Maritime signal flags are flags used to communicate short messages to and from ships. These maritime signal flags are used internationally and are based on the International Code of Signals. Since the mid-19th century, sailors, and other maritime personnel have painted replicas of maritime signal flags on wooden boards, the interior walls of ship quarters, and on ship equipment for identification and branding. These signs most often spelled out the name of the ship, the name of the captain, or the country of origin of the ship and crew. 

Historians and others who are interested in maritime activities have often used reproductions of maritime signal flags as signage to identify the owner of a residence or business. Text equivalents of the maritime signal flags messages can be placed near the coded flags so that non-sailors and non-maritime personnel can easily read the signs. Here are some ways that you can create a maritime signal flag name board for your residence or business: 

Color Print Signal Flag Board:  Small images of maritime signal flags can be printed with a color laser jet printer on heavy paper and mounted on board. These prints can then framed and mounted under glass. The back of this framed print should be sealed completely with glue and heavy paper. It is important to keep all moisture from this color print. This name board can be displayed in the interior of a residence or business but should be kept from direct sunlight.  

Enamel Signal Flag Board:  Small replicas of maritime signal flags can be chemically etched into copper sheet metal to spell out a name. Etchant eats away the surface of the metal where it is applied and leaves a recessed and textured area. After the etchant has been allowed to eat away the metal, it is thoroughly rinsed from the copper sheet so that no trace of the chemical etchant is left. The recessed areas are then dried and filled with powdered enamel pigments to replicate the colors of the appropriate maritime signal flags to spell out a name. The enamel covered copper sheet is then baked in a kiln to turn the powdered enamel into liquid glass. Follow the time and temperature directions on the brand of metal enamel that you are using to create your flag board. After cooling, the enameled signal flag message can be cut away from the copper sheet, and the edges can be filed, sanded, and polished. Once the edges are finished, the colored enamel signal flag message can be mounted on a sturdy piece of wood and displayed outside. This enamel process is completely weatherproof and can be left outside as permanent signage.

Oil or Acrylic Painted Signal Flag Board:  Small images of maritime signal flags can be drawn on a piece of wood and then carefully painted with oil or acrylic paints. Allow these painted mediums to completely dry overnight. When thoroughly dry, seal the newly painted sign with acrylic resin sealer to keep out all moisture. This painted sign can also be framed under glass to keep dust and moisture out.

Maritime signal flag boards are colorful and steeped in history. These signs are often conversation starters because of their historical significance. It is helpful to have a text equivalent of your maritime signal flags message placed alongside your images of the flags on the name board. With a little research and careful execution, you can create a very interesting sign to identify your residence or business with maritime signal flags. For more information, you can talk to companies like Say It With Glass