How to Flock an Artificial Christmas Tree: Bring the Fabulous Look of Snow Indoors

Flocking an artificial Christmas tree is a wonderful way to give it a natural snowfall effect to your Christmas tree. You can create anything from a first snow look to heavily snow-laden branches, with Christmas tree flocking. Flocking a Christmas tree is a fairly easy at home how-to project.

How to Flock an Artificial Christmas Tree: Flocking Material
When flocking an artificial Christmas tree, first decide what type of flocking to use. You can purchase spray flocking or make it yourself. For a light snow look, try Chase Santa® Sno Blower ($4.23, Amazon.com), for a 16 oz spray can. For thick snowy flocked Christmas trees, purchase Snow Machine flocking spray ($10.99, Target.com), for 16 oz.

Make sure to read the back of the can. Christmas tree flocking can be highly flammable and should not be used with high heat Christmas lights. Reading the back of the can will also ensure that you are not disappointed with your flocking results. Some formulas are not designed for heavy flocking projects.

If you prefer to paint the flocking on your Christmas tree, homemade recipes work well. Here are two I've tried:

2/3 cup liquid corn starch
2 cups soap flakes
2-4 tbsp water
Blue food coloring

Mix the corn starch and soap flakes in a bowl. Add water and beat with an egg beater. Add drops of food coloring as you go. Beat until flocking mixture is thick and forms thick peaks.

Another flocking recipe for Christmas trees uses foam shaving cream and Elmer's glue. Use a 4:3 shaving cream to glue ratio. Beat until mixture forms stiff, thick, peaks.

How to Flock an Artificial Christmas Tree: Safety Precautions
You will want to take a few safety precautions, while flocking an artificial Christmas tree. Wear protective gloves, face mask and safety glasses. This will keep you from getting the flocking on your hands, inhaling fumes and prevent eye injuries.

Flocking an artificial Christmas tree should be done outside. This will keep the mess and fumes out of your home. Be sure to set up your Christmas tree on a flat surface, so it does not fall over. Flock the Christmas tree before any lights or ornaments are added.

Other safety considerations you should consider, before flocking a Christmas tree, are children and pets. Make sure the flocked Christmas tree is not where they can ingest the flocking.

How to Flock an Artificial Christmas Tree: Flocking the Tree
If you are not sure how you want your flocked Christmas tree to look, find inspiration. This can be photographs of snowy trees or pre-flocked Christmas trees at department stores. it is best to know how you want your Christmas tree to look, before you start flocking.

To flock you Christmas tree, start at the top. You may need a ladder, if your Christmas tree is taller than you are. Residual flocking will fall to the bottom branches, creating less work as you go.

Paint or spray on the flocking on Christmas tree branches, starting with the innermost part of the branch. This will keep you from dragging your arm through the Christmas tree flocking. Only flock the top side of the branch. For A more beautiful flocked Christmas tree, allow the green to show through.

Remember to step away from your Christmas tree once in awhile. Circle it and see if your flocking is getting desired results. It is easier to add flocking, than to take it off.

Allow your flocked Christmas tree to dry for a couple hours, before bringing inside.

How to Flock an Artificial Christmas Tree: Tree Storage
A flocked artificial Christmas tree is best stored intact. Instead of taking the Christmas tree apart, leave it up. Simply cover it with a Christmas tree bag or contractor's garbage bag. This will save you a step next year, as you can just pull out your beautifully flocked Christmas tree and add ornaments.