Alexei Volkov
Whether you're looking to create a whimsical winter wonderland or simply want to give your old Christmas tree a new lease of life, flocking a plastic tree is a fun and easy DIY project that anyone can do. While it can be a little messy, flocking is an excellent way to bring the magic of a snowy winter landscape into your home, and it can be done on both real and artificial trees. So, if you're thinking of giving it a go this holiday season, here's everything you need to know about how to flock a plastic tree like a pro.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your work area and protect yourself
Preparing your workspace and protecting yourself is essential when flocking a plastic tree. Here are some detailed steps to help you get started:
Choose an Appropriate Work Area
Select a well-ventilated area for flocking, preferably outdoors or in a garage with the door open. If you must flock indoors, ensure the room is well-ventilated, and cover the floor with a plastic drop cloth or tarp to catch any drips or falling flocking powder. You can also tape plastic sheets to the walls and furniture for added protection.
Gather the Necessary Tools and Protective Gear
Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools and protective gear to stay safe and make the process smoother. This includes items like work gloves (latex or rubber gloves), a surgical mask or respirator to prevent inhalation of flocking particles, and eye protection to shield your eyes from any debris or splashes.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Flocking can be a messy process, so wear old clothes that you don't mind getting stained. Consider wearing a garbage bag poncho over your clothes for added protection. Additionally, put on a pair of socks that you can easily remove before stepping off the plastic drop cloth to avoid tracking flocking powder into your home.
Prepare Your Tools and Materials
Have a pitcher of water and a spray bottle nearby to keep your water sprayer refilled without having to leave your workspace. You'll also need a step stool to help you reach the higher branches of the tree. Prepare your flocking powder by placing it in a strainer or colander over a bowl to catch any extra powder. If desired, you can also tape off any lights or decorations on the tree to prevent flocking buildup.
Be Mindful of Safety Precautions
Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for both the flocking powder and the tree. While flocking over lights is generally safe, it's essential to take necessary precautions to avoid any safety hazards. Additionally, be cautious when handling sharp tools or equipment during the process.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to begin flocking your plastic tree while maintaining a safe and organised workspace.
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Mist the tree with water
Misting the tree with water is an essential step in the flocking process. It ensures that the flocking powder adheres to the branches, creating a realistic snow-covered look. Here is a detailed guide on misting your plastic tree:
Prepare the Work Area
Before you begin misting, it is important to prepare your work area, especially if you are flocking indoors. Cover the surrounding floor with a plastic sheet or drop cloth to catch any excess flocking powder and water. If flocking indoors, also protect the walls and nearby furniture. Wear old clothes and put on gloves, a mask, and eye protection. Set up a step stool to help you reach the higher branches.
Misting Technique
Start misting the tree from the top, working your way down. Use a spray bottle or a hose with a gentle mist setting. Ensure that you cover all the branches, including the areas towards the trunk. The branches should be damp but not dripping wet. Be careful not to overspray, as too much water can cause the branches to droop.
Flock While Misting
As you mist the tree, simultaneously shake the flocking powder over the wet branches using your other hand. A strainer, colander, or sifter can be used to sprinkle the powder evenly. Focus on one section at a time, ensuring that the powder adheres to the wet branches. If you notice any spots that are not sticking well, gently mist them again without disturbing the already flocked areas.
Drying Process
Once you have finished misting and flocking the entire tree, allow it to dry completely. The drying time can vary depending on the size of the tree and the amount of flock applied, typically ranging from 8 to 48 hours. During this time, avoid touching or decorating the tree. If you are flocking indoors, ensure proper ventilation to speed up the drying process.
Post-Flocking Tips
After the tree is dry, carefully remove any plastic coverings and prepare to decorate it. Keep in mind that the flocking may shed slightly, especially when putting up or taking down the tree, but it can be easily vacuumed. Additionally, you can apply a second coating of flocking to enhance the snowy effect if desired.
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Apply the flocking
Flocking can be applied to both real and artificial trees. Professionals use machines to spray on flocking, but you can do it by hand. It is recommended to flock your tree outdoors, but if you do it inside, make sure to protect your walls, floor, and furniture with plastic sheeting. You can also use painter's tape to protect your walls.
Before you start flocking, assemble and fluff your tree. By fluffing, we mean fanning out the branches and individual tips so that they go in multiple directions (they tend to be flattened after storage).
Now, start at the top of your tree and work your way down. Lightly mist your tree with water from a spray bottle. The branches should be damp but not dripping. You can also use a hose to mist the tree if you are doing this outdoors.
Once the branches are damp, grab your flocking and colander or strainer. Start at the top so that all of the flocking that drops will hit the branches below. You can also try hand-tossing the flock for a more natural look. Be sure to cover all of the branches! If you feel like something isn't sticking, mist it gently. Pour a bag of flocking into the colander and begin shaking it over the tree, starting at the top.
Repeat the process until you are happy with the coverage. You will see the snow building up! Let it dry for anywhere from 8 to 24 hours, depending on the size of your tree and how much flock you have used.
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Leave to dry
Once you've finished flocking your tree, it's time to let it dry. The drying time will depend on the size of your tree and the amount of flocking you've used. For a fully flocked tree, leave it to dry overnight or for around 8 to 24 hours. If you're flocking your tree indoors, make sure to protect your walls, floors, and furniture with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. The excess flocking powder will fall onto the plastic, so it's important to have this in place before you start the flocking process.
While you're waiting for the tree to dry, you can clean up your work area and tools. Warm water and soap can be used to remove any flocking residue from your hands, clothing, or other surfaces. Be sure to remove any protective gear and dispose of it properly, especially if you were working with flocking powder, as you don't want to track it into your home.
If you're transporting your flocked tree, it's a good idea to wrap it completely in plastic and secure it with duct tape or similar. This will protect your tree during transport and prevent any flocking from being dislodged or ending up where it shouldn't be.
After the drying time has passed, you can carefully remove the plastic sheeting or drop cloths from your tree. Check that the flocking is completely dry before you begin decorating. The flocking should be hard and set, and the tree should be fully dry to the touch. Once you're sure it's dry, you can start adding your chosen decorations and lights.
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Decorate
Once your tree is fully flocked and dry, it's time to decorate!
If you're flocking a pre-lit tree, you can add lights before or after flocking, but adding them after will be messier. You can also use spray snow to add a heavier layer of snow to your tree.
When it comes to decorations, the sky's the limit! You can add ornaments, garlands, wreaths, and branches. Get creative and use a variety of textures and finishes, such as shiny, matte, and glittery ornaments. Don't forget the tree topper! You can finish it off with a ribbon streaming from the top.
If you're feeling extra festive, you can even flock your ornaments and wreaths to match your tree. Just be sure to protect your work area with plastic when flocking smaller items.
Now you have a beautifully flocked and decorated tree to enjoy all season long!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need flocking powder, a mesh strainer, a bowl, a spray bottle, a mask, plastic sheeting, work gloves, and old clothes.
First, cover the surrounding walls, floor, and furniture with plastic sheeting. Next, put on your gloves and old clothes. Then, assemble and fluff the tree. Starting at the top of the tree, mist the branches with water. The branches should be damp but not dripping. Finally, sift the flocking powder over the damp areas.
It usually takes about an hour to flock an entire tree. However, you should let the flock dry for anywhere from 8 to 24 hours, depending on the size of the tree and how much flock you've used, before decorating it.
