Clean the surface removing excess dirt and grime. Seal cracks and sand rough
surfaces so that they are relatively smooth.
The surface does not have to be
perfectly smooth, but the finish will show bumps and cracks. If applying to
plastic use a "paint primer" to assure the finish will adhere
permanently.
If the surface is porous, it is essential that it be sealed. The purpose of
sealing is to prevent the absorption of the undercoat adhesive. If the adhesive
is absorbed, the flocking fibers will have nothing to adhere to and the finish will have
thin spots. Even surfaces that appear solid can be porous (e.g. Masonite) and
will absorb the adhesive.
Sealing may be done with lacquer, shellac, sanding
sealer, polyurethane, etc.—anything that will prevent the surface from soaking
up the adhesive. If the surface is very porous (i.e., soft woods, open
grains, foams etc) be sure you have sealed it sufficiently – it may require
more than one coating of sealant. If the sealer leaves a very slick finish,
rough it up slightly with sandpaper.
Metal, glass, and plastics do not require sealing, but may need a sanding to
roughen up the surface. The solvents in the adhesive may affect certain plastics
and foam.
It may be necessary to put a protective coat of a rubber-based primer
(e.g., latex paint) on these surfaces, and then it will be okay to apply the
Suede-Tex undercoat adhesive and continue with the coating process. Because it
is difficult to achieve a permanent bond on plastics it is advisable to first
use a paint primer on the surface.
The Suede-Tex undercoat adhesive dries stiff and, therefore, is not meant for
flexible surfaces such as fabric, cushions, soft foam, etc.
Mini Flocker - Slide the two cardboard tubes
apart; fill the unmarked tube without the holes approx.1/2 full. This will allow
space for the air to circulate the flocking fibers within the Mini Flocker. Gently slide
the other tube (with the holes) over the one filled with flock fiber. Set aside for
later use.
Air-Assisted
Spray Gun
[+] click photo for larger
view
Air-Assisted Spray Gun – Remove the cap from
the canister. Using a funnel with a large (1 ½")
spout, or a funnel made from a piece of waxed paper, pour the flocking fibers into the
canister. Use a pencil or stick to ensure the flocking fibers continue to flow. Fill
approximately ½ full with Suede-Tex fibers. Replace the spray gun handle; make
sure the top of the sprayer is in line with the large arrow on the label. It is
helpful to have a second, backup canister already filled with flock fiber if your
object is large.
Electrostatic Applicator – Remove the screened
cover and fill no more than ¾ full with Suede-Tex flocking fibers. CP Plus – Remove
the cover at the bottom of the handle and make sure 3 C batteries
are installed. CP 70 – Check that your transformer is plugged in and set at
the correct voltage. This will usually be at 70kV. Press the "on button to
make sure the flocking fibers are flowing before beginning your coating job.
Preparation of the piece to be coated
electrostatically is important. Because a positive charge coming from the
applicator is drawn to the object being coated it is necessary to create a
ground at the object to maintain its negative field. If the piece is made from
metal it is possible to ground directly to it.
Be careful to attach the ground
lead in an area that will not be seen. If the object being coated is not
conductive you can line the back of it with aluminum foil and attach the ground
lead to the foil. Larger objects (bigger than 14" sq. in.) require either
more than one ground lead or that the ground lead be moved.
Third Step:
APPLYING THE UNDERCOAT ADHESIVE
DonJer Suede-Tex undercoat adhesive can be brushed, sprayed or rolled onto
the area to be coated.
If spraying, it may be necessary to thin the adhesive
slightly with mineral spirits (no more than 1 tablespoon per pint) in order to
spray it through your gun. The adhesive does tend to thicken when kept in a cool
area under 60 degrees. If it appears too thick, allow it to warm up before
adding mineral spirits.
Apply a generous coat adhesive
[+] click photo for larger
view
Apply a generous coat of adhesive—that is, enough for the flocking fibers
to dig
into when applied. This coat should appear liquidy. The undercoat adhesive
remains open to the flocking fibers for 10 to 15 minutes—this is your working time. If
you are working on a larger object use a larger brush, apply the adhesive with a
paint roller or spray it on.
CAUTION: If you are working on one continuous piece, DO NOT work in
sections as the lines between the sections will show.
If you are working on a
project that has many small sections (compartments), requiring a more detailed
application, finish a few at a time. If you cover the uncoated section(s) with a
piece of cardboard and then move the cardboard as needed you will not have to
wait for each compartment to dry before applying the flocking fibers to the next area.
