finishing-and-treatment-manufacturing-processes > Flocking

Flocking is a decorative process which adds short monofilament fibres onto a substrate using an adhesive.

The process makes use of either natural or synthetic fibres, with nylon, rayon and polyester being the most popular. These fibres range from 0.25 – 5mm in length, with each fibre having a diameter of only a few microns. The substrate is coated with an adhesive that captures the small fibres to ensure they remain attached.

Flocking is popular in automotive applications, with glove boxes and door mouldings often making use of the process. The process adds a fibred grip to the surface of a material and offers improved resistance to scratches. Another benefit that makes it popular in the automotive industry is its thermal insulation properties.

Other popular Flocking applications include trophy bases, book covers and scrubbing pads. The method can be applied to a range of materials, including glass, plastic, paper, metal and textiles.