How to Turn a Green Christmas Tree Into White

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Irving Berlin's classic song "White Christmas" inspires many to long for a traditional white Christmas—even those who have never lived in snow country. Flocking a green Christmas tree transforms the tree into a white one. A flocked tree mimics a snow-laden evergreen in a winter wonderland. It also adds the finishing touch to your holiday decorations.

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While Christmas tree lots often will add flocking for an additional fee, you can purchase flocking from an online retailer like Amazon or the craft store and add fake snow to your fresh tree. Remember to never flock a live tree, only a cut Christmas tree.

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Since flocking types vary, always read the manufacturer's instructions before proceeding. These products are available in spray cans, air-gun-type applications or loose for manual application. Read on for how to flock a Christmas tree.

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Things You'll Need

  • Newspaper

  • Spray water bottle

  • Sifter

  • Flocking material

  • Mica

  • Protective gloves

  • Protective glasses

  • Painter's mask

Flocked Christmas tree dust application method

1. Prepare your work area

Cover the living room or garage floor with newspaper or a drop cloth. If you're doing this outside, make sure it's not a windy day. Place the green Christmas tree in the center of the newspaper, securely in its stand. Use enough newspaper to protect the area around the tree so that you can roll up and throw away the paper when finished flocking the tree.

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Tip

Use natural newspaper, not ads or pages with a high shine.

2. Switch to spray mode

Turn the nozzle of a spray bottle so it creates a mist instead of a stream of water.

3. Fill the sifter

Fill the sifter with loose flocking powder material. Use a sifter that is a bowl shape with a handle, made from mesh. Select loose flocking material that is self-adhesive when moistened with water. Look for flocking material at the craft store or make your own.

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Tip

For this tutorial, be sure the mesh on the sifter allows flocking material to easily pass through, otherwise it will be difficult to disperse.

4. Shake out the flocking

Shake the sifter gently over the branches of this diy flocked Christmas tree, so the flocking material falls from the sifter.

5. Mist the flocking

Spray the falling flocking with the spray bottle to mist and moisten the flock, which will cause the flocking material to adhere to a branch when it lands on the tree. Repeat the process, moving around the tree, until the branches are covered white, giving you that frosty tree look.

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Tip

Use purified water to prevent staining the flock material with rust or other organic matter.

6. Add the mica

Sprinkle a little mica, using your fingers, over the tree branches to give the snow a glitter look.

White Christmas tree blow application method

1. Protect your work area

Lay down a protective covering where you intend to perform the blocking, as described above.

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Tip

Keep a garbage bag close by. This will prevent the loose materials from spreading and making a mess.

2. Wear protective gear

Put on protective gloves, glasses and painter's mask.

3. Apply the flocking

Shake your spay can of flock or hook up the flocking air gun device, according to its manufacturer's instructions.

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Tip

Read the flocking packaging for application instructions and guidance regarding how much material is needed for your tree's size.

4. Finish adorning your green Christmas tree with snow

Spray the flock onto the branches, beginning at the top of the tree and making a sweeping motion, moving down each branch, from the back to the front. Repeat, until the tree is sufficiently flocked.

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Now it's time for some Christmas tree decorating. Adorn your winter wonderland tree with white lights, snowflakes, pinecones and your favorite Christmas ornaments. Finish it with a angel tree topper and matching tree skirt.

Enjoy your winter wonderland anchored by your snowy, flocked Christmas tree!

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