Guide: how to get started with flocking

Great that you're getting started with flocking! This guide takes you step by step through getting a clean, velvety finish with the FlockBox: from preparation to the final touch. Renting the EVO Flocker? At the bottom you'll find what's in the rental set and how to send it back.

What's in your FlockBox?

• Flock fibres in the colour you chose
• Flock adhesive, water-based
• Flock applicator to spread the fibres evenly
• Brush to apply the adhesive precisely

Handy to have ready yourself: a face mask, gloves, masking tape, a sieve and a tray or dust sheet to catch loose fibres.

How much do you need?

For a car dashboard, the Medium size is usually enough.

Preparation

1. Workspace – work in a well-ventilated room and wear a face mask: the fibres are short and stay in the air. Lay down a dust sheet or put small objects in a tray, so you catch loose fibres and can reuse them.
2. Surface – make the surface clean, grease-free and dry. Lightly sand glossy surfaces for better adhesion.
3. Masking – tape off the areas that shouldn't get adhesive or fibres.
4. Sieve the fibres – sieve the fibres over a tray to break up any lumps.

Flocking step by step

1. Apply the adhesive – use the brush to apply an even, slightly thicker layer of adhesive to the whole area you want to flock, without puddles or dry edges. A layer that's too thin is the most common cause of bare patches.
2. Fill the applicator – fill the inner tube of the applicator about halfway with fibres and slide the outer tube with the grid over it. Not too full: the fibres need room to move freely.
3. Apply the fibres – do this straight away, while the adhesive is wet: you have about 10–15 minutes. Hold the grid 15–20 cm from the surface, move the inner tube back and forth or tap gently, and work in light, smooth passes from several angles. Be generous: whatever doesn't stick, you catch.
4. Larger areas – work in sections with a small overlap so no lines show. Touch up corners and edges with a fine brush.

Drying and finishing

• Let the piece dry undisturbed for at least a day before you gently brush off loose fibres with a soft brush or blow them away with a hairdryer.
• After about 72 hours the adhesive is fully cured. You can then also clean the surface with a vacuum cleaner.
• It's best not to speed up drying with a heat source: drying too fast often comes at the expense of adhesion.
• Later, clean the flocked surface with a slightly damp cloth, not with lots of water: the adhesive is water-based.

Common mistakes

• Adhesive layer too thin – the fibres don't stick everywhere and you get bare patches. Apply a little more generously.
• Waiting too long – adhesive that's already drying won't take the fibres any more.
• Greasy or dusty surface – dust and grease interfere with adhesion. Always clean thoroughly first.
• Brushing off too early – you'll pull fibres loose. Let the adhesive dry first.

Tip: adhesive in the colour of your fibres

With light or bright colours, the adhesive can show through. Mix in flocking pigment so the adhesive layer gets the same shade. The pigment is available in black, blue, red, yellow, green and grey.

Working with the EVO Flocker (rental)

The EVO Flocker applies the fibres electrostatically: they land faster, straighter and more evenly on the object. Preparation and applying the adhesive are the same as above.

• In the set – EVO Flocker, 120 mm flock applicator, fine and medium sieve (120 mm), rechargeable Li-Ion battery, USB charger and earthing cable with crocodile clip.
• Battery – charge the battery with the USB charger before you start. The LEDs on the handle show operation and battery status.
• Earthing and safety – make sure the object is properly earthed with the supplied cable, and follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety information that come with the device. Practise on a test piece first.

Sending it back – pack the complete set, with all the parts above, back in the box and send it with the return label from the box no later than the return date in your shipping confirmation. As soon as we've received everything in good condition, we'll refund your deposit.

Need help?

Not sure about your surface, the quantity or the result? Send a WhatsApp to +31 6 85 75 55 73 or email info@dutchflock.com. You'll find more tips per application in the knowledge centre.