How To Flock a Christmas Tree: An Expert Guide to Decorating With Artificial Snow

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 to 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:

Steps

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.
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.
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.
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

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.
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.
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

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.
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.
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

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.
2. Fluff the mixture – Introduce air into the mixture by continuously fluffing it, making sure it’s loose and not pasty.
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.
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here we answer common questions about flocking a Christmas tree.

What Is the Best Way To Flock a Christmas Tree?

The ideal way to flock a Christmas tree is by using a specialized flocking powder designed for this purpose. You apply it by misting the tree with water and then sifting the powder onto the branches, which creates a durable, snow-like coating that adheres well. This method provides the most realistic and long-lasting results.

Can You Use Spray Snow To Flock a Christmas Tree?

While spray snow can be used to add a snowy effect, it is not the same as true flocking. It often has a much different texture, can be less durable, and may chip or flake off more easily over time. For a lasting, professional-looking finish, a dedicated flocking powder is a better choice.

 How Do You Keep Flocking from Falling Off?

To keep flocking from falling off, it's crucial to ensure proper application by misting the tree with water before and after applying the flocking powder. This activates the adhesive in the powder, allowing it to bond securely to the branches. Once fully dried, the flocking will be a firm, solid coating that is resistant to shedding.

How Do You Make Homemade Flocking?

Common methods for making homemade flocking involve making a thick mixture out of household ingredients like soap shavings or shaving cream with cornstarch and glue. While this can provide a similar snowy appearance, it may not have the same durability or long-lasting adhesion as commercial flocking products.