Flag Care Guide — Acid-Free Storage, Rolling & Climate

Flag Care Guide — Rolling on a Core and Tube Worn Dannebrog (intro)

🧵 Practical flag care for hobby collections. Acid-free materials, gentle crease correction, fold-lengthwise + roll, archival tube storage, and stable climate.

Why correct storage matters

Historical flags deteriorate quickly if exposed to the wrong conditions. Main threats: moisture (mold; weakens fibers, especially wool), UV light (fading; fiber breakdown), pests (moths, carpet beetles), and acids from ordinary paper/cardboard.

Keep acids and chemicals in mind: natural skin oils are acidic and household towels may carry detergent/softener residues. Gloves and clean, untreated materials are advisable—but this guide is hobby-level, not rigid museum rules.

Worn Danish flag (Dannebrog) with moth holes

Worn Dannebrog with moth holes and sun-fade — why storage matters.

Acid-free paper & tags

Wrap the textile in acid-free tissue. Use acid-free ID tags so markings don’t stain the cloth; match the tag to your catalog ID.

Flag on acid-free tissue with ID tag FG-041

Flag on acid-free tissue with acid-free ID tag (FG-041).

Correcting creases

Place the flag on a clean, absorbent cotton towel (no softener). Use demineralized water in a clean spray bottle used only for water. Lightly mist the crease and smooth the fibers with full support. Dry flat, away from heat and light. Repeat if needed. Only store when completely dry.

Light mist of demineralized water over crease; towel underneath

Light mist over the crease; towel underneath wicks moisture.

Rolling on a core and tube

Materials: archival core; acid-free tissue (inner & outer); acid-free tube with lid; cotton/nitrile gloves; ID tag.

Wrap the core in acid-free tissue.
Roll the flag with even tension. If one side is more delicate/printed, keep that side outward (compression, not stretch). If the flag is too long to roll full width, first fold lengthwise in 2–3 broad folds with acid-free tissue between layers, then roll.
Add an outer tissue layer around the rolled flag.
Insert the roll into a matching acid-free tube (don’t force it).
Seal & label — fit the lid and attach the ID tag (via the hoist loop or on the tube).

Note: This is a low-cost but effective method; inert PE/PP cores and custom archival tubes provide higher stability but at higher cost.

Core wrapped in acid-free tissue.

Flag folded lengthwise and rolled evenly onto core

Fold lengthwise, then roll evenly onto the core; sensitive side outward.

Outer tissue layer and roll sliding into acid-free tube; lid and ID tag

Outer tissue layer added; roll slides into acid-free tube; lid & ID tag.

Folding when rolling is impossible

When a flag cannot be rolled full width due to size, first fold lengthwise in 2–3 broad folds with acid-free tissue between layers. Then choose one of the two storage options: Option A — tube (roll on core, outer tissue, insert into acid-free tube), or Option B — flat box (store flat with tissue between folds).

Lengthwise pre-fold with acid-free tissue between layers

Lengthwise pre-fold with tissue between layers.

After lengthwise pre-fold: roll on core with outer tissue and insert into acid-free tube; lid and ID tag

Option A — Tube: roll on core, add outer tissue, insert into acid-free tube; lid & ID tag.

After lengthwise pre-fold: flat storage in archival box with acid-free tissue between folds

Option B — Flat box: store flat in an archival box with tissue between folds.

Documentation & ID

Assign a unique ID (e.g., FG-041) that links the physical object and your written/digital records. Mark the same ID on the storage tube/box and in the catalog so everything stays synchronized.

Storage box and catalog folder both labeled FG-041

Physical storage and catalog kept in sync (FG-041).

Storage climate

Target a stable, cool, dry space: ~16–20 °C and ~45–55 % RH, in the dark or low light. Avoid basements/attics due to fluctuations. Consistency beats perfection; inspect every ~6 months for pests or mold.

Shelves with labeled tubes/boxes FG-041; thermo-hygrometer ~18 °C / 50 % RH

Stable climate example: ~18 °C / 50 % RH, labeled tubes and boxes.

Notes & additional considerations

This guide is written for hobby use. Nothing here is an absolute rule—materials and situations vary. Aim to reduce risk with acid-free materials, gentle handling, clear IDs, and stable climate.

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