Flocking Blog

Flocking is the process of applying different types of fibers or materials that contain adhesive to other materials. Flocking may be used in a wide range of applications. People are most commonly familiar with Christmas trees that are flocked with white, or even pink or blue snow. This is merely accomplished by spraying the tree with a sticky color of choice that gives the tree a different look. This type of flocking is only the tip of the iceberg.

Flocking tends to be divided up into several different types depending upon the process and the types of fibers used. These types are roll-to-roll flocking, object flocking, automotive flocking and graphics flocking. Flocking can be as simple as spray painting with adhesive materials made up of tiny fibers on objects like the Christmas tree, or it can be complex, changing the texture and designs of the object it is applied to.

Graphics flocking, for example, is used on clothing, floor mats, cards, and stationary, among many things. The simplest type of graphics flocking would be the application of a small logo to an item of clothing. Alternately, T-shirts with their many graphic designs are essentially flocked T-shirts. You can feel the difference between the flocked and non-flocked areas. Many T-shirts with graphic design feel almost plastic or rubbery where a flocked design has been added, and to keep the design looking fresh, you may have to keep the shirts turned inside out when you wash them.

Roll to roll flocking evokes carpet, and carpeting may indeed be flocked. Decorative paper like wrapping paper can also be flocked, as can rolls of fabric or wallpaper. Generally, the entire outside area on the roll is flocked, with anything from stain resistant coatings to shimmery designs that add more interest to your home
decorations.

In automotive flocking the goal may be to coat different auto parts to better protect metal and also to give a uniform look or color to an auto part. You’ll see metal parts of a car engine often painted black or grey, and the exterior of an automobile, whether plastic or metal, is essentially flocked. You can’t take standard house paint and paint a car with desirable results. Instead you would use special polymer paints that will bond with the car’s exterior to create a smooth finish.

In any case, flocking remains a way to change the look, feel, or durability of a variety of products, both homemade and commercially produced. You’ll find flocking supplies in a variety of craft stores, and many stores also offer great tips and books on how to flock successfully. Another great resource for information on flocking, especially at the commercial level is the American Flock Association.

Flocking is used in many ways. One example is in model building, where a grassy texture may be applied to a surface to make it look more realistic. Similarly, it is used by model car builders to get a scale carpet effect. Another use is on a Christmas tree, which may be flocked with a fluffy white spray to simulate snow. Other things may be flocked to give them a velour texture such as t-shirts, wallpaper or upholstery.

Besides the application of velvety coatings to surfaces and objects there exist various flocking techniques as a means of color and product design. They range from screen printing to modern digital printing in order to refine for instance fabric, clothes or books by multicolor patterns. Presently, the exploration of the flock phenomenon can be seen in the fine arts.

Flocking in the automotive industry is used for decorative purposes and may be applied to a number of different materials. Many rally cars also have a flocked dashboard to cut down on the sun reflecting through the windscreen. A view on the present state-of-the-art of flocking can be found in the first international exhibition “Flockage: the flock phenomenon” in the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth.

In the photographic industry, flocking is one method used to reduce the reflectivity of surfaces, including the insides of some bellows and lens hoods. It is also used to produce light-tight passages for film such as in 135 film cartridges.