flocking crisis

[sunnybob]

No, its not a play on words, nor an attempt to get past the onsite censors.

the flocking material I have for the box interiors has gone clumpy. Really, really clumpy. Its starting to look like a fleece liner in the pot.
Wont stick properly either, even bought a new can of paint thinking that would be stickier.
Now I'm up against a really serious deadline and cant wait for more from the Uk (let alone the extra cost).
Anyone got any ideas?

 

[No skills]

Unfortunately I've never used the stuff - does it clump if it gets damp? Can you dry it in the microwave and run it through a sieve???

 

[woodbrains]

Hello,

If you haven't inadvertantly got glue in the box of flocking (ruined!) Then it sounds like it might be a bit damp. Can you transfer the flocking into a dry run and gently warm it up on a radiator or something, and shake it occasionally to separate the clumps?

Mike

 

[sunnybob]

Emailed the company, she replied it was the opposite. the rayon fibres have dried out and are clumping due to static buildup.
Sounds plausible, but I dont have an anti static gun and I tried fine mist spraying with water and a dash of fabric conditioner as per utube, but to be honest, no improvement at all.

Hoping someone else has found the proper answer.

 

[AndyT]

Does the inside surface have to be stuck-on flocking? I have an old box or two with drawing instruments etc and they have card inserts, covered in felt (stuck on and turned over the edges of the card) then glued in. This works even for intricate shapes as the felt edges can be snipped and stretched neatly.

You could use any available suitable fabric (old velvet trousers too tight to wear for example) or sheets of thin coloured felt if you have any children's craft suppliers locally.

 

[sunnybob]

Andy, I have sticky backed plastic suede but sadly the shapes are too complicated for that approach. This is for a jewellery box with a lift out tray that has three compartments. I'm talking 20 plus different sized surfaces.
And the task master is a 6 year old grandaughter, and they are the WORST kind of bosses.

 

[woodpig]

That's a flocking nuisance isn't it. Have you tried leaving it in a damp place like a bathroom for a few hours?

 

[Mr T]

Aren't Christmas dealines the pits! I haven't used flocking, I usually use Andy's method with velvet or suede stuck to card in jewellery boxes.

Did the hinges arrive and work OK?

Chris

 

[Alexam]

I've never had that sort of problem and some of my flocking colours, the ones less used, have not been re-opened for years, but always shake up loose in the tub. I always seal the containers immediatly after use, so cannot see how they would dry out, or even draw any dampness as air cannot get in or out. Sounds like a bad batch to me. Where did you order from as there are several suppliers and how old was the bad lot? . and Happy Christmas too.


Malcolm

 

[sunnybob]

Woodpig, its in the garage at the moment, and its showing 95% humidity on the gauge next to it.

Chris, still waiting on the hinges but they are en route. Whenever i track a package it gets to Larnaca which is about 20 miles away, but then takes about a week to travel the last leg.

Malcolm, I bought red and black from turners retreat about a year ago (maybe a bit more, cant remember exactly). I've kept them in the clear containers they came in. They have both "turned" but the red is much worse than the black.
I think the problem might be our summer heat. When the garage is closed up the temp can go well over 40c for about 4 months of the year and they have been on a high shelf. For future use I shall have to keep them much lower down to reduce heat as much as possible.

Merry xmas to all. We have had a very wet december, which the farmers are all pleased about as the reservoirs were almost empty, and the last two weeks have been so cold that the porch thermometer has gone as low as ONE degree. I think the UK has better weather than us this year.

 

[sunnybob]

I've admitted defeat with the red. Tried again and its just not sticking. looks ok untill you come to brush the excess off, and it all falls off!
Luckily when I go back to the UK in early feb I am staying at another relations house for 2 days before visiting the boss (grandadughter) so I've ordered fresh red, and the correct glue so I can do the deed there rather than here.
Very annoying, as I have still about 95% of the original purchase left.
Now all I have to do is fit the hinges when they arrive, and scrape off all the old paint.
Wonder if I can sneak the glue back in my luggage.