Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the answers to a number of the most frequently asked questions we receive at The Flocking Shop. If you have a question for us that isn''t answered below, then feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help solve your query!
Q: What is flocking?
A: Flocking is the process of applying fibres directly on to a substrate that has been previously coated with an adhesive, usually through the use of electrostatic equipment that electrically charges the flock particles - causing them to stand-up. For more in-depth information regarding flocking and it''s applications can be found here.
Q: What is decitex (dtex)?
A: Decitex (Dtex) is the measuring unit for yarn; grams per 10,000 metres of yarn. Take 1.0mm 3.3 decitex flock as an example, it means a 10km long fibre weighs 3.3 grams.
The greater the decitex, the heavier and the thicker the fibre.
Q: How many colours of flock do you have?
A: We stock 18 colours of 0.5mm, 39 colours of 0.7mm, 63 colours of 1mm, 36 colours of 2mm, 18 colours of 4mm, 20 colours of 6mm, 8 colours of 8mm, 10 colours of 10mm
Please note that the flock we stock changes with time. Please check out our web shop to view the latest available flock lengths and colours.
Q: Can you supply a specific colour that is not available in your standard flock?
A: We can manufacture the flock in the colours that you want, subject to minimum order quantities. Please contact us for more details.
Alternatively, we can mix together a number of colours to get a close match to your PantoneŠ reference. Please check out our PantoneŠ Colour Match Service (1kg / 100g).
Q: Do you have any metallic flock fibres?
A: We have a range of trilobal flock fibres which can create a metallic shimmering effect and sparkling finish. Trilobal flock can be used on its own or added to other flock fibre colours to create a special visual effect.
Q: Does flocking come off easily?
A: No, you cannot remove or rub off any fibres once the adhesive is fully cured. However, please remember that you have to apply the flock to wet adhesive. If it starts go tacky, the flock will just rub off when it dries.
Q: I am new to flocking, what is the process of flocking?
A: 1. Apply a suitable adhesive to the surface to be flocked. You can apply it by spray gun, paint brush, roller or screen printing, depending on the properties of the adhesive.
2. Apply the flock into the wet adhesive immediately, ideally with an electrostatic flock applicator. The electrostatic application achieves a velvet finish by ensuring the fibres all stand at right angles to the surface.
3. Let the adhesive completely dry (at room temperature or elevated temperature, depending on the properties of the adhesive)
4. Remove the loose flock fibres by brushing, blowing, knocking or sucking off.
Q: How to choose a suitable adhesive?
A: It depends on the substrate material, properties sought and size of the object you are flocking. Check out our post How do you select adhesive for flocking for more information.
Q: How much flock will I need to cover the area I want flocked?
A: The area covered will depend on the length of the flock that is being used. A rough approximation for the area covered, using 1Kg bags is give below:
Q: How much flock is required to cover a dashboard?
A: This really depends on the length of flock used, whether you are collecting and recycling the spill-over excess flock, how densely the flock is going to be applied and how large the dashboard is. Generally speaking, the 1.0mm flock is the most commonly used length when flocking dashboards and automotive parts, and 1Kg of 1.0mm flock will (approximately) cover 6-7m˛.
Q: Which adhesive do I need to use on a dashboard?
A: The most common glue used to flock dashboards and automotive parts is Epoxy. Our CPR5/CPH5 Epoxy adhesive has been specially formulated for the flocking process. It is a 2-Part Adhesive, designed to be mixed in equal parts by volume. It can be applied by brush or roller and can be thinned down using our Epoxy Solvent (Acetone) for application by Spray Gun.
Q: How much Epoxy adhesive is required to cover a dashboard?
A: In general, one set of our CPR5/CPH5 Epoxy adhesive will cover about 7m˛.
Q: How do I use the 2-Part CPR5/CPH5 Epoxy Adhesive?
A: Because our CPR5/CPH5 Epoxy adhesive is a 2-Part Adhesive, it is required to be mixed in equal parts by volume - 50% CPR5 and 50% CPH5. It can be applied by brush or roller and can be thinned down using our Epoxy Solvent (Acetone) for application by Spray Gun.
