How to Use British Napoleonic Flag Sheets for Peninsular Units

Quick answer

Cut the flag free with a fresh blade, soak it until it releases, slide it onto the pole, and seal both faces with a thin varnish layer. That order prevents the two failures that ruin most British Napoleonic flags: torn edges and silvered backing film.

Steps for applying your Peninsular flag sheet

1. Match the flag to the regiment: Check the sheet's regiment list against your order of battle before cutting anything. Mistake to avoid: assuming any red flag will do; the 23rd, 48th, and 87th have distinct colour patterns. Write the regiment name on the backing paper before you cut.
2. Cut with a fresh blade: Use a new No. 11 blade and cut just outside the printed border, then trim to the edge in short strokes. Mistake to avoid: dragging the blade, which tears the film and leaves a ragged fly. Replace the blade after every two flags.
3. Soak until the flag releases: Place the cut flag in lukewarm water for 20–30 seconds and test a corner with a brush. Mistake to avoid: forcing it early, which stretches the design. If it still resists, soak another 10 seconds rather than pulling.
4. Slide onto the pole: Wet the pole slightly, then slide the flag from the backing onto the staff and position the fold. Mistake to avoid: pressing the flag down before it is centred, which traps air bubbles. Work from the hoist outward to push air ahead of the flag.
5. Wrap the pole edge: Fold the hoist edge around the pole and press it flat with a damp brush. Mistake to avoid: leaving a visible white strip along the pole. A second thin coat of varnish at the fold locks it in place.
6. Seal both faces: Once dry, brush a thin matt varnish over the front and back. Mistake to avoid: flooding the flag, which can cloud the design or soften the edges. Two thin coats beat one thick coat.
7. Weather to match the unit: Dry-brush dust or sand the fly edge lightly if the rest of the army is campaign-worn. Mistake to avoid: weathering every flag the same way; not every regiment in the Peninsula looked equally battered. Weather the flag after sealing, not before, so the design stays crisp.

Product facts

• British Napoleonic A4 flag sheet (Peninsular) 2: British Napoleonic A4 flag sheet (Peninsular) 2 includes Regimental and King's colours for six Peninsular War regiments. One sheet covers the colours for multiple units, so you can build a small brigade without buying separate flag packs.