Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Detail Work, Rigging, Fittings, Figures Etc. => Topic started by: Pondweed on January 03, 2013, 11:44:31 pm

Title: Best way to 'set' Becc flags?
Post by: Pondweed on January 03, 2013, 11:44:31 pm

Becc flags. All the tutorials about sealng the edges and trimming them look to be risky. In that you apply a bostik type glue to the edge and you haave a semi-silvered surface around the edge when viewed in some angles.

They also recommend PVA glue instead of the Bostik.

Someone else recommended 'weak' or 'old' superglue across the complete surface of one side.

Another said he uses matt varnish sprayed on.

Has someone any advice on how they did theirs? I want unsoiled, almosy perfect flags without any discolouring, stains or residues visible.

The Boat may see the odd day out on water.

Many thanks

Title: Re: Best way to 'set' Becc flags?
Post by: RMH on January 04, 2013, 12:01:36 am

I use PVA "evostick wood glue" works fine for me. No signs of the glue when it's dried.

Title: Re: Best way to 'set' Becc flags?
Post by: Footski on January 04, 2013, 06:56:05 am

I always use a water and sugar solution. Soak the flag in the strong solution and then fold it to shape, using pins to keep it where you want until it dries. Once dry, there is no visible residue. The ones on my HMS Victory lasted from 1989 till 2010 before they began to show signs of age...

Title: Re: Best way to 'set' Becc flags?
Post by: Artistmike on January 04, 2013, 07:25:07 am

 
What you need to do is to have a chat to one of the ladies of your aquaintence who make their own clothes. There are specialist items like Fray Check that are made specifically to do just this job. I've used it on a variety of flags and materials and it does the job brilliantly. Plenty of suppliers on Amazon for it too....  :-))

Title: Re: Best way to 'set' Becc flags?
Post by: Pondweed on January 04, 2013, 01:06:54 pm

Thanks chaps. I'll try the PVA.

The Fray Check was a new one to us.