- Working Temperature: Normal room temperature, between 14°C and 24°C
- Open Time: Highly dependent on ambient conditions, however usually at least 20 minutes.
- Cleaning Equipment: Clean all equipment whilst adhesive is still wet using Acetone.
- Thinning Down: For Spray Application, thin the mixed adhesive using acetone, until it has a consistency of single cream. The ratio of CPR5/CPH5/Acetone should be no more than 10%-20% acetone.
Q: Do I need to colour my adhesive, and if so, how much pigment should I use?
A: When the colour of the substrate (surface) being flocked differs significantly from the colour of the flock being used, colouring the adhesive to match the flock can help to produce a better, seamless finish to the flocking. Also, when it is hard to achieve a dense coating of flock (E.g. when using very long flock fibres) having an adhesive colour-matched to the flock helps to hide any sparse patches of flocking.
When colouring your adhesive, it is advisable to add small amounts of pigment at a time, and then stir thoroughly being adding more. This way, you can build up the colour intensity and shade as required. If you are covering a dark surface with a light colour, it will be necessary to make strongly pigment adhesive. Whereas, colouring a light surface with a darker coloured adhesive requires less pigment.
Approximately, 1 tablespoon of pigment to 1 litre of adhesive creates a strongly pigment adhesive.
Q: What can I use to wash my tools after I have used the CPR5/CPH5 Epoxy adhesive?
A: White vinegar is an effective and safe solvent for cleaning tools, brushes and most surfaces contaminated with epoxy resin or hardener. Vinegar is particularly recommended for cleaning any residue off human skin, rather than acetone; both liquids will dissolve the resin, but the resin/acetone solution can easily pass through the skin and enter the bloodstream, unlike vinegar.
Citrus-based, waterless hand-cleaners will help to remove fresh resin from the skin. One should always follow the initial removal of epoxy from the skin with washing with soap and water.
Q: Which flocking machine do I need?
A: This really depends on what is is that you intend to flock, and how much you are going to be flocking! Our range of Electrostatic Flocking Equipment caters for all markets from the hobbyist right up to our custom-design, high-production flocking conveyor systems.
Our DCA Fabricoater is our entry level model, however it is powerful enough to complete most; if not all, flocking tasks albeit at a slower deposition rate than some of our larger machines. As it is a self-contained unit, it is more robust than some of our other machines, making it particularly suitable for use in schools and colleges. It is a completely portable battery powered product, so excellent for on-site use.
Our DCA Microflocker is lighter to use than the DCA Fabricoater, it is mains powered and more powerful; with an adjustable output setting. It is better at flocking with longer lengths of flock (above 2.0mm) and is compatible with a large variety of applicator head sizes.
Our DCA Fabricoat Series 60/400 is more powerful than the DCA Microflocker, and has a large capacity flock hopper, making it eminently more suitable for large scale flocking assignments. It is one of our professional industrial quality systems; with variable output settings.
Q: Which machine should I use if I want to flock into pockets or internal surfaces?
A: Flocking into pockets can be difficult with pure electrostatics. A blown electrostatic flocking system is required to get coverage of the flock fibres on internal surfaces. Our Aeroflocker or Turboflocker can be used as a blown system for flock lengths up to 2mm and possibly 4mm at a push. They can both be used with the electrostatic only adaptor for longer lengths as well.
The Turboflocker will apply the flock more quickly which is good for larger items. Aeroflocker is a smaller version of our Turboflocker.
Q: Is flocking dangerous?
A: When using the flocking equipment sensibly, in accordance with the manufacturer''s guidelines, flocking is not dangerous. However, Electrostatic Flocking Equipment should NEVER be used by anyone fitted with a pacemaker and we strongly advise against anyone with a pre-existing heart condition from using Electrostatic Flocking Equipment.
Q: How do I create dense flock coverage when using longer lengths of flock?
