Fin Flag Printing

Fin Flags for Beaches, Events and Open Spaces

The fin is the flag you see lining a beach, a coastal path or a race route — a tall, slim shape that curves back from the pole like a shark fin. It's narrower than a teardrop or a crest, which is exactly why it works where it does.

A narrow profile catches less wind and takes up less ground. Put twenty of them along a route and they mark it clearly without crowding the path or needing twenty heavy bases.

Four sizes up to 5140mm, with collapsible poles and a carry bag included. Free UK delivery.

Sizes

Note how narrow the graphic is relative to the height — 850mm wide on a flag standing over five metres. That's the fin's character, and it shapes what you can put on it.

Designing for a Narrow Format

This is the practical difference from the other flag shapes, and it's worth getting right.

A fin gives you a tall, slim canvas. A wide logo or a horizontal strapline either shrinks to illegibility or gets cropped by the shape. What works is vertical — a stacked logo, a single word, a short phrase reading down the flag.

If your branding is strongly horizontal, a crest or teardrop will suit it better. If you can work vertically, the fin reads beautifully at distance because there's nothing competing for attention.

Left-Facing or Right-Facing?

The thing to get right before ordering, because the two aren't interchangeable.

Right-facing puts the pole and base on the left of the graphic. Left-facing puts them on the right.

Choose based on where people approach from, so the graphic is presented first and the pole second. Along a route, a consistent orientation looks deliberate; mixed ones look accidental.

Each orientation has its own artwork template. If you're producing a mirrored version of an existing design, flip the template shape, not the design content. Flipping the artwork gives you a graphic that reads backwards on the front.

Single or Double Sided

Single sided is printed on one face. Dye-sublimation pushes ink through the fabric, giving 80–90% show-through on the reverse — legible from behind, just softer. Fine for most positions and considerably cheaper.

Double sided is two printed flags with a blockout membrane between them, stitched into one unit. Full colour density both sides. Available in Small, Medium and Large.

One caveat: double-sided flags are substantially heavier, and flag bases aren't designed to carry that weight. Bases are not covered by warranty when used with a double-sided flag. A ground spike into soft earth is the safer anchor.

Flag Polyester or AirMesh?

Flag Polyester is the standard — denser colour, crisper print, better looking in normal conditions.

AirMesh Polyester is perforated, so wind passes through rather than pushing against it. Colour is slightly less dense, but on an exposed site it takes far less punishment.

For a fin specifically, AirMesh is worth serious thought. These flags spend their lives on beaches, coastal paths and open ground — the most exposed positions there are.

What's Included

• Printed flag with black elasticated sleeve
• High-performance aluminium and GRP poles, collapsible into sections
• Carry bag for pole and graphic

A base is not included. Choose one to suit the flag size and the ground — see our flag bases and accessories. Sand, grass or soil takes a ground spike; hard standing needs a weighted cross-brace or parasol base.

Assembly is push-fit, no tools needed.

Wind, Weather and Lifespan

Take the flag down above Beaufort 4 — 13–18mph. Heavy rain with wind is worse than wind alone, since a soaked flag gains significant weight and strains the pole.

Realistic lifespan is around six months of regular flying, depending on exposure and hours in the air. Coastal use is harder on a flag than most — salt air and constant wind accelerate wear.

Air pollution greys white areas and UV gradually fades the fabric.

Machine washable at 30°C with no detergent. Worth doing after coastal use to get the salt out. Dry completely before storing.

Don't site poles too close together — a flag that snags on a neighbouring pole will tear.

Replacement Graphics

The poles and base outlast the graphic several times over. Replacement flags can be ordered on their own, so a worn or out-of-date graphic means a new flag rather than a new kit.

Artwork Requirements

Use the template matching your exact size and orientation — each size differs in shape and proportion.

• Supply at the exact size of the template
• Fonts outlined, images embedded
• Important content inside the safe area line — background should run to the bleed line
• No template guide lines included or flattened into the file
• No crop marks, bleed marks or colour bars
• PDF preferred, AI or EPS also accepted
• Double sided: supply both front and back designs

The template marks where the elasticated sleeve sits — keep logos and text clear of it.

Every file is checked by a real person before printing, so obvious problems get flagged. We don't make changes or fixes to artwork — files should be supplied print-ready.

Turnaround & Delivery

Production takes 3–4 working days. Turnaround covers production only — delivery is on top of that.

Standard UK delivery is free on all fin flag orders, whatever the size or quantity. Collection from our Burnley production facility is also available.

Other shapes: feather flags for the largest usable print area, crest flags for a symmetrical shape, and teardrop flags for the classic promotional shape.

FAQs

What sizes are available?
Four: Small 2560mm, Medium 3150mm, Large 4080mm and Extra Large 5140mm standing height.

What's the minimum order?
One. Order a single flag or a set for a route.

Is a base included?
No. Poles and a carry bag are included, but the base is chosen separately to suit your flag size and the ground surface.

Why choose a fin over a teardrop?
The fin is narrower, so it catches less wind and takes up less ground. That makes it the better choice for beaches, race routes and anywhere you're placing several in a line.

Should I choose left-facing or right-facing?
Right-facing puts the pole on the left of the graphic; left-facing puts it on the right. Each uses a different artwork template.

Can I see the design on the back of a single-sided flag?
Yes, at around 80–90% show-through. Legible but softer than the printed face.

Is double sided available in every size?
Small, Medium and Large. Extra Large is single sided only.

Can I use them on a beach?
Yes — that's what the shape is built for. Use a ground spike in sand, and wash the flag at 30°C afterwards to remove salt.

How much wind can it take?
Rated to Beaufort 4, or 13–18mph. Above that, take it down.

How long will it last?
Around six months of regular flying. Coastal use is harder on a flag than inland.

Is delivery really free?
Yes. Standard UK delivery is included on all fin flag orders.