DIY Dash Flocking

Add a custom texture to your dashboard with flocking.

Flocking is the process of adding a velvetlike texture to a surface. It is applied with a machine that shoots small particles of material at a surface that is covered in adhesive. The tiny particles are usually made of nylon or rayon and are electrically charged so they stand up straight. Flocking is often applied to paper to make a fuzzy surface or to the inside of a wood box to make it suitable for placing jewelry or other items you don't want scratched. You can also apply flocking to the dashboard of your car for a custom look and soft surface.

Things You'll Need

• Repair manual for your auto
• Flocking machine
• Flocking adhesive
• 4 large hooks

Instructions

1. Remove the dashboard from your car following the instructions for your particular model. You'll need a repair manual or bodywork expertise to do this.

2. Set up two separate work spaces --- one for gluing and one for flocking. The flocking area needs to be extremely clean so you can reuse any leftover flocking. Set up hooks in each area to hold up the dashboard. Hang the dashboard in the gluing station to start.

3. Clean the dashboard thoroughly to remove any wax or grease.

4. Put on safety glasses and a dust mask.

5. Prepare the adhesive. The exact adhesive you will use depends on the flocking machine. Consult the manufacturer's instructions. Add pigment to the adhesive if your flocking is the same color as the dashboard to make it easier to see the spots you have missed.

6. Spray the dashboard with an even coat of adhesive. Then quickly move the dashboard to the hooks in the flocking area. The adhesive must be wet when you apply the flocking.

7. Spray the flocking according to the instructions for your flocking machine, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Tap the back of the dashboard to remove any excess flocking and apply a second coat.

8. Let the dashboard dry completely. Then gently blow away the excess flocking with a compressed air canister. You can reinstall the dashboard at this point.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't try flocking your dashboard while it is installed inside your vehicle. You will get flocking dust inside every nook and cranny, and you'll never be able to remove it all.

References

• Flocking.biz: The Flock Process
• Flocking.biz: How to Flock a Dashboard