Flocking a Christmas Tree

When you're dreaming of a white Christmas but the weather isn't cooperating, you can always have fake snow indoors. Flocking your Christmas tree creates the appearance of freshly-fallen snow dusting its branches.

Using tree flocking spray means the "snow" will last permanently, which is why this artificial snow treatment is often used for artificial Christmas trees. While there's a fairly simple DIY option for giving a tree that snow-dusted appearance, some people prefer using commercial snow spray for artificial trees.

If you want to learn how to flock a Christmas tree, let's explore some options so you can have the perfect tree this holiday season!

Making your own tree flocking and applying it with a paintbrush creates the look of clumped snow clinging to the branches. It's a little more labor-intensive than using Christmas tree flocking spray, but allows you to have much more control over where the fake snow ends up. The texture of this snow is also more realistic than the typical result from using a tree flocking spray. For this DIY tutorial method, have your tree up and in its stand before you start making the flocking, since the flocking powder needs to be applied quickly before it starts to harden.

How much flocking you need depends on the size of your entire tree and how snowy you want it to look, but it's easy to create more if needed. Start with 2 cups of soap flakes in a bowl. Add about 2/3 cup of liquid starch or white glue and a few tablespoons of water. Carefully combine ingredients, and make adjustments if necessary until you're happy with the thickness of your Snoflock mixture. Optionally, mix in a squirt of blue food coloring so the fake snow isn't glaringly white.

Use a paintbrush to apply the flocking in dollops of fluff to the tops of the tree branches. Start with just a little bit on each branch, then step back and evaluate whether you want to add more.

To give the Christmas tree extra sparkle, sprinkle silver glitter over the freshly-applied flocking. Lay down a tarp or drop cloth underneath the tree first.

Let the flocking dry for about a day, then gently shake the tree to loosen any stray glitter before you remove the tarp.

A quicker and super easy way to cover your tree with fake snow is to use Christmas tree flocking spray. It's essentially white spray paint for your tree. Using flocking spray for artificial trees covers the entire tree with an even coat of color, mimicking the look of a tree just after a fresh snowfall. Treat the tree with just a fine mist of white or use several coats to really transform it.

To get that true Christmas tree look, a third method uses flocking powder. The first step is to spritz the tree with water, then sprinkle the white powder over the damp branches. You may have to use a sifter before applying.

Once dry, the flocking powder should adhere to the tree. You'll again want to put a drop cloth or sheet under the Christmas tree before applying flocking powder. The goal is to cover the entire tree with flocking material, making it the perfect piece of holiday decor.

There's a reason people tend to use flocking spray for artificial trees rather than using it on real trees. While most municipalities have programs that accept and even collect used Christmas trees for recycling, they generally won't take flocked trees with flocking powder. Used real trees are turned into mulch or transformed in a new way. The use of artificial chemicals on flocked trees could contaminate these raw materials. If you put a flocked Christmas tree out at your curb for pickup, recycle companies won't pick it up.

Remember that flocking material is not a flame retardant, so practice fire safety measures at all times.

An artificial Christmas tree is already bound for a landfill when you're done with it, so flocking doesn't do any harm—as long as you're confident that you're still going to want the tree to be flocked next year, since there's no way to completely remove dried flocking.

Make your holiday season shine with a DIY flocked Christmas tree this xmas. With a little hard work and flocking powder, you can transform your space into a winter wonderland.