Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask: flocking powder is nontoxic and safe once fully adhered, but it consists of tiny fibers (the “snow”) that shouldn’t be inhaled during application. [2] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Cover the base of your tree with a tarp or garbage bag so that it doesn’t get flocked. Only flock a bare tree—wait to decorate your Christmas tree until the flocking has been applied and has fully dried.
You don’t need to spray the entire tree, either: only mist the tops of the branches, where snow would naturally fall and stick.
Using a sifter will help you sprinkle the powder evenly, like real snow. Sprinkling the powder with your hands is likely to yield uneven clumps of snow. Be careful not to load too much powder onto the tree, or else your branches might droop! Don’t apply powder close to the tree trunk. Not only will this cause the branches to droop, but real snow usually only drifts onto exposed branches. Consider adding mica powder or glitter to your tree while it’s still wet for a really magical look!
If you’ve dragged your tree outside to flock, place it in your garage or under an awning to protect it from any real snow! Snow or rain can wash your flocking away. Make sure to keep any small children away from the tree while it dries.
A real flocked tree will last a bit longer than a real unflocked tree, as the powder will help prevent the tree’s needles from falling off. If your tree gets jostled, some flocking could shake loose and fall off. Carefully spot-flock your tree as needed. Unless you’re touching up a huge portion of the tree, you probably don’t need to take it back outside again, but make sure to keep the area protected while it dries. If you’re flocking an artificial tree, properly store it after the holidays: wrap it in plastic wrap to prevent the flocking from falling off and store it upright. A flocked artificial tree will last for years without needing to be reflocked. [7] X Research source If you’re applying a second coat as well as glitter or mica, wait to apply the glitter or mica until after you’ve freshly applied the final coat.
Keep any valuables covered or in another room while you work. (A flocked tree looks great. A flocked rocking chair? Not so much. ) Use a garbage bag or another tarp to protect the base of the tree so that it doesn’t get flocked as well.
It’s a good idea to try spraying something else before you begin flocking your tree to practice your technique. Flocking spray is a cheap and simple way to give your tree that wintry look, but it may take some practice to achieve your desired effect. Flocking really takes your tree up a notch, but you can go the extra mile by adding glitter or mica powder to your freshly flocked tree.
While flocking spray is simpler to use than flocking powder, it may require more than one can to fully cover your tree (unless you’re aiming for the appearance of a really light snowfall), so buy an extra can or 2 just to be safe.
