5. Custom Flag Framing
For specific framing requirements, professional framers can create custom solutions. These include unique situations like double flag displays for couples who both served, multi-flag arrangements, flags with irregular dimensions, damaged flags restoration before framing and combination displays incorporating flags with other mementos.
Choosing the Right Framing Company
Selecting the right company to frame your flag can make all the difference. An expert flag framer can suggest the best display style and framing type for the best presentation. Before handling over your valuables, ensure the following points:
- The framing company should be well-experienced in different types of framing techniques. In case of flag framing, they should know the protocols and traditions.
- Ensure the quality of the materials and products they use. Never compromise with the quality as it can damage the flag. Reputable companies use conservation-grade materials that block external reactants and keep the stuff safe.
- Ask for customization options to make your frame unique.
- Look for customer reviews and testimonials, particularly from other military families. Companies with positive reviews and an excellent reputation are trusted providers of framing services. They offer guarantees and warranties on their workmanship.
Flags, old documents and medals cannot be recreated. Choosing an expert framer who will handle your valuable items with expertise, professionalism and respect is essential.
