Here's The Best Way to Flock Your Christmas Tree, According to the Pros
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Looking to up your holiday game this year? Sure, you can bake extra batches of super delish cookies, jazz up the front door, porch and stairway decorations and hang those stockings on the mantel with extra care. But what about the Tannenbaum? Decking it with loads of ribbons and bows is a must, but if you really want to fuel the Yuletide spirit and turn your home into a winter wonderland, you might be wondering how to flock a Christmas tree. Giving the centerpiece of your seasonal décor snowy style is a surefire way to guarantee a white Christmas for all no matter the weather, and flocked trees can fit beautifully with any theme, from rustic farmhouse to throwback vintage.
Simply defined as the process of adding artificial snow to a tree, flocking is easier to accomplish than you might think. You don't have to hire an expensive decorator or even purchase a pricey pre-flocked tree if you decide to opt for this kind of ornamentation. At least not if you take a gander at our handy dandy guide to Christmas tree flocking. We went straight to those in the (snow) know for tips on trends, dos and don'ts and the pros and cons of different methods for achieving that fabulously frosty, magnificently magical winter vibe!
While adding artificial snow to Christmas trees first became popular in the mid-20th century, when folks used materials like cornstarch, cotton, and flour to flock their trees, nowadays there are plenty of special products you can buy if you prefer to go that route. Goodies like flocking powder and self-adhesive spray make DIYing a snap. Experts say you can flock both live as well as artificial evergreens, too! You can also play around with different looks, including glamorous, glimmering flocking, which you can achieve by adding mica or glitter for an icy sheen.
Flocking Powder
Pack of Two Flocking Snow Spray
Mica Powder
Iridescent Fine Glitter
Or, go for what Anna Tatsioni, lead interior designer and architect at Decorilla Online Interior Design, calls "a more delicate, soft-focus effect. I've worked with many clients on creative Christmas tree ideas, including the increasingly popular technique of flocking. Flocking has become a go-to method for achieving a beautiful, snow-covered look on holiday trees that I really enjoy incorporating into my clients' homes." According to Tatsioni, using a gentle hand to create a mere dusting of snow on the tree "creates a more natural, realistic appearance that complements a variety of holiday decor styles, which I find to be a very elegant and refined look."
Another option, and what Ellen Flowers, editor of theperennialstyle.com terms "a fresh twist," is embracing "vintage" flocking. "That's where the snow is a little thicker, more textured, and less 'uniform,'" she explains. "Some people even use colored flocking (think icy blues or soft pinks) to match specific themes or add a pop of festive fun!"
Thick layers or thin, bold white or brilliantly hued, shining with sparkles or a bit more subdued—no matter the look you want to achieve there are some basic steps to tree flocking that you're going to need to follow. Read on as we answer all your snow job questions, so you can get right to flocking around the Christmas tree (sorry, we just couldn't resist).
What's the easiest way to flock a Christmas tree?
Hey, we get it. Sometimes you just want to go retro, and there isn't a more old school way to add artificial snow to your tree than by using a tried and true substance like corn starch or flour. And, according to Flowers, they offer "a more natural, fluffy look—this gives the tree a soft, powdery snow effect and works well for people who love a hands-on project." Tree flocking this way isn't especially tricky to accomplish, either. "If you’re doing the DIY cornstarch method, mix your ingredients in a bowl, dip a sponge in, and gently pat the snow onto the branches," she advises. "Add layers for a thicker effect. Allow the flocking to dry before decorating with lights and ornaments."
But with all the convenient, time-saving flocking products available nowadays, it's probably easiest to opt for one of those. No matter which method you choose, you're going to want to work in a well-ventilated space, Tatsioni says, and wear goggles and a mask. Flocking powder and fumes from flocking spray may contain fire-retardant chemicals, so you don't want to inhale them. "Make sure to cover the floor with a drop cloth—flocking is messy, and that snow can get everywhere!" Flowers adds. "Also, be careful with the amount of flocking you use, especially if you’re DIY-ing it; too much can weigh down the branches or block out the tree’s natural scent."
Once you've placed your tarps or drop cloths (and donned work gloves and clothes you don't mind getting grungy), it's time to get started. In general, it'll probably take about an afternoon to complete your project. Set aside at least a few hours for it, so you're not rushed. Also, if you have an artificial tree, make sure you open the branches before flocking, fluffing them fully. Then, if you're using a flocking powder:
1.Mist the entire tree lightly with water.
This will help the powder adhere to the needles and branches. You want the tree to be damp, not drenched. Use a spray bottle to ensure even coverage.
2.Add powder to a flour sifter.
Be careful not to overfill the sifter. Working from the top of the tree to the bottom, sprinkle the flocking powder over the branches. Shake the sifter with an up-and-down motion, rather than side-to-side, and begin from the branch ends, moving inward toward the interior of the tree.
3. Be sure to use a light touch.
"You have to be careful not to use too much, or your tree might start to look more 'fluffy' than festive," Flowers cautions. "But when done right, a flocked tree is a showstopper!"
4. Add a second (or even third!) layer.
Mist with more water as needed and touch up spots that need more powder. Layering not only gives you more control over the application process, it also makes the artificial snow look fuller. Remember, it's much easier to add another layer than trying to de-flock a too-snowy tree.
5. Lightly spritz the tree with water again.
Then add mica or glitter if you'd like it to sparkle like freshly fallen snow. Let the tree dry, which will take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on how humid it is and how thickly you've applied the snow. You'll know the tree is ready for decorating when the flocking has hardened.
What can I use instead of flocking powder?
In addition to flocking powder, flocking spray is also a popular, easy-to-use product. "Professional grade flocking sprays offer precise control and an even, consistent coverage, which is my preferred method," notes Tatsioni. "These come in water-based and foam-based formulas." To apply, simply lightly coat the tree with the spray, beginning at the top and using a steady, sweeping motion.
Some folks swear flocking sprays are better for beginner use, others say sprays tend to flake off more than powders. But no matter what method or product you choose, Tatsioni says that you should be aware that flocked trees in general "require more upkeep, as the flock can shed over time, and they typically can't be reused year after year."
How to keep flocking from falling off?
Both Tatsioni and Flowers acknowledge that applying artificial snow to your Christmas tree is a messy process. In fact, if you can do it outside, you should—although if it rains on your tree before it dries and you can move it inside all of your hard work will ruined. Another drawback of flocking is that it inevitably flakes off. However, there are steps you can take to minimize this. If you're working with a powder, make sure you mist the tree properly, so that it's not too damp, or too dry. Make sure the flocking has completely set before you move or decorate the tree. And in the off-season, store your tree upright, in a dry place, wrapped it in plastic.
But whatever you do, do not treat your tree with hair spray or a sealant, which are flammable and could even possibly catch fire when used with lights. Also, be aware that flocking can cause tummy aches when ingested by pets, so if you've got a furry, four-legged family member it's probably best to skip the artificial snow.
Otherwise, why not get wintry? Flocking abates needle drop on live trees, and once you get the hang of the process, you can flock away to your heart's content on other holiday decorations like wreaths, pine cones and garland! And then there's what Flowers describes as "the stunning, snowy look it gives your tree. Flocking a Christmas tree is like giving it a magical winter makeover...Whether you're DIY-ing it or hiring a professional, flocking adds a frosty, snow-kissed look that takes your holiday decor up a notch!"
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