Flocking car interior elements - on your own or with a specialist?

Flocking is not the easiest thing to do, because the work is complex and requires electricity. By watching someone go through this process, you can give the illusion that it's easy. Nothing could be more wrong. So how are the interior elements in the car flocked? Introducing the secrets of work!

Flocking - what is it

The whole process is carried out with flock. This is a type of textile haircut, which is made from different materials. The flock stands out:

• viscose (viscose);
• nylon (polyamide);
• Cotton;
• custom-made, i.e. made to order for a certain type of tool or material.

Viscose flock is most often found in a length of 0,5-1 mm and is designed to cover interior surfaces, toys, wallpaper and prints on clothing. Nylon flocking is also performed on exposed external components. This type of flock has a length of 0,5-2 mm.

How does the flocking process take place?

The first stage is a thorough cleaning and matting of the modified element. Different tools are used depending on the flocking object. However, most often the specialist uses sandpaper of various grain sizes. This is especially useful for plastic, wood or metal elements. At the next stage, the surface is degreased and the level of its cleaning is checked.

Drawing a herd by machines

Surface preparation is the first step. After that, you need to apply glue. This is a very important stage of work, at which absolutely every nook and cranny must be covered with this substance. Then, using an electrostatic device, the flock is applied to the surface covered with adhesive. Grounding the object is necessary so that the hairs can stand up vertically under the influence of an electric field. Otherwise, they will stick out at any angle and the effect of the work will be poor.

What parts of the car are flocked?

The main object of interest for pack fans is the complete cockpit, i.e.:

• dashboard;
• plastic in the doors and on the central tunnel;
• soffit;
• shelf above trunk. 

Flocking has a very important advantage - the surface is matte and does not reflect light. In addition, it is soft to the touch and similar to suede. Flock is also non-flammable and very easy to clean.

Flocking the dashboard in the car - how to do it?

The main thing is to find a suitable flocking workshop. On the Internet, you will definitely find such a place and get an opinion about the service provider. And how does it all start when you have found a professional? First of all, we dismantle the dashboard. Otherwise, there is no chance of a successful flock application. After disassembly, all components that make up the dashboard must be returned to the workshop, including vents and other components.

How is car dashboard flocking done?

Much depends on the design of this element. In some cars, the board is so easily processed that the price for the service is not too high. It just doesn't take long to prepare for flocking. The following steps follow each other:

• grinding;
• sealing cracks (if any);
• regrinding;
• cleaning;
• degreasing;
• tanning (after grinding, hairs may appear on the dashboard);
• glue application;
• proper use of the herd.

Cockpit flocking and flocking difficulties

For a specialist in this field, there are not too many surprises when working with interior elements. The main thing is to prepare the surface well for applying glue. Thanks to this, there is no fear that some part of the scissors will fall off. Flocking also requires care when applying the adhesive itself. This should be done evenly and very carefully in all cracks and nooks and crannies. The application itself takes practice to achieve the same herd density.

Flocking the headliner - does it make sense?

Definitely yes, especially when it's made of hard material. It is clear that the dismantling of this element can be tedious and time consuming, but the same awaits a specialist when removing the dashboard or cab. Hair spilling and falling onto the floor and the rest of the interior is a disturbing vision for many. However, if flocking is done professionally, you don't have to worry about flock damage over time.

Pros and cons of car interior flocking

What are the benefits? First of all, you get modern and beautiful cabin elements. Flock is a material that is easy to keep clean. All you need is a damp cloth or a soft vacuum cleaner. Strzyża does not reflect light, so on sunny days you will not see the dashboard on the windshield. In addition, it is soft to the touch and anti-static.

Disadvantages of car interior flocking

This solution has highlights but also shadows. It must be admitted that the flock is not resistant to prolonged touch. Therefore, it makes no sense to cover the steering wheel or gearshift lever with it. To get started, you need to remove all items needed for the modification from the vehicle interior. Without it, the process is almost impossible. Flocking also requires a lot of knowledge and experience. Otherwise, it is easy to spoil the effect and the work will be in vain.

Flocking the interior on your own - is it possible to flock yourself?

Yes and no. Why? Theoretically, you can herd even in your own garage. Textile scissors are available for little money. Sandpaper and glue are also easy to get. However, the catch lies in the device that flocks the surface. Remember that it works using a strong electric field that reaches 90 kV. And such equipment usually costs around 300 euros, which is definitely too much for a one-time action.

Choose Experienced Professionals

You already know how much you need to pay for flocking equipment, so if you wanted to do it yourself, we have cooled your enthusiasm a bit. Therefore, the best solution would be if you rely on the skills and experience of companies that deal with this type of service on a daily basis. First, you are guaranteed that the process will be carried out correctly. Secondly, you can advise the color, as well as take advantage of the offer of individual flocking. It's hard to expect to buy a small amount of flock for your own use at an affordable price. You will also save a lot of money because you usually pay around 200-30 euros for flocking your dashboard.

Flocking is a fun way to enhance the attractiveness of a car's interior. Cockpit elements will look more interesting, and will also be more pleasant to the touch. We advise you not to work on your own, as this requires knowledge, experience and expensive tools. However, you can look for specialists who will do everything the way you expect. This is certainly a much better solution than risky experiments.