Manual flocker or electrostatic flocking machine? How to choose the right one
If you want to start flocking, the most important choice is the tool you use to apply the flock fibres. Broadly speaking, you have two options: a manual flocker (the flock applicator) or an electrostatic flocking machine. Both apply flock fibres to a glue layer, but the way they do it differs – and you can see it in the end result. In this blog we explain the difference so you know exactly which one suits your project.
Briefly: how does flocking work?
When flocking, you first apply a layer of special flock glue to your object. Then you shoot or scatter thousands of tiny flock fibres onto that wet glue layer. The fibres stand upright in the glue and together form a soft, velvety layer. And that is exactly the key to a beautiful result: the more upright the fibres stand, the denser, more even and more luxurious the flock layer looks. This is precisely where the manual and electrostatic methods differ.
The manual flocker: the Flock Applicator
DutchFlock’s Flock Applicator is a manual tool for applying flock fibres. You fill the applicator with flock fibres and move it back and forth above the wet glue layer. Through the movement you make, the flock fibres land on the glue layer. Simple, accessible and surprisingly effective.
For most hobby and DIY projects, the manual flocker is an excellent choice. It’s affordable, easy to use and included as standard in our FlockBox, so you can start right away. Want to flock a dashboard, a model-making piece or a decoration? The manual applicator will take you a long way.
Good to know: because you apply the fibres by hand, a fibre may not land perfectly upright on the glue layer. Some fibres then lie at more of an angle. In practice this still gives a beautiful result, but on very critical or large-scale work you’ll notice the difference compared to a machine.
The electrostatic flocking machine: the EVO Flocker
If you want to get the most out of your flock project, the EVO Flocker is the next step. With this machine you flock electrostatically. The EVO Flocker applies an electrostatic charge that aligns the flock fibres and shoots them onto the glue layer in a controlled way. The result: the flock fibres always land perfectly upright on the glue layer.
Because every fibre stands neatly upright, you get an even, dense and deep velvety layer. That delivers a super professional result that is hard to match by hand. It’s no surprise the EVO Flocker is a machine also used in the professional flocking industry. It was developed by SCHNIER, a specialist in electrostatic flocking, and works with an output voltage of around 70 kV.
Manual vs. electrostatic: the differences at a glance
| Manual flocker (Flock Applicator) | Electrostatic flocking machine (EVO Flocker) | |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | Fibres fall onto the glue through your hand movement | Fibres are shot upright into the glue electrostatically |
| Fibre orientation | Mostly upright, occasionally a fibre at an angle | Always perfectly upright |
| Result | Beautiful, great for hobby and DIY | Even, dense and super professional |
| Ideal for | Small projects, beginners, occasional use | Professional and demanding work |
| Price | Affordable (also in the FlockBox) | Professional machine – buy or rent |
Buy or rent the EVO Flocker
The EVO Flocker is available to buy at DutchFlock, but you can also rent it. That’s ideal if you have a one-off project: you get a super professional result without spending a lot on buying a machine. If you flock regularly, buying is more cost-effective in the long run. On the EVO Flocker product page you simply choose between buying and renting.
Which one suits you?
- Choose the manual Flock Applicator if you’re starting out, have a limited budget or do occasional small projects. With the FlockBox you have everything you need right away.
- Choose the electrostatic EVO Flocker if you want the cleanest, most professional result. Rent it for a one-off project, or buy it if you flock more often.
Still not sure which option best suits your project? Browse all our applicators and machines or feel free to get in touch – we’re happy to help.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between manual and electrostatic flocking?
With manual flocking you apply the fibres with an applicator; your movement makes the fibres fall onto the glue layer. With electrostatic flocking, an electrostatic charge ensures the fibres always shoot upright into the glue, giving a more even and professional result.
Is a manual flocker good enough?
Absolutely. For hobby and DIY projects the Flock Applicator gives a beautiful result. Only on very critical or professional work will you notice the advantage of an electrostatic machine.
Can I rent the EVO Flocker?
Yes. The EVO Flocker is available at DutchFlock both to buy and to rent. Renting is ideal for a one-off project: you get a professional result without the full purchase cost.
