Best way to display patches/cloth badges

[L1A1]

Hi All

Have used the search function but cannot seem to find any information on this subject.

I would like to mount some cloth insignia/patches that I have been given. I would like to frame them for display on a wall. What is the best way to mount them in order to do this?

Most of the advice I have read on this site deals with mounting hat badges/metal insignia for display, nothing for cloth.

Any advice would be most appreciated and gratefully received (As always)

Regards

[Peter Brydon]

Hello,

If no one else is going to respond here are my ideas.

I use self adhesive fablon type material ( which I use as a backing to my displays of metal badges) on the back of cloth badges

If a piece is cut to size and stuck on the back of a cloth badge, as the material is impervious it can be glued to a display board with Pritt or a similar adhesive. The Pritt wont go through to the cloth badge itself and when required the fablon material can be peeled off the cloth badge leaving no damage.

Please don't use any non water soluble glue or Bluetac on the back of cloth badges, it tends to stay there forever.


( The Fablon also stops further fraying on cloth badges where this has already begun )

P.B.

[Mike Jackson]

Or the John Waring preferred method - mounted like a framed picture - time consuming but quite neat (unlike my writing!):
10 AA Div.01.jpg10 AA Div.02.jpg

[David Tremain]

Mike, the tape looks like Sellotape/Scotch tape which is horrible. The adhesive yellows after a few years (as can be seen in the photo) and leaches into the fabric, the tape carrier becomes brittle and falls off. Yuk!

David

[magpie]

You could Try one of these if you're going to mount them on fabric or card.

https://www.cottonpatch.co.uk/acatal...g_Notions.html

[Arnhemjim]

Hello L1A1,
I've used Scotch masking tape with reasonable success. First covering a piece of acid-free illustration board in red felt to fit the intended frame. Fastening the felt folded over on the back of the illustration with the same tape. Arrange all the insignia the way you want it, then one at a time, behind each piece's back, and fasten a couple of little rolls of tape (sticky side out), and affix to the felt. Obviously making sure that the tape doesn't show. Suffices labor intensive! Place frame with glass over the completed arrangement, carefully holding from the underside, turn the whole assembly over. Fit a piece of corrugated backing in the frame, and fasten with push type glazier points at reasonably close intervals. For the end result see;http://arnhemjim.blogspot.com/2015/0...militaria.html . Hope this is of assistance.
Arnhem Jim
Arizona Territory

[popskipa]

You could try a single cotton stitch in each corner of the patch to the backing fabric, after all, they were meant to be stitched in place...

Keith

[Mike Jackson]

Originally Posted by David Tremain

Mike, the tape looks like Sellotape/Scotch tape which is horrible. The adhesive yellows after a few years (as can be seen in the photo) and leaches into the fabric, the tape carrier becomes brittle and falls off. Yuk!

David

True, but it's too late to change my ways now! Mike

[kingsley]

I am led to believe that if you attach cloth badges to cardboard with double sided tape, as I have done in a big way, the acid in the cardboard eventually leaches out and discolours the badge. I have a big job doing it all again. What I am currently using is either foamboard or coreflute which are available in hardware shops.

[Alex Rice]

Ok, here's my 5c worth. The way I did my sole display with cloth badges was quite time consuming, but then it's meant to stay for many years so was worth the effort IMHO...
I sewed a length of thin wire to the upper corners/edges of each badge. I then bent the wire over and passed it through small holes in the backing card and secured them at the back.
This way leaves the badges in good condition and there is no risk of damage by adhesives. The badges were meant to be sewn anyway, so a few stitches will make no difference!
I don't have any photos of the method but here is the display.
Cheers,
Alex

[MH331]

Keith,

I use the same method. It works well.

regards

Mark

Originally Posted by popskipa

You could try a single cotton stitch in each corner of the patch to the backing fabric, after all, they were meant to be stitched in place...

Keith

[David Tremain]

Kingsley, you're correct. The acid in most cardboard will do that as it's highly acidic (pH 4 - 5, or maybe even 3). Your use of the fluted material, which is known as Coroplast or Cor-X here in North America is a better choice as it is made of polypropylene. Other materials such as Foam-Core are also good.

David

[Alex Rice]

I use picture framing board, it is acid free and there is a huge choice of backing colours to suit any theme!
Also, it is nice and stiff so it doesn't sag.

[ddaydodger]

Check here: http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1454000204712

This is a world recognized organization on the care and display of historic objects. It is used by many, many museums world wide. The use of sticky tape (sellotape, masking tape, scotch tape, etc.) is the worst idea ever!

I am always amazed at collectors who spend a fortune purchasing their collections, and hours researching their items, but won't spend a few dollars to conserve or display their collection safely.

[David Tremain]

I used to work there, so I know!
David