The One-Step Secret to Turning a $20 Christmas Tree into a $200 One
There are lots of ways to make an ordinary Christmas tree — whether real or faux — look extraordinary. You might decorate it with handmade garlands, for example, or cover it with DIY ornaments to match your home’s style. But the easiest way to add a luxurious touch to a basic tree is to flock it, or cover it with faux snow.
You can buy artificial trees pre-flocked, but getting the look yourself just takes a few basic supplies and about an hour of your time (not to mention a bit of cleanup afterward). There are two methods to achieve the frosted look of your winter wonderland dreams: You can flock a Christmas tree with faux snow flocking powder, or you can use spray flocking to achieve the same effect. Both methods are beginner-friendly, although they achieve slightly different looks (powder will build up a bit thicker than the spray). In either case, though, the project can instantly turn a plain tree into something that looks department store-worthy. Or, as one flocking spray user noted, it can turn “a $20 tree into a $200 tree.” How’s that for an endorsement?
Read on to learn how to flock a tree with powder and how to flock a tree with spray.
Method 1: How to Flock a Christmas Tree with Flocking Powder
Materials
Tree (real or faux)
Water
Fine mesh strainer that you don’t use for food
Before you begin: It’s best to do this project outside, as it can get quite messy. Make sure the area you choose has some protection from the wind so that your flocking powder isn’t blown away. Wear a dust mask and goggles.
1. Fluff and arrange your tree.
If you’re using a faux Christmas tree, fluff its branches and bend any stray pieces until the shape is to your liking. If you’re using a real Christmas tree, do any required trimming.
2. Spray the tree with water.
Fill a clean spray bottle with warm water, and use it to spray the branches of the tree. Be generous; the branches should be damp so that the powder can stick.
3. Start to sprinkle the tree with flocking powder.
Pour some of the flocking powder into the fine mesh strainer. Sift the contents over the branches of the tree so that the powder is falling directly downward, mimicking the path of falling snow.
4. Spray with water.
As you sprinkle, spray the powder with water to activate the adhesive. The powder will stick best if you spray it as it falls on the tree’s branches.
5. Give it a final spray, and let dry.
When you’re happy with the level of flocking, use your spray bottle to mist the tree one final time. Allow the flocking to dry before decorating further (about a day).
Method 2: How to Flock a Christmas Tree with Flocking Spray
Materials
Tree (real or faux)
1. Fluff and arrange your tree.
If you’re using a faux Christmas tree, fluff its branches and bend any stray pieces until the shape is to your liking. If you’re using a real Christmas tree, do any required trimming.
2. Spray the branches.
Spray the branches with the flocking, using light passes. For the most realistic effect, hold the can so that the nozzle points straight downward over the branches of the tree; that will mimic the look of fallen snow.
3. Make additional passes for a heavier snow effect.
Continue with light layers of flocking spray until you achieve your desired look. Allow tree to dry for about a day before decorating further.
