How to Flock a Christmas Tree

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. 

We all have that one friend. That friend who has their Christmas tree up and looking pristine at the start of the holiday season. But is it flocked?

Being jumpy on the holiday season, they are likely to miss out on the chance to flock their trees. But with a couple of items and a few easy steps, you could be that friend… the one with the fabulously flocked Christmas tree.

And we’ve got the simple steps on how to flock a Christmas tree! Don’t worry, you don’t need to be naturally handy or crafty. This is a very doable Christmas DIY project that anybody can do in time for the holiday season. You just need to buy the supplies, plan ahead and have some workable space to make the Christmas magic happen.

Best of all, you can flock a real or fake Christmas tree and, if stored correctly, it will stay on artificial trees to be enjoyed again the next year.

Related: 16 Types of Christmas Trees

So, what does it mean to flock a Christmas tree?

Flocked trees are those that have been made to look like they have a dusting of snow covering their needles. A textured, white concoction sprayed on the tips captures the feeling of that outside winter wonderland, and brings it inside your home to enjoy—minus the cold, of course!

Starting around the 1950s, people would flock their trees by using whatever materials they had available to them like cotton, cornstarch and flour.

These days, you can easily find artificial trees already flocked, but if you want to achieve this look on your own—it really isn’t that hard to do.

So, if you are ready to get your snowflake sprinkling skills a try, here’s everything you need to know about flocking your own Christmas tree. 

Related: 45 Classic Christmas Carols

Items needed to flock a Christmas tree

To achieve this heavenly winter look, first purchase some Christmas tree flocking material. You can purchase whole kits, textured sprays or even self-adhesive powders. If you get powders, include an empty spray bottle for water and a sifter in your order as well.

Some kits may include a misting gun to use instead of a squirt bottle, which mixes the flock and water in even parts for you, giving the flock a more realistic and even look when applied.

No matter what way you choose, make sure that you have some sort of drop cloth, tarp or old sheet available to cover your workspace, keeping the flocking just on the tree (and not on everything else you own!) while you work.

Related: ‘As an Interior Designer, Here’s Why I Always Choose a White Christmas Tree’

Flocking Spray

This would seemingly be the easiest way to apply flock. Cans are a pre-mixed, textured white material that you spray on the needles of your tree. That’s it. The hardest part is figuring out how many cans to buy to adequately cover your tree. 

To best apply the flock evenly and avoid clumps, try practicing on something else first to get an idea of how much comes out and to practice your technique. 

Pretex Winter Textured Spray, $24 on Amazon

Flocking Powder

Even though the sprays are getting popular, the tried-and-true method is still using powder. Snow flocking powders tend to create a more realistic, snowy look along with giving a natural glimmer-y sheen to your tree.

Some powders need a spritz of water to help them adhere to your tree, and some like the SnoFlock are self-adhesive. Both can be sprinkled over your tree’s needles through a sifter, for a perfectly placed application. 

SnoFlock Original Self-Adhesive Powder, $22 on Amazon

Related: 31 Easy Christmas Decorating Ideas for 2023

Create a safe work area to flock

Flocking your tree may be simple, but it could get messy. Flocking can be dusty as it is being applied and possibly float around your house, so this project would be best done outside if the weather permits, or in a garage. No matter where you choose to do this project, make sure you have proper ventilation in your workspace.

Lay down your drop cloth or tarp in your designated work area and place the tree in the middle.

Flocking material is safe to handle, however, it can be harmful if ingested. Read the warning labels before starting and get out the safety gear like gloves, masks and safety glasses as suggested. And make sure to take precautions if you have small children and/or pets (and read into whether it’s safe in a house with them to begin with). 

Now you are ready to get started!

Related: What’s the Deal With Upside-Down Christmas Trees? What They Represent, Plus How To Decorate Them

How to apply flocking material

Taking your spray bottle, gently mist one section of your tree. Once the needles are damp, take your flocking and dust it over the moist area. Think of the technique as being the same as when you dust powdered sugar over a cake. Gently tap your sifter filled with flock until you are satisfied with the amount that has been layered on the branches. Then spritz a bit more water over the “snow” to activate the flock, making it stick to the branches. Work your way down the tree. Keep the coating light, trying not to smear it on. 

Once you have reached the bottom, move on to the next section and repeat the same steps until you are finished with the entire tree.

You should allow for at least 24 hours of drying time, but depending on the tree size, the type of flocking material and the amount of applied, it could be more or less.

After the drying process, just decorate as usual, by adding lights and ornaments and whatever else you normally add to your tree. And, voila! You are now the proud owner of one delightfully flocked and decorated Christmas tree.

If done properly, a real tree will last the entire season while a flocked artificial tree can be enjoyed for years to come. To store your artificial tree properly, just place a sturdy plastic wrap around it after Christmas is over and store it upright.

If you are more of a visual learner, here is a great video on “How to Flock a Christmas Tree.”

Consider hand-making the flock

If you are feeling pretty good about your crafting skills and want a bigger challenge, you can always try making your own fake snow for your tree.

An affordable and convenient alternative is to use soap shavings with liquid cornstarch or white glue. You can combine them in a mixer on medium speed while adding enough water to the mixture until it resembles a nougat-like consistency.

Then apply it to your tree using a paintbrush in dollops. Start on a less conspicuous place—like the backside of the tree—to see if you can accomplish the look you are going for, before going all in.

For the flocking to last, apply it so it looks like a thick, wet paste.

How to remove flocking material

If you decide that you do not like the flocked look, most of it can be removed. 

Just respray the tree with water, then while it’s wet, take a cloth and rub the flocking off from the needles.

So there you have it! If you want a fabulously festive flocked Christmas tree this year, you now know how to do it. 

Next up, 35 festive Christmas porch decorations!