A: When using 4.0mm length flock and longer, it can be difficult to achieve a particularly dense coverage. The best way to maximise the density is to flock using your preferred longer length flock to start with, and then flock on top of that with a shorter flock in the same colour. Using this technique, the shorter flock will "fill in" any sparse areas in the coverage.
Q: How do I create a flocked Logo/Lettering on an already flocked surface?
A: The easiest way to achieve the logo or lettering is to first flock the substrate completely in the base colour. When the adhesive/base coat has fully cured, using a stencil - apply another coat of adhesive on to the top surface of the base flock as per the shape of the stencil. Then, using a contrasting flock colour (as this gives the best results) flock into the stencil adhesive.
An alternative way to apply a non-flocked logo or lettering is to decorate/paint/colour the substrate with the details of the design, once this has cured, apply and cover it entirely with a stencil. Once your design is covered, spray the flocking adhesive to the substrate and apply your flock. Before you adhesive has full cured, remove the stencil to reveal the logo underneath.
Q: Do your prices include VAT?
A: Our prices exclude VAT. For UK customers, you could find the amount of VAT on your shopping cart.
Q: Do you accept American Express, Bank Transfer or other alternative payment options at The Flocking Shop?
A: Like it states on our front page - we accept most major debit/credit cards, payment via PayPal and bank transfer too! If you''re looking to use your American Express, unfortunately we are unable to accept this card through our standard ''card payment'' process - but don''t worry, all you have to do is link your American Express card to your PayPal account, and pay through the PayPal portal instead.
If you would like to pay via Bank Transfer, follow the checkout process and make sure to select the BACs option. With BACs Transfers, orders will be dispatched once payment has been received and cleared into the correct account.
If you have any issues with a card payment, or alternative payment selection, please get in touch on (+44)23 8061 3700 and our team will be happy to assist.
Q: How soon will my order arrive?
A: We aim to dispatch all UK orders received before 1PM the same day, providing all products ordered are in stock. We aim to ship all non-UK orders placed before 12PM the same day, providing all products ordered are in stock. If an order is particularly large there may be a days delay or if the order includes custom-built equipment, and estimated date of delivery will be given.
The delivery time for non-UK deliveries depend on where in the world the Goods are being shipped to, however on request (either by phone +44 23 8061 3700 or email [email protected]) we are more than happy to give an approximate delivery date and tracking information if it is available. Please note we cannot account for orders being held up by customs officials.
Q: How do I return something?
A: If you are not completely happy with your purchase you can return it to us, within 14 days of receipt. (Please note that the bespoke items are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.) Follow the steps below to return your online purchase:
1. Contact us to notify us that you would like to return your purchase. You can contact us either by email ([email protected]) or by phone +44 23 8061 3700. Please include your Invoice Number and Product information regarding the product you would like to return. Your Invoice Number can be found on both the Invoice and Dispatch Note sent with your original delivery parcel.
- If the product is damaged, we will refund the value of the returned damaged product to your original method of payment, or send you an exact replacement product. We cannot send you a different product as a replacement. Return postage to be paid for by the Customer.
- If you no longer want an unopened/unused product (within 14 days of receipt), we will refund the value of the returned product to your original method of payment on receipt of the Goods back to us at Campbell Coutts Ltd. Return postage to be paid for by the Customer.
2. When packing your return, the purchased Goods must be in a saleable condition with original packaging intact. Please note, with the exception of faulty Goods, we cannot accept the return of products that have been opened or used.
3. In the parcel, include your original delivery dispatch note, invoice number and complete documentation with the ''Reason for Return''. This will enable us to process your return more efficiently.
4. Returns address:
Campbell Coutts Ltd.
Unit 7, Tower Industrial Estate,
Tower Lane,
Eastleigh,
Hampshire,
SO50 6NZ,
United Kingdom.
When posting your return, ask the post office for your proof of posting certificate and retain it for your reference. The post office will provide you with a parcel tracking reference. Please note that you will be responsible for the costs of returning the items to us unless we delivered the item to you in error, or if the item is damaged or defective.
5. When returning your purchase, please allow 28 days from the day the parcel is posted for your refund to be processed or your replacement to be dispatched.
