DIY your own Flocked Christmas tree with this easy, inexpensive step-by-step tutorial! Follow these simple steps for how to flock a Christmas tree to create your own beautiful snowy tree this holiday season.
I am so excited to share this tutorial with you today! The question I am asked most frequently is How do you Flock a Christmas tree? Also, how to choose and buy an artificial flocked Christmas treeand also how to set up and fluff an artificial Christmas tree. This post will give you allllll my best tips including photo and video tutorials! You can do this!
The first time I flocked a tree, I was actually re-flocking an older one. The lights on my tree completely burned out as well and I couldn't get them working again, so I restrung lights on the entire tree and then I re-flocked it. I love a lot of heavy flocking on trees, so I was determined to find out how to add flocking to my tree the real way. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy and relatively inexpensive it was! And a little bit of flocking goes a long way!
Where to Buy Christmas Tree Flocking
I have tried out a few self-adhesive flocking powders and this is the one that I prefer. I have only been able to find flocking powder online and this is my favorite for both great results and affordability. I will link to several options below, however since it does tend to sell out quickly.
This is the real, professional flocking- not the knock offs that you sometimes see on Pinterest. Don't get me wrong, some of the knock offs are really pretty, but I prefer the look and feel, quality and durability of the real stuff. I have flocked and re-flocked many trees, and will share some of my best tips and tricks with you!
How much Flocking to use on a tree?
This will depend on how thick you like your flocking and the size of your tree. I prefer heavy flocking so I used almost an entire 5 pound box on my 9 foot tree. If you prefer it a little lighter, you could get away with flocking two 6 to 7 ft trees with a 5 pound box. If you are flocking wreaths or garlands, you will only need a pound or so for each. I have a couple sizes linked below.
Supplies you will need:
- A Christmas Tree- Real or Faux
- Self Adhesive Christmas Tree Flock:
- This is the one I usually use
- Here is a smaller size (for a small tree or wreath)
- Here is one with opalina (added iridescent flakes)
- Best Value for the quantity (share with a friend)
- Spray bottle full of water
- Kitchen sifter
How to Flock a Christmas Tree
I have step-by-step video and picture tutorials below so you can see how easy and fun it is to flock your Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, and more. Warning: it is addictive and you will want to flock all the things!
Before we start, here are 3 questions I am asked frequently:
- Is it safe to do the flocking over lights- I always do and have never had an issue. I love the look of the glow of the snow covered lights. With that said, be sure to refer to flocking and tree manufacturer instructions.
- How to store a flocked Christmas tree- I have all of my best Christmas storage and organization tips compiled in a post for you!
- How to decorate a flocked tree- You can see my full process in my post on How to decorate a Christmas tree.
Video Tutorial
Step-by-Step Photo Tutorial
I will show you on a single branch to give you an idea of how the process works, but I did do it to my entire tree, and I did it while it was all assembled.
I will show you up close on a single branch (to give you an idea of how the process works) but I don't typically do it on individual branches like this. I always do it on my entire assembled and fluffed tree (see video tutorial).
First, begin by fluffing the branches on your tree (or garland).
Then spray with water. (I made a little video of this process that I will work on posting)
Then sift on the self adhesive flocking powder until desired thickness.
Spray again with water. The water activates the adhesive.
Repeat above steps until you reach your desired flocking thickness. Like I said, I love thick flocking, so I loaded up my tree, but you could definitely do it lighter for a more natural look. You will get a better result if you do it in layers until you receive your desired thickness.
Let dry for several hours until hardened. I let mine dry overnight just to be sure.
Are Flocked Trees Messy (Do they Shed)?
Flocked trees are so beautiful that I don’t mind the occasional messes, but it is completely a personal preference thing. I have a couple of tips to keep them as clean as possible.
My best trick is to put your tree in a box or collar if you can. This makes it so much easier to not bump and also to sweep/vacuum around the tree. With that said, you can use a traditional tree skirt as well. You might just have to shake it out into the garbage periodically if it gets bumped frequently (if the snow flurries bother you).
Apply flocking properly, making sure to saturate the powder with water so it completely sticks to the tree. This will minimize any flurries from falling if the tree is bumped.
Avoid high traffic areas, if possible, where the Christmas tree will be constantly bumped. With that said, ours is in a high traffic area and I have 4 little kids, so it is totally doable. They know not to touch the tree, so it isn’t an issue.
Are flocked trees safe for kids and pets?
Whether flocking is safe for children and pets is dependent on a couple of factors. Will they be putting it in their mouth? If that is the case, you might want to consider the choking hazard. it is best to look at the product packaging and the MSDS which can usually be found online.
