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Better Homes & Gardens

How to Flock a Christmas Tree for a Festive Snow-Covered Look

Emily VanSchmus
3 min read
How to Flock a Christmas Tree for a Festive Snow-Covered Look

Test out these two ways to flock your Christmas tree—or other greenery—to add a sparkling snow-covered look to your decor.

If you want to add a snow-covered look to your indoor decor, a flocked artificial Christmas tree is the answer. There's just something magical about a snowy-looking Christmas tree covered in ornaments. These two flocking methods—one using spray and the other powder—will give your Christmas greenery a winter wonderland feel without the puddles of melting snow.

We'll show you how to create the look without creating a mess. Each method can be touched up, year after year, for a flawless finish.

Matthew Clark
Matthew Clark

Method 1: How to Flock a Christmas Tree With Powder

Supplies Needed

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  • Plastic sheeting or drop cloth

  • Christmas Tree flocking powder

  • Mesh wire colander sifter

  • Spray bottle

  • Water

Step 1: Prep Work Space

For easy cleanup, prepare your work surface with plastic sheeting or a drop cloth. You'll be dusting your Christmas tree or wreath with flocking powder, so do this in a well-ventilated space cleared of keepsakes. The flocked tree will need time to dry, so don't use a room that you'll need to be in immediately after.

Matthew Clark
Matthew Clark

Step 2: Protect the Base

Protect the base of your tree, or anything you don't want to flock, with plastic sheeting or a plastic trash bag. Open and fluff the branches of the artificial Christmas tree before flocking it so that the powder falls over the correct places on the branches.

Matthew Clark
Matthew Clark

Step 3: Spray the Tree

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Using a spray bottle ($4, Target) on the mist setting, lightly spray the tree with water. Be careful not to oversaturate the branches, but spray until they're well-misted, since that's where you want the faux snow to sit.

Matthew Clark
Matthew Clark

Step 4: Apply the Flocking

Place your flocking powder into a wire mesh sifter for sprinkling. Using the sifter—not your hand—ensures the powder will be disbursed more evenly across the branches.

Holding the sifter above the moist branches, sprinkle the flocking powder on the tops of the branches. You may need to slightly mist the branches again as you go for even flocking.

Matthew Clark
Matthew Clark

Step 5: Layer and Allow to Dry

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Continue sprinkling the powder and spraying the branches until you're happy with the coverage. Once you're done adding the powder, mist one more time, then let the tree dry before decorating.

Method 2: How to Flock a Christmas Tree Using Spray

Supplies Needed

  • Can of Christmas tree flocking spray

  • Plastic sheeting or drop cloth

  • Plastic Bag

Step 1: Prep the Work Space

Protect your work surface with plastic sheeting or a drop cloth. Work in a well-ventilated space clear of keepsakes. Your flocked tree will need time to dry, so do this in a room that doesn't get much traffic. Prep the can of flocking spray by shaking.

Step 2: Protect the Base

Protect the base of the tree, or any other item you don't want to flock, with plastic sheeting or a plastic bag. Open and fluff the branches before spraying.

Matthew Clark
Matthew Clark

Step 3: Spray the Branches

Spray the tops of the branches with flocking spray ($12, Amazon), using a steady back-and-forth motion. Continue layering the spray until you're happy with the coverage. (The closer and more thickly you spray, the heavier the snow will appear.) Once you're done spraying the branches, let them dry, then decorate with lights and ornaments.

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