Help Silk flag with 48 stars

[JBergelin]

A customer brought in a silk flag (small - given to members by some organization - Elks maybe) from before Alaska and Hawaii.

It has been in a drawer folded. I do not want it flat but would like to soften the creases (there are stain along the creases). Because of stains I am concerned about using an iron.

Suggestions anyone?

Thanks

PS if this is a repeat post my last try seems to have floated off to never never land - I clicked submit and the system stopped

 

[Cavalier]

A former coworker who was also a seamstress would sandwich silk between soft towels and dry iron on a medium-low setting. It took some time, but it did work. I'm not positive on the conservation level of this method, but she was pretty knowledgeable when it came to frabics, so we trusted her.

 

[GUMBY GCF]

Take it to a dry cleaners ask them. They know about silk....
Explain to them you do not want it flat...

 

[Jerry Ervin]

I bought a steamer for just these occasions.

I would try that first.

 

[GreenTea]

I would use a steamer (they are sold everywhere nowadays). Personally I would not take it to a dry cleaners.

 

[Paul N]

I always heard (and found out....) that silk has "memory".

A steamer is the best option and hopefully this silk is forgetful!

 

[nikfrz]

While I wouldnt ask a dry cleaner to clean something delicate, I have had good results with them getting wrinkles out.

I dont have a steamer, but need to get one.

I once got a Japanese battle flag to frame. It had been folded and the man wanted the creases out. I told him no guarantees. I took it home and put in on this sweater drying thing I have over the tub in the small bathroom. I put the vaporizer in there and shut the door. Worked great for the flag, but my wallpaper was coming loose.

 

[Jim Miller]

If you damage it by applying heat, pressure, or moisture, how could you repair or replace it? Beware the unexpected.

A conservator could assess the stains and recommend the best way to treat the flag without damaging it.

What is "small"? If it is smaller than, say, 24"x30", I would probably use a Direct Contact Overlay (DCO) mount using optically coated acrylic. That would provide excellent overall support without stressing the fragile silk, and it would tend to flatten the creases.