Custom Rod Wrap American Flag Instructions

Measure the rod’s length and diameter with a flexible tape measure.

Scan the American flag design into a photo-editing software program, or find a high quality digital image of a flag. Save the image file.

Resize the image according to the size of the inkjet or laser outdoor self-adhesive paper. For example, if you are making a lawn ornament with a dowel rod, print on standard 8.5-by-11-inch sheets. If you are wrapping a fishing rod, print the image as a banner style. This paper type is also available on a roll. Save the resized image as a separate file.

Set the printer to a high resolution, and select the correct paper size. Most printer programs have a drop-down menu that allows you to adjust the height and width of the paper. If you are working with a roll, you most likely need to install a separate roll-holder attachment within the printer -- or fed into its sheet feeder. Refer to your brand’s instructions and suggestions.

Print the artwork. This process generally requires more time than typical printouts, because of the color density within each section of the artwork.

Peel away the backing from the corner of the artwork’s starting point. For example, if you are placing the American flag stars as the starting point, peel the backing from that corner.

Angle the artwork, using the peeled corner as your guide, and adhere it to the rod. If you are unsure of the starting point on the rod, make a small marking with a carpenter’s pencil. Once the paper sticks to the rod’s surface, you cannot lift and reposition the paper.

Continue peeling the backing away slowly as you wrap the customized American flag artwork around the rod. Smooth the surface with your fingertips, removing any air bubbles or wrinkles as the paper adheres to the rod’s surface. Continue repeating Steps 7 and 8 for standard size sheets and banner paper, until you have completely wrapped the customized rod.