Get your cozy, wintery Christmas fix by learning how to flock a Christmas tree the easy way. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and a great DIY way to turn a regular artificial tree into a snowy centerpiece for the season.
I love the look of a flocked tree—the soft, snowy branches feel so cozy and festive, especially when actual snow is rare where I live. A flocked tree creates that vintage, rustic feel that makes sitting by the fire with twinkle lights even more magical.
A few seasons ago I replaced a small living-room tree with a flocked version and I still adore it. This year I wanted a flocked tree in our dining room front window, but I didn’t want to buy a whole new tree when the one I had was perfectly good. The solution? DIY flocking.
Flocking your own tree is surprisingly easy and much more affordable than buying a premade flocked tree. The process takes a little time and patience, but the result is a beautiful, snowy tree you’ll enjoy all season.
I ordered a 5 lb. box of SnoFlock decorative snow flocking powder for my 9-foot slim tree and used a bit more than half. I was worried it might be very messy, but with a drop cloth and a little care it was manageable. Below I’ll walk through the supplies, the step-by-step process, and answer common questions so you can get great results at home.
Tools you need to Flock a Christmas Tree
- SnoFlock decorative snow flocking powder (or a similar product) — a 5 lb. box is a good amount for a 9-foot tree.
- Kitchen strainer or fine-mesh sifter to distribute the powder evenly.
- Large spray bottle filled with water for misting.
- Drop cloth or protective covering for your floor or work area.
How to Flock a Christmas Tree
1. Set up your tree
Decide whether you’ll flock the tree fully assembled or in sections. I prefer assembling and flocking from the bottom up as I add sections. That makes it easier to get snow into the middle of the tree and gives a fuller, more natural look. Place a drop cloth under the work area—garage, basement, or a room with durable flooring works best.
2. Gather your supplies
Fill the spray bottle with water, get your strainer and flocking powder ready, and position the drop cloth. Make sure your ladder or step stool (if needed) is stable and safe before you start.
3. Mist first
Lightly mist a section of the tree with water so the flocking can adhere. Work in manageable sections so the flocking has time to stick and dry.
4. It’s time to flock
Scoop powder into the strainer (about half full) and gently shake or tap it over the wet section so the powder falls evenly across branches. Some manufacturers suggest spraying the falling powder with water, but I found it worked well to spray the branches and let the powder be sifted onto the tree. Be careful not to spray directly into your sifter.
5. Disperse the “IceFlakes”
Your strainer will likely hold some shiny, decorative “IceFlakes” or larger particles. You can sprinkle those onto the tree for extra sparkle, or discard them if you prefer a more natural look.
6. Mist again
After sifting the powder, mist the flocking again so it fluffs and sticks—but avoid soaking the branches. Aim for damp, not dripping. Watching the flock lift and settle into the branch tips is one of the most satisfying parts!
7. Repeat until complete
Continue misting, sifting, and misting section by section until you’ve covered the tree to your satisfaction. If you want a heavier or more dramatic look, apply a second pass after the first has dried.
8. Let it dry
Allow the flocking to dry thoroughly before adding lights or ornaments. In my experience it was dry by morning after an evening application, but waiting 24 hours is a safer bet to make sure everything is set.
Galvanized Tree Collar
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Flock a Christmas Tree
Q: Is it messy?
A: It can be a bit dusty while you work, but using a drop cloth and misting carefully keeps most of the mess contained. Any fine dust on the floor wipes up with a damp cloth. Once the flocking dries it adheres well and sheds very little.
Q: Will a DIY flocked tree look like a store-bought flocked tree?
A: DIY flocking can get very close to the look of a store-bought flocked tree. The trickiest area is the underside of branches—powder tends to cling to the tops and exposed tips more easily. For the fullest, most uniform look you can disassemble sections after they dry and apply flock to the undersides, or do a second pass where needed.
Q: Is flocking safe?
A: Many commercial flocking powders are non-toxic and naturally sourced, but product instructions commonly recommend wearing a dust mask, gloves, and eye protection as a precaution. I didn’t experience problems without those items, but follow the manufacturer’s safety guidance and use your own judgment.
If you have more questions, ask away—I’ll do my best to help. DIY flocking gave me the snowy tree I wanted at a fraction of the cost of buying a new flocked tree, and it was so satisfying to watch the transformation.