Fourth Step:
SPRAY ON THE SUEDE-TEX
FLOCKING FIBERS
To apply the flocking fibers place the adhesive coated project in the lined cardboard
box. Using the applicator of your choice, at a distance of 8-10", apply a very generous
coating of flock ibers to the surface (holding the
applicators as seen in the photos below).
Only so much will stick; the rest will fall
off and can be reclaimed to be reused.
Mini
Flocker
[+] click photo for larger
view
Mini Flocker – Hold the outer tube (printed
one) with one hand; twist the inner tube (see photo
above) while pumping to spray the
object you wish to coat. Keep the Mini Flocker 8" to 10" from surface
and as close to 90 degree to the object as possible. You may have to prop up
your object to create this angle as you will not be able to work directly
downward with the applicator. Make sure there is a steady stream of flock fiber coming
out of the applicator or you may be drying the adhesive.
Air-Assisted
Spray Gun
[+] click photo for larger
view
Air-Assisted Spray Gun (AASG) – Set your
compressor at 10 to 15 psi (it is okay to go up to 20 psi, but the flocking fibers
will
spray out of the canister more quickly requiring frequent refills). Hold the gun
on a slightly downward angle (see photo) and depress the trigger at the handle.
Keep the AASG 8" to 10" from surface and as close to 90 degrees to the
object as possible.
You may have to prop up your object to create this angle as
you will not be able to work directly downward with the applicator. Make sure
there is a steady stream of flock fiber coming out of the applicator or you will be
drying the adhesive. If the flocking fibers are not flowing check 1) the pressure to the
gun; 2) amount of flock fiber in the canister; 3) the handle is in line with the arrow
on the canister; 4) you are holding the gun on a downward angle (see photo); 5)
all fittings are tight.
Electrostatic
Applicator
[+] click photo for larger
view
Electrostatic Applicator – Hold the
electrostatic applicator 4" to 5" from the surface being coated. Slide
the switch forward and depress button until you see the red light go on. Gently
rock the applicator to assure the flocking fibers continue to flow into the static field.
Slowly move the applicator around the piece. The flocking fibers will be drawn at a 90
degree angle to the piece that is grounded creating a dense, even coating. Take
care not to touch the applicator or the object being coated with your free hand
or you can complete a current and receive a shock.
Hint: When coating boxes, after you have applied the adhesive, it is best to
first spray the flocking fibers on the bottom and then spray the sides. If you tilt the
box on its side you can aim at 90 degrees to the bottom first; then place the
box flat and finish applying the flocking fibers to the sides.
Hint: To ensure the flocking fibers
continue to hit the project on the same angle,
hold the applicator at the same angle to the piece you are coating (as much as
possible) and raise and lower the applicator. Do not tilt it when possible.
Fifth Step:
DRYING
Once you have applied sufficient flocking fibers set aside your project to dry for
approximately 10 to 15 hours (overnight is best) before you remove excess
flocking fibers. If you need to
reclaim some of the flocking fibers before this drying process is completed you may turn
the project upside down to allow the excess to fall off.
Do not tap or shake the
project at this time as this may dislodge flocking fibers that are sitting in wet
adhesive. It is possible to speed up the initial drying time with a heat lamp.
It will now take approx. 7 hours depending on your environment.
TAKE CARE TO
KEEP THE HEAT LAMP AT LEAST 18" AWAY FROM THE FLOCKING FIBERS. DO NOT USE A HEAT
LAMP WITH A BLOWER.
IMPORTANT—While the adhesive is dried at this point (10 to 15 hours) it
will take 72 hours to 1 week for it to cure completely. Care should be taken in
handling during this time.
Sixth Step:
CLEAN UP
Applicators:
Mini Flocker – Separate tubes and empty
the unused flocking fibers into the original plastic bag. A gentle tap will remove any excess
flocking fibers.
Air-Assisted Spray Gun – Unscrew the canister
and empty
the unused flocking fibers into the original plastic bag. A gentle tap will remove the
rest of the flocking fibers or you may blow them away with compressed air.
Electrostatic Applicator – Remove screen and empty
the unused flocking fibers into the original plastic bag. Blow excess flocking fibers
from plastic canister and
screen.
If there is a
tiny amount of flock fiber left inside the applicator, it will blend into the next
color used and not be noticed (with the exception of white).
Project:
To remove the excess flocking fibers from your project after it has dried shake
the item over a lined cardboard box—remember these flocking fibers are still usable.
Or, using a dry, clean, soft brush, remove the excess flocking fibers.
Compressed air may
be used, but take care during the initial 48 hours. Vacuuming may be used after
the project has cured completely.
Flocking
Products 
