If you’re planning to display the American flag in front of your home or business, you should take precautions to protect it from fading. When displayed outside, your American flag will be exposed to the elements. Over time, this may cause it to fade to a lighter, duller color. While you can’t control the sun or rain, there are steps you can take to safeguard your American flag from fading.
Choose a UV-Protected American Flag
Not all American flags are made equally. While they all feature the same iconic design consisting of 13 stripes and 50 stars, some are better protected against sun damage than others. To protect against fading, choose an ultraviolet (UV)-protected American flag. As the name suggests, these flags are treated with a UV-blocking chemical. The UV-blocking chemical is transparent, so it won’t affect the flag’s appearance. Nonetheless, it will restrict the amount of UV sunlight that reaches the flag’s fabric.
What if you already purchased an American flag that isn’t UV-protected? Well, there are products that you can spray onto your American flag to coat it with a similar UV-blocking chemical.
Display It in the Shade
In addition to choosing a UV-protected American flag, displaying it in the shade can help prevent fading. Whether it’s in front of your home or in front of your business, there’s probably a conveniently shaded area in which you can display the American flag. You don’t have to display your American flag in an area that’s fulled shaded 24 hours a day. Instead, choose an area that’s only shaded for a portion of the day, such as four or five hours. With less direct sun exposure, your American flag won’t fade as easily. And assuming you choose a UV-protected American flag, this can make a world of difference in prolonging the life of your flag.
Remove During Bad Weather
Neglecting to take down your American flag during bad weather can facilitate fading. If you leave your flag flying in a severe storm, the strong winds may pull apart the material from which it’s made. Even minor forms of tearing can leave the interior material exposed to the elements, resulting in faster fading.
Of course, the U.S. Flag Code also states that the American flag shouldn’t be displayed when the weather is inclement. If there’s a severe storm rolling your way, you should comply with the U.S. Flag code by removing your American flag. It will help preserve and protect your flag from fading.
