There’s something magical about snow falling softly from the sky, especially around Christmas time. Unfortunately, not everyone gets to enjoy that during those months. This is where flocking a Christmas tree comes in handy – it captures the essence of a winter wonderland even if it doesn’t snow where you are. In this guide, we share four flocking methods that can help you create a dreamy winter scene for the holidays.
General Precautions And Tips
How do you flock a Christmas tree at home? Follow these tips before anything else.
Warranty Disclaimer
Any damage that results from flocking or altering your Balsam Hill artificial Christmas tree in any way will void your warranty. For more information, read our warranty policy.
Safety First
Keep flocking materials away from children and pets. While most are non-toxic, there are some sprays that may contain potentially hazardous chemicals. If your tree has lights, thoroughly check for broken bulbs and frayed wires to prevent electrical hazards.
Wear Protective Gear
Wear a mask, gloves, and safety goggles to prevent inhalation, ingestion, or contact when making and applying the flocking mixture.
Work In A Well-Ventilated Area
Flocking Christmas trees can be messy, so work outdoors or in the garage with the door open if you have the space and weather permits. Lay down a tarp, drop cloth, or painter’s plastic to catch residual flock.
Do A Patch Test
Test your flock by applying it on a small portion of the tree first to make sure you’d be able to achieve your desired look.
Fluff Your Tree Before Flocking
Shape the branches before applying any flocking. Check our guide to shaping your tree for step-by-step instructions.
How To Flock A Christmas Tree With Pre-Made Flocking
Decorating with store-bought Christmas tree flocking is the easiest way to give evergreens a snow-inspired makeover. We recommend using bagged instead of a spray can flock for a more realistic look. Here’s how to flock your own tree using pre-made flocking:
Step 1 | Dampen The Entire Christmas Tree
Place your tree in the middle of your painter’s plastic or drop cloth, then use a spray bottle to mist the branch tips. This is to make sure that your flocking will stick to the needles.
Step 2 | Flock Your Christmas Tree
Starting at the top, sprinkle handfuls of flocking on the branch tips. Let it cascade to the lower needles, then add more until you’re satisfied with how it looks. Make sure not to put too much flock to keep branches from drooping.
Step 3 | Dampen The Entire Tree Again
Mist your tree once more to help the flocking adhere to the needles. Spray the water 12 to 14 inches away from the tree to avoid altering your design.
Step 4 | Let Your Flocking Dry
Allow the tree to dry for 24 to 48 hours undisturbed. Once completely dry, bring it indoors then add your ornaments. You can also do a second coating to enhance the snowy look.
How to Flock Your Christmas Tree With Soap Shavings
This is a popular choice for DIY Christmas tree flock because it’s cost-efficient and readily available. It can also be customized to fit any decorating theme, like adding glitter or food coloring. Here’s how to flock a Christmas tree with soap shavings:
Materials:
- 2 cups white soap shavings
- 2/3 cup cornstarch slurry or white glue
- 4 tbsp. warm water
- Food coloring or glitter (optional)
Steps:
Step 1 | Create The Mixture
Combine the soap shavings and cornstarch slurry or white glue in a mixer on medium speed. Add the water and food coloring or glitter. Beat the mixture until it forms stiff peaks with the same consistency as nougat.
Step 2 | Flock Your Tree
Use a paintbrush to scoop a dollop of the mixture, and flock only the needle tips. Start at the top of the tree, then work your way down. To make it look more realistic, let the foam stay in clusters or let it drip from the higher branches.
Step 3 | Let Your Flocking Dry
Allow the tree to dry for 8 to 24 hours, depending on the size of the tree and the amount of flock applied.
How To Flock A Christmas Tree With Shaving Cream as Christmas Tree Flock
Another option is to use shaving cream. It already has the stiff consistency needed to mimic drops of snow, cutting down your prep time. Follow the instructions below on how to flock an artificial Christmas tree with shaving cream:
Materials:
- 4 to 6 cans of shaving cream
- 2/3 cup white glue
- Food coloring or glitter (optional)
Steps:
Step 1 | Create The Mixture
Blend the shaving cream with white glue in a mixer at medium speed. Continue mixing until stiff peaks form. Add food coloring or glitter as desired.
Step 2 | Flock Your Tree
Flock the needle tips at the top, then work your way down. Let the foam stay in clusters or let them drip down to the lower needles for a more organic look.
Step 3 | Let Your Flocking Dry
Allow the tree to dry for 8 to 24 hours, depending on the size of the tree and the amount of flock applied.
How To Flock A Christmas Tree With Desiccated Coconut as Christmas Tree Flock
Go for a coconut-based flock as a hypoallergenic option, but keep in mind that it’s perishable unlike soap or cream-based mixtures. Make sure to use a strong binding agent to improve the shelf-life and help the flakes stick together. Here’s how to how to flock an artificial tree or real evergreen with desiccated coconut.
Materials:
- 1 lb. desiccated coconut
- 2 cups cornstarch slurry
- Food coloring or glitter (optional)
Steps:
Step 1 | Create The Mixture
Pour the desiccated coconut into a large mixing bowl. Gradually add 2 tbsp. cornstarch slurry to the flakes until all are covered with the liquid, breaking up clumps with your hands. Add food coloring or glitter as desired.
Step 2 | Fluff The Mixture
Introduce air into the mixture by continuously fluffing it, making sure it’s loose and not pasty.
Step 3 | Flock Your Tree
Using your hands, sprinkle your flocking from the top of the tree. It should cascade naturally to the lower branches. Continue the process until you achieve your desired look.
Step 4 | Let Your Flocking Dry
Allow the tree to dry for 8 to 24 hours, depending on the size of the tree and the amount of flock applied.
Flocked vs. Frosted Christmas Trees
Flocked trees tend to look heavily covered, with the boughs appearing more weighed down. Frosted Christmas trees, on the other hand, are lightly covered with a faux dusting of snow. Click the link to learn more about the differences between the two.
Decorating Ideas for Flocked Christmas Trees
Here are a few decorating ideas you can try for your flocked Christmas tree.
Create an Enchanted Forest
Decorate your flocked tree with woodland-themed ornaments such as birds, squirrels, and owls. Weave a burlap ribbon around the tree for a rustic look and add pops of red with berry picks and classic Christmas balls and finials.
Make It Metallic
For a stylish metallic winter theme, choose grey and silver Christmas accents with crystal and glitter. Complement the ornaments with a plush grey velvet or platinum lamé ribbon for that extra sparkle.
Go Nordic
If you like Scandinavian design, you can’t go wrong with a red-and-white Nordic theme. Mix and match different types of ornaments and layer them with berry picks for texture.
Dress It Down
Even without ornaments or trim, flocked Christmas trees make a big impact. Just add some light strings to make them glow in the evenings. If you have the space, display them in groups to create a grove of frosted trees indoors.
Insider's Tip
Allow your flocked tree to completely dry before decorating. Make sure that the flocking is stiff and not sticky before bringing it indoors. You can also set a fan on low directed to your tree to help it dry quicker.
We hope this guide helped you learn how to flock an artificial tree. If you’re looking for pre-flocked trees but prefer a lighter coverage, our frosted Christmas trees are a great alternative. We apply our faux snowflakes in a more natural pattern, making the trees look like a light dusting of snow has gently landed on the branches. Click the link below to browse our collection.
Learn More
Read these next for more guides and decorating tips on Balsam Hill’s frosted Christmas trees.