Asked on Dec 05, 2018

How to stop flocking on artificial Christmas tree from falling off?

Sybil Daly
by Sybil Daly

Does anyone know how to keep a flocked tree from shedding? Hang an ornament or brush against it and powdery, dusty flocking falls off. It's a beautiful 6-foot tree and this is 3rd year we have put it up.


  10 answers
  • Kate Kate on Dec 05, 2018

    maybe hair spray or clear sealant from paint dept at AC Moore/Lowes

    • Sybil Daly Sybil Daly on Dec 05, 2018

      I have heard this and should do outside, but still worry about the scent from the hairspray all over the room. Wonder if there is a scent free hair spray.

  • Kate Kate on Dec 05, 2018

    Call a beauty supply place. I'm sure with all of the allergies nowadays there would be something. Good Luck.

  • Landsharkinnc Landsharkinnc on Dec 06, 2018

    if the tree is an older one .... the flocking may have just outlived itself! you can possibly 're-do' it ... https://www.balsamhill.com/how-to-flock-an-artificial-christmas-tree or try this one --

    https://www.southernliving.com/christmas/decor/how-to-flock-christmas-tree

  • Rich Rich on Aug 10, 2019

    Has anyone tried the hairspray on a tree to keep flocking from falling off? If so, does it work?

  • Alice Steiner Alice Steiner on Oct 26, 2019

    I would be very afraid to use something like hairspray which is highly flammable. Excessive heat from bulbs or possibly a tiny section of exposed wire could make the tree ignite with hairspray residue all over it. The same goes for sealer sprays. Artificial trees are treated with chemicals to make them nonflammable. I have a white flocked tree that I plan to dispose of for exactly this reason, that the powder flocking not only falls to the ground but becomes airborne and you wind up inhaling it while setting up the tree. It is a shame because it is an attractive tree but I don’t want artificial flocking particles in my lungs.

  • MAriah CArrillo MAriah CArrillo on Nov 16, 2020

    Hair spray works

    you may not be able to get all the tree floke but it reduces the amount of flowe that fell off my tree.... best part it started no fires

  • Amy Poulton Amy Poulton on Nov 07, 2023

    Yes! Hometalk has a full guide on how to keep a flocked tree from shedding, whether it's for storage, getting it out again for decorating, or just throughout the season. It depends on the type of flocking you have as well. Agreed that hairspray is flammable, so should be used with caution


    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/christmas/how-to-keep-a-flocked-tree-from-shedding-44456225


  • Deb K Deb K on Nov 11, 2023

    Hi Sybil, this link has some great idea ]s to minimize flocking mess, I usually go barefoot as well so i don't get my socks all mess up

    https://www.settingforfour.com/how-to-set-up-a-flocked-christmas-tree-to-minimize-flock-shedding/#:~:text=Try%20to%20minimize%20walking%20around,going%20to%20place%20your%20tree.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Dec 03, 2023

    There is no way to prevent flocking from coming off, you can minimize it with something such as hairspray, but that is flammable. A tarp or a sheet underneath the tree can help with falling flock. One thought of caution is aerosols will be produced when movement happens, you might want to wear a mask.

  • Deb K Deb K on Dec 05, 2023

    Hello Sybil, hope this helps you. Sealing the tree is essential to reduce the dust and shedding of flock from the tree. To seal the tree, you spray it with a mixture of glue and water. Once the tree is flocked and sealed, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours.