What is flocking?
Flocking for decoration has been around for some time, but recently flock has increased in demand as people are becoming more aware of it's velvet or suede feel.
The two most common processes of flocking are:
FLOCK TRANSFER
This is printing of single or multi-coloured designs on to prepared flock transfer paper, which is then heat transferred onto a substrate.
FLOCK TRANSFER (Iron-on)
A method of garment embellishing is the application of "iron-on" FLOCK TRANSFERS which can be produced in both single and multi-coloured form. This transfer method is extensively used in the fashion, sports and cap industry and mainly suits smaller designs and labels. A good example of popular transfer items are players NAMES & NUMBERS on sports kit.Apart from garment material, transfers can also adhear to wood, card and paper products, as long as the substrate can withstand a fairly high transfer temperature and lay flat under a heat press.
ELECTROSTATIC PROCESS
This method utilises an electrostatic high-tension generator, to charge the flock fibre which are then propelled and anchored at right angles into an adhesive prepared surface, giving it a velvet feel.
ELECTROSTATIC FLOCK SPRAYING AND COATING("Fuzzy Feel")
Electrostatic Flocking is more suited for larger designs and objects. This method is the applying of flock fibres to flat and unusual "3D" shaped items via a high-tension generator, which propells the fibres at high velocity onto an adhesive coated surface. This forms a high-density uniform flock coating which has a more "Fuzzy Feel" than iron on transfers. A common application of the "Fuzzy Feel" method can be felt and seen in cubby-holes and window trims on most makes of vehicles.
Before After
Before After
More 3D Flocking
