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What Is A “Reversible” Flag?

I have received so many questions about the difference between Regular Flags and Reversible Flags that I have decided to address it in more detail.

The most important thing to know is that all flags from HouseAndGardenFlags.com are printed on both sides.

Reversible Flags: Those indicated as Reversible Flags read correctly on both sides and will be exactly the same on both side.  The manufacturers started doing this so that flags that contained writing or words would read correctly on both sides:

Standard Flags: Except where noted as Reversible, Standard Flag designs are backwards on the back of the flag. They usually do not include any words or writing:

Not all flag manufacturers make Reversible Flags. The main two companies that I deal with began doing this about five years ago.

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Is there such a thing as a “fade-resistant” flag?

fade-resistant

Is there such a thing as a “fade-resistant” flag?

We’ve all experienced it: We spend a reasonable amount of dollars on new outdoor decor, not the $2 cheap stuff, but a decent $20 to $40 bucks worth. The package even says “fade-resistant.” You think you should get a product that lasts at least one season, completely intact and untarnished. I totally agree with you. $20 to $40 of your hard-earned dollars matters.

So you go shopping either in a store or online. You pick out what you think is the most gorgeous design. You bring it home and put it out for all your neighbors to envy – what taste and class you have to find such a thing of beauty! It totally captures their attention so that they can then notice your immaculate yard and beautiful garden. Then along about mid-summer the color starts to fade and fall flat.

What happened? How could this be?

The truth is that “fade-resistant” isn’t perfect. It will extend the life somewhat, unless you’ve placed it where it gets direct, intense sunlight for 8 or more hours a day. Strong winds or salt-water sea air can make it even worse.

The reason has to do with photodegradation. What does this mean? According to the website “Everyday Mysteries” from the Library of Congress (loc.gov):

“It is all about the chemical makeup of an object. The technical term for color fading is photodegradation. There are light absorbing color bodies called chromophores that are present in dyes. The color(s) we see are based upon these chemical bonds and the amount of light that is absorbed in a particular wavelength.

Ultraviolet rays can break down the chemical bonds and thus fade the color(s) in an object – it is a bleaching effect. Some objects may be more prone to fading, such as dyed textiles and watercolors. Other objects may reflect the light more, which makes them less prone to fade.”

HouseAndGardenFlags.com manufacturers treat their Fade-Resistant fabric decor with Suntex, Solarmax, or other fade-resistant products. Specially formulated inks and dyes contribute to the extended life, as well as strong 200 to 300 denier polyester blend fabrics.

Together, HouseAndGardenFlags.com and our various manufacturers care about quality as well as your hard-earned dollars and we strive to make them worth every penny.

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Why Are Shipping Fees So High Lately?

About current shipping fees

I know, I hear you. For those of us who remember when a postage stamp was 5 cents (myself included), the shipping fees at HouseAndGardenFlags.com may not be what you expected, and I understand your concerns. These are not my fees, but come directly from the shipping vendors themselves.

Unfortunately, the cost of shipping overall has increased enormously over the years and continues to increase every year. But the choice and quality of services, as well as the speed of delivery, have increased as well. USPS Priority Mail now includes up to $50 insurance for no additional charge as well as faster service. I recently shipped a package from here in New Jersey to California and it was delivered in 2 days!

However, for those of you on a budget (myself included), at HouseAndGardenFlags.com you now have a choice between economical USPS First Class Mail, Priority Mail, Standard Post and UPS Ground. I hope this is helpful to all of my customers.