How to frame a flag, folded or open
Framing a flag comes down to three things: a case or shadow box made for its shape, mounting that holds the fabric without glue and can be undone, and glazing that keeps out the light that fades it. How each is done depends on whether the flag stays folded, as a memorial flag does, or is opened out, like a state flag or a pennant.
A folded memorial flag
A flag presented at a service is folded into a triangle and usually kept that way. It goes into a case or a shadow box cut to that triangle and deep enough for the fold. The medals, ribbons, patches, a photograph or the certificate that came with it can share the box, each held on its own so it can come out again later.
An open flag
An open flag is mounted flat on an acid-free backing and held from behind, never glued: glue can permanently alter fabric, and a flag held this way can come out of the frame one day without harm. Spacers keep the fabric off the glazing. A big flag needs a deep, strong frame, because it gets heavy once it is glazed.
Pennants and team flags
Felt pennants fade and their tips curl. Mounted the same way, flat and held from behind, and framed as a group, they read as one piece rather than a pile; one set of vintage surf pennants reading Bolsa, River, Cliffs and Huntington Beach went into two long white frames. For flags with depth, poles or tassels, see shadow box framing.
Light, glass and time
Fabric fades quickly in daylight. UV-protective and museum-quality glazing filter most of the ultraviolet light that does the damage, and museum glass also cuts reflections; museum glass vs regular glass explains the difference. Hang the flag out of direct sun all the same.
Bring it in
A folded flag, a flag with medals and a large flag are all three-dimensional work, and an in-person design consultation is required for framing three-dimensional objects: the depth of the case and the mounting are decided with the flag on the counter. Walk in at 1671 Placentia Avenue in Costa Mesa, Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm or Saturday 9am to 1pm; for a large piece, pickup and delivery cover homes in and around Orange County. Delivery is available for an additional charge and is quoted separately.
