Mini Flocker Fiber Applicator

Two cardboard tubes that are sleeved together to create a simple pump applicator for flock fibers. Fill the Mini Flocker with flocking fiber. Slide the two cardboard tubes apart; fill the unmarked tube without the holes approximately 1/2 full. This will allow space for the air to circulate the fibers within the Mini Flocker. Gently slide the other tube (with the holes) over the one filled with fiber. With the Mini Flocker filled approximately 1/2 full, pump the unmarked cardboard tube continuously using a twisting motion. The twisting will help move the fibers inside the applicator while the pumping will blow them out. Hold the Mini Flocker 8" to 10" from your project on an angle of 45 to 90 degrees to apply the fibers. Apply more fibers than you think you need and then some more. You cannot overcoat as only so much will stick. Excess fibers may be reclaimed and reused. Best for use on horizontal projects.

How To Apply Soft Flock Instruction Sheet

HOW TO APPLY CRAFT FLOCKING FIBERS

The application of Flocking is a simple process. Remember, you should wear a dusk mask, generously apply adhesive, any oil base or acrylic paint in the color you are flocking will work except spray paint, generously apply the fibers and resist the temptation to touch the surface before the finish has dried. Flocked finish allows you to create professional looking suede like lining or finish with no previous experience.

SEAL THE SURFACE TO BE COATED The purpose of sealing is to prevent the absorption of the undercoat adhesive. If the adhesive is absorbed, the fibers will have nothing to adhere to and the finish will have thin spots. Even surfaces that appear solid can be porous such as Masonite and will absorb the adhesive. Sealing may be done with lacquer, shellac, sanding sealer, polyurethane, etc. anything that will prevent the surface from soaking up the adhesive. If the sealer leaves a very slick finish, rough it up slightly with sandpaper. Metal, glass and most plastics do not require sealing, but may need a sanding to rough up the surface.

APPLICATION PREPARATION Line the inside of a cardboard box with a large plastic bag or use a plastic bowl or container to be used as a spraying area. Fill the applicator halfway with flocking fibers, this will allow space for the air to circulate the fibers within the applicator. Set aside for later use.

BRUSH ON THE UNDERCOAT ADHESIVE It is not necessary to mask areas of your project that will not be coated if the surface is sealed and if you brush carefully. This means using the flat side of a brush with a drawing motion toward the edge of the project. If you should get a small amount of adhesive on the edge, simply wipe it off. This should be done before the fibers are applied. Some people prefer masking to guarantee clean lines.
Apply a wet coat of adhesive, enough for the fibers to dip into when applied. This coat of adhesive should be smooth and not dripping wet. The undercoat adhesive remains open to the fibers for 10 to 15 minutes, this is your working time. If you are working on a larger object, use a larger brush or apply the adhesive with a paint roller.

CAUTION: If you are working on one continuous piece, DO NOT work in sections as the lines between the sections may show. If you are working on a project that has many small sections requiring a more detailed application, finish a few at a time. If you cover the uncoated sections with a piece of cardboard and then move the cardboard as needed, you will not have to wait for each compartment to dry before applying the fibers to the next section.

METHODS OF APPLICATION

SPRAY APPLICATION To apply the fibers, place the adhesive coated project in the lined cardboard box. With the flocking applicator filled approximately half full, hold the applicator 8in to 10in from your project at an angle of 45deg to 90deg to apply the fibers. Apply more fibers than you think you need and then some more. You CANNOT overcoat only so much will stick. Excess fibers may be reclaimed and reused.

HINT: When coating boxes it is best to spray the fibers on the bottom first and then spray the sides. To ensure the fibers continue to hit the project at the same angle, hold the flocking applicator at the same angle to the piece you are coating as much as possible and raise and lower the applicator. Do not tilt it when possible.

DRYING Once you have applied sufficient fibers set aside your project to dry for approximately 10 to 15 hours before you remove excess fibers. If you need to reclaim some of the fibers before this drying process is completed, you may turn the project upside down to allow the excess to fall off. Do not tap or shake the project at this time as this may dislodge fibers that are sitting in wet adhesive. It is possible to speed up the initial drying time with a heat lamp. It will now take approximately 7 hours depending on your environment. TAKE CARE TO KEEP THE HEAT LAMP AT LEAST 18in AWAY FROM THE FIBERS. DO NOT USE A HEAT LAMP WITH A BLOWER.
IMPORTANT: While the adhesive is dried at this point at approximately 10 to 15 hours, it will take 72 hours to 1 week for it to cure completely. Some care should be taken in handling at this time.

CRUSHED VELVET APPLICATION To apply the fibers for crushed velvet, place the adhesive coated project using any paint or glue on a flat surface. Sprinkle on a large amount of fibers, apply more fibers than you think you need and then some more. You CANNOT overcoat only so much will stick. Gently press the fibers into the adhesive. You can now remove and reuse the excess fibers.

SILICONE RUBBER APPLICATION Silicone rubbers have been used extensively in Special FX and prosthetics as they provide the look and feel to that of human skin when colored intrinsically with pigments. Human skin is actually translucent, therefore it can be colored with colored flocking fibers to achieve skin depth. Coloring silicone with opaque silicone pigments will significantly lessen the sense of depth and translucence.