Choosing and buying a white snowflake Christmas tree can be a difficult task. You may be surprised to learn that now is the best time to order one. But don't panic, if you don't know which one to buy, in this article we will share my experience and opinions with you.
First, let's start with the benefits of a white flocked Nordmann fir .
What are the advantages of the white flocked Nordmann fir?
A flocked Nordmann fir tree is the strength of the Nordmann supported by the advantages of flocking! In short, an even more elegant, even more resistant tree. It gives your white tree a delicate and realistic snowy effect. Flocking is the act of placing a layer of cotton on the balanced branches of your Nordmann fir tree, using a special technique that we will see later.
Flocking does not detract from the qualities of the Nordmann fir, let us recall them:
- Very strong needles: they are even stronger thanks to the flocking carried out using glue.
- Heat-resistant fir: this resistance is increased by flocking.
- Bushy due to slow growth.
- Easy to decorate: thanks to its balanced shape and well-defined layers.
- Ultra-fresh: our Nordmanns are cut no earlier than November 20 or delivered in pots.
- Odorless: Nordmann fir is virtually odorless, which can be useful in some professional circumstances. Flocking also does not add any odor and does not alter the very light scent of natural Nordmann.
Three important things to know about flocking:
Flocking is the application of fake snow to your tree, by simultaneously spraying water-based glue and cotton fibers in crossed jets. Flocking can be done on indoor and outdoor trees of all sizes.
The cotton is actually sprayed into a powder, called flake. The flake is a cotton fiber, soft to the touch and absolutely resistant. Finally, your needles do not come off the tree, and the flocking does not come off the needles. The flocking will be successful on condition of having a perfectly conical tree.
What elements should be taken into account when choosing a white flocked Nordmann fir?
The light
Incandescent: Incandescent lamps are called traditional lamps or classic lamps. They emit a clear glow, and I prefer their color.
LED: LED lights give off a blueish light, and they are a bit warmer. So when you buy a tree, make sure to buy the warm LED lights if you don't want the blue tint.
Lamps
There is also the question of how many lights should a tree have. The standard is for there to be 100 lights per 1.5 feet. Here is a standard and simple explanation for the number of lights.
- From 230 to 250 cm: 700 to 1,000 lamps
- From 250 to 300 feet: 1,000 1,300 lamps
- More than 300 feet: 1,500 2,000 lamps
Needles
There are several types of artificial needles, and when you buy online, it is difficult to know what you are buying. The advantage of choosing a flocked tree is that the needles are covered and their shape is less important.
Realistic Needles: These needles look like real pine needles. They mimic a real needle in both structure, texture and color. Realistic pine needles are therefore made of polyethylene plastic (abbreviated PE) injected into a mold to form these needles. They have a three-dimensional shape.
Classic Needles/PVC Needles: PVC (or polyvinyl chloride) needles are thin and flat and look more like a paper needle. Some companies call them classic needles. Sometimes, trees include these needles close to the trunk of the tree to create fullness.
Flocking
Some trees are lightly dusted. And then some are quite heavy, similar to what you find in white Christmas tree lots. Personally, I prefer heavily flocked trees, but that's just my opinion. I find that the ornaments look more spectacular on a white tree.
Shape
There are many different shapes for artificial Christmas trees, just like real trees. Consider where your white tree will be placed to decide which shape will work best. I am sure there is a tree that fits your style and your home.
How to flock Christmas trees?
White Christmas tree flocking kits include a misting gun, which filters an equal amount of flock and water to achieve a uniform and realistic look. Christmas tree flocking sprays and self-adhesive powders, which people apply themselves (the most popular method).
If you want to do it yourself at home, here are some tips to get a flawless result:
- Work in a basement, garage, or outside. If this is not possible, cover the ground under the tree with a tarp or old sheet; the white powder can be messy.
- Wear safety glasses, gloves and a mask to protect yourself from ingesting harmful substances.
- Start at the top of the tree and work your way down. Some of the snowflake will fall off the needles and land on the branches below. This gives a more natural snowfall look and saves you from doing double the work.
- Apply the flocking only to the tips of the needles and let it form clusters. Do not spread it on the needles or apply it to the underside of the branches; this would give a more artificial appearance.
- If you are using a self-adhesive powder, a hand sifter will make this a lot easier. Use a spray bottle to mist part of the tree with water, then put some flocking in your sifter and sift it onto the damp tree. Spray the flocked section with water again. Note: a flocked tree should not be wet again after this, or it will not dry.
- Consider making your own flocking. Soap flakes are the most convenient and affordable option (although laundry detergent, shaving cream, and coconut will also work). Combine the soap flakes with the liquid cornstarch or white glue in a blender on medium speed. Add warm water and continue to beat until the mixture has the consistency of nougat. Use a paintbrush to apply the mixture in small strokes.
- Once you have finished applying the flocking, allow the tree to dry for eight to 24 hours, depending on the size of the tree.
- If you plan to add Christmas lights, place them away from the flocking.
You will also find natural Nordmann firs and all the decorations for your Christmas tree in our shop.
