Why do designers and printers use flocking?What is it?Flocking is a decorative process that gives images a raised, velvet-like look and feel. Occasionally, you see it on wallpaper or T-shirts. As a designer or printer, you should aware of:
what flocking is
how to use it
features and benefits.
Success story: This picture is the front cover of a case bound/hard covered book we bound for a printer in Calgary. The wording “ROAD TRIPS” is the fuzzy material called flocking. Beneath the flocking, the words “& others diversions” is normal black offset printing. It is very hard to photograph flocking in a way to effectively shows you what it is actually like. With each blog I give you an opportunity to request a sample. Usually a description of a product and pictures give you a good understanding of some unusual processes, but in the case of flocking I highly recommend that you request a sample. You have to see flocking and feel it, to really understand what it is.How is it done?
Flocking is a process of dropping millions of miniature fibers called ‘flock’ on a wet pattern-glued surface. Described as simply as possible:
Sheets up to 20 X 26 are printed in the normal process leaving blank the areas where flocking is to be applied
Wet glue is applied to the areas to be flocked
Flocking material (fibres) is dropped onto the glued surface areas
Factors to consider:
Pantone colour matching may be available for an up charge of approximately $1000.
Only one colour of flocking per pass can be done; two colours require two passes
In the future, I expect to see more flocking in the marketplace—because it differentiates your product; flocking is relatively rare; end users are drawn to touch the flocking……its’ tactile.