With that said, I have had flocked trees for many years, while having all four of my babies. I taught them not to
I love the look of a flocked tree! It is so beautiful!
I hope you have fun flocking your Christmas trees and if you have any other questions, please ask in the comments below!
Daniela
can this be product be used on real trees?
Kristen Whitby
Yes!
Kathy
Thank you so much for your answer to my recent question! I'm also wondering how the tree stores once Christmas is over? It's hot here in Arizona. Would the summer heat ruin it? Do you know? I'm dying to do this to our tree!!
Kristen Whitby
We just store our trees in Christmas tree bags and they hold up very well. Our temps get in the hundreds for a few weeks here in the summer and we store our trees in the garage. I don't know about more severe heat, but I haven't noticed a problem with ours. I hope that helps!
Monica
Why do you prefer the plain flocking vs. the one with opalescent sparkle? It’s really difficult to see the shiny “ice crystal” bits in pictures. Pros and cons?
Really outstanding trees!
Kristen Whitby
It is just personal preference. I like the sparkle to come from my ornaments and decor, but both flocking styles are beautiful!
Becca
I have a beautiful but older pink tree that I'm thinking about flocking. I bought a replacement for it this year, as it's been losing its needles for the last couple of years. But before I pitch it, I wondered if flocking it might extend its life a bit. Would flocking fill in the branches a bit? Would it prevent additional needles from falling off? Curious to hear what everyone thinks!
Joanna
Beautiful job! I was wondering how you cleaned the lights off after flocking your tree? Or is it safe to be left on the bulbs?
Thanks!
Kristen Whitby
I don't clean the Christmas lights on mine. I love the way the light glows through the flocking. My official suggestion is to always follow manufacturer instructions though! 🙂
Georgeanna Harmer
I loved flocked trees and my husband and I always used to flock our trees as they are so expensive but suddenly I could not find the flocking stuff to buy anywhere where I lived and my husband passed and it was too big a project on my own. I used to do a different themed tree every year and the kids and I would make ornaments. It was a fun time.
Jen
Your tree is beautiful. Can this be done on trees with PE branch needles, more of a "realistic" needle, stiffer plastic I guess, LOL. Thank you!
Kristen Whitby
Yes! I have done this flocking technique on all kinds of Christmas trees and wreaths!
Natalie
Did the flock cover up the pre lit lights much? Or we’re they still bright?
Kristen Whitby
I love the way the Christmas lights look under the flocking! It is a nice pretty glow! And still bright.
Carole
Beautiful work on the Christmas Tree!
Lisa scott
Hi where do I buy the powder to flock
My tree with
Kristen Whitby
I linked to it up under the supply list!
Jade Hillier
I really want to do a door frame garland on my front door this year but really want to Flock it but my husband sets the flock can't go outside in the weather, is this true bearing in mind I live in England xx
Kristen Whitby
I'm not sure about that one- you may need to contact the manufacturer
Nancy
Absolutely gorgeous!
How much flocking do you lose when you decorate the tree?
Kristen Whitby
It probably depends on how careful you are. I would probably estimate 10 percent
Katharine Sawhill
when you were ready to store your tree till next Christmas, did the flocking come off or was it able to stay on the branches?
Kristen Whitby
We store our trees in Christmas tree bags (not the box)- Some of it always comes off, but not terrible.
Bobbiharwel
Can i do this to a pre lit tree?
Kristen Whitby
I did! I love the look of the snow covered lights. But, as with anything I recommend double checking the manufacturer's recommendations.
Val Jones
Did you use SnoFlock I found some on Amazon. I have flocked trees that need additional flocking from years of packing in tight boxes. Thanks for the information, looks great.
Kristen Whitby
I linked to the one I used up under the supply list
Vivien
Looks really lovely! Also it looks EASY! Great stuff 🙂
Kristen Whitby
It is SO easy! And fun!
Maureen Beech
Love your blog and your generosity in sharing so many amazing ideas and inside scoops! Thank you! Ordered some of this product and I was curious how this works year to year. Is it permanent? Washed off and reapplied? Touched up? Would appreciate your insights on that. Thanks again.
Kristen Whitby
What a kind comment! Thank you so much! I love to share! It is permanent. It will dust off a bit here and there, but for the most part it lasts year to year
Jenny
You are amazing.
doing all this with kids. My house would not look this good if I had a realitly small home(I do 1028 sq ft) and your beautiful family. I am thankful for your posts and sharing. You are so talented.
Marcie Kendall
This is gorgeous! I am thinking about getting a cheap tree for my studio and doing this next year. Thanks for the info.
Ty
Beautiful!! I love how your tree turned out!