How hard is it to flock a Christmas tree? Is this a project I can do myself? Well, let me tell you about the time I decided to flock my own Christmas tree and then you can decide for yourself.
I have loved the look of a flocked tree for many years. However, I have two very large green trees and no where to store another large tree. I felt like I would have to retire or get rid of one of my green trees to add a flocked tree. Really, the only solution I could see was to flock one of the trees I already had.
So, I researched it for quite a few years, actually. I watched all the YouTube videos I could found and read all the Pinterest posts that were out there. This year I finally pulled the trigger on this project.
Step 1: Prepare to Flock
I flocked my very large 10 foot full bodied Alaskan pine Christmas tree and I did it in the house. Some people said this was an outdoor project, but I had the space inside and I didn’t want to set up my tree outside and then have to move it inside. So, I taped brown paper to the floor and put cardboard on top of that.
On my first flocking go around, I did each section of the tree separately by placing one section in the tree stand, flocking it, letting it dry, and then placing that section on a drop cloth. I was worried to use the drop cloth when I was actually flocking, but I ended up using it in the second round because it was better than the paper and cardboard. Later I just washed it in the washing machine. It was completely fine.
The thing that happens is whatever you are using to catch the flock on the floor also gets wet. Flock also stuck to the bottom of my shoes and the paper came off the floor. The drop cloth was the clear winner.
Once you have a drop cloth or similar system to cover your floors, you will need spray bottles, a large bowl to dump your flock into, and a sifter of some sort. On my first try I used two different sifters, the standard super fine flower sifter you probably use when cooking and an old fashioned crank sifter. Both of these worked, but only let out a very small amount of flock. The coverage was more like a dusting of snow than a blizzard. On my second go around I used a collapsible sifter that had larger holes. That one was the winner for me. It dropped just the right amount of flock. Not too much, but just enough to look like snow.
I used Snowflock for this project. I ordered it online and I started with a five pound box and thought that would be plenty. Well, you read the part about this tree being 10 foot, right? I ended up needing more and had to order again. It ended up working out, but I was fearful that I might not be able to get it and then I would have to come up with plan B. So, order more than you think you will need. I ended up putting 9 pounds of flock on this tree.
Step 2: Spray Tree With Water
The very first step is to wet your branches. A spray bottle is recommended. I had two which was handy because I would fill both up at the same time. Don’t be shy with your water. That is what activates the flock and makes it stick together and to the tree. Wet your area pretty well. You don’t want it to dripping, but close.
Step 3: Apply Flock
Next, you will sprinkle your flock on the area that is wet. That’s all for this step. I did prefer the sifter with the larger holes. You don’t want to just dump a whole bunch of flock that ends up on the floor, but you want more than a fine dusting. You will have to do this whole process several times so the flock builds on itself.
Step 4: Spray With Water
After you have sprinkled on your flock, you will wet it again with your spray bottle. If you have a bunch of flock pooled up on a branch, spray it until it is wet all the way through. This is the step that activates the flock. If its not wet, it won’t stick. If you just have a light dusting, you can feel like you are spraying it off. You have to wet it though. Come back with more flock in the spots you think you have sprayed away the flock.
Step 5: Repeat Steps 2 Through 4
This process builds on itself. The flock will stick to flock, so keep it up. Spray, sprinkle, spray. Obviously it depends on the look you are going for, but if you are going to the trouble to flock your tree, I assume you want it to look flocked.
I don’t know how many times I did these steps. I did round one on each section individually because I wanted to get inside the branches. Then, I put the tree together and that’s when I did most of the flocking. Even with using 9 total pounds of flock, I didn’t have a ton of it on the ground when I was done.
Step 6: Let Dry
You will want to leave your tree alone at least over night to give the flock time to dry and harden. If you have squishy areas, it’s not dry. Let it dry, then decorate.
What kind of mess does this make? Well, it definitely makes a mess, but it’s easy to clean up. It might make the area dusty and definitely put something over your floors if you plan to do this inside, but it’s not that bad. I think doing it outside would just have made a different kind of mess. You might have to deal with wind or other weather related issues outside. Then you would have to carry your tree inside. Mine would have had to fold up and come in the door piece by piece. I’m not sure what that would have done to the flock.
Was it worth the time, effort, and money spent on flock? I would say yes. The tree really is pretty in person and a new flocked tree of this size would have cost a ton more than the flock. I really wanted to lighten up that tree and I think I have done it.
I am curious to see what the flock looks like next year after being folded up and stored in the attic. I’m thinking I will loose quite a bit. I will update you next year.
Check out this tree and others below.
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