Here’s How to Flock a Christmas Tree — Real or Artificial

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas — but there’s no chance of snow where you live — learning how to flock a Christmas tree can make all your dreams come true.

Flocking uses a synthetic dust or powder to create a freshly-fallen snow effect on an indoor Christmas tree.

Who doesn’t love a snow-covered tree? There are several ways to do it:

• Christmas tree flocking kits (includes application gun)
• Hand-flock with snow powder and a strainer
• Christmas tree flocking spray
• Buy a professionally flocked tree

If you prefer the DIY flocking method, you’ll find it more cost effective. It’s certainly more time-consuming than buying an already-flocked tree, but you can get the exact effect you’re looking for when you do it yourself. And, yes, you can flock real and fake Christmas trees!

Tools you’ll need to flock a Christmas tree:

• Snow flocking powder
• Spray bottle with water
• A small strainer

Pro tip: Set up your DIY flocking project in the garage or on a back porch to prevent a massive blizzard scene in your living room.

Now, here’s how you get started:

Step 1: Mist Your Tree

Work in sections to lightly mist your tree with the spray bottle. There’s no need to spray large sections as the water will dry before you get to flocking.

Step 2: Sift, Sift, Sift

With the “snow” in your strainer, lift it above the dampened section and start sifting in a slow motion back and forth — kind of like real falling snow. The sprayed-on water will activate the snow making it light and fluffy while also adhering to the tree.

Pro tip: Be careful not to spill water onto the flock inside your strainer or it will fluff up and you won’t be able to sift, sift, sift!

Step 3: Check Your Snowfall

Move around your tree as you flock, making sure you hit every branch with your mister and flock. You can spray and sift at the same time, too. Want more snow-laden branches? Go back around and add more water and flock to build it up.

Step 4: Let it Dry

The thicker the layers of “snow” on your tree, the longer it will take to dry. If you use the spray can type of snow, it will take about 4 hours for a light layer to dry. For thicker sprayed-on coats, you’ll want it to sit overnight. If you hand-flock your tree, let it sit overnight for best drying results before hanging lights or adding Christmas ornaments.

Get Started With Flocking Your Evergreen  

Learning how to flock a Christmas tree isn’t hard at all.

It just takes a little time and patience to create your dreamy winter wonderland centerpiece. Even if you can’t have real snow on your tree, the combined scent of a real Christmas tree paired with the flocking technique creates a stunning piece.

For artificial trees, to ensure it gets the true snowy effect, you can also flock it when it’s disassembled to get full coverage on each branch. This unique technique can also be used on wreaths, garlands, and other decor that needs some snowfall.

Get ready to dream up your perfect white Christmas — right inside your living room. Be sure to check out our White Christmas Ornaments to make you tree look even more like a winter wonderland! 

Do you love flocking or have a unique flocking experience? Share your best flocking tips and experience in the comments below!

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