Reflocking? And bubbles....

[spotonjon]

Title sounds alittle strange but I tried to flock my first dash, was very pleased with my machine! Didn't relise just now much difference hanging stuff made.

Anyways, after flocking the dash, drying and blowing Excess off I touched the dash and it fell very bumpy, almost like there were little build ups of flock everywhere, it wasn't as smooth to touch as other flocked items.

My question is , how has this happened? And what could be done to prevent it from happening again?

Next question, how do I go about reflocking this dash? Do I need to remove the old flock and glue? Or isit possible to glue over old flock?

Thanks in advance

[Ray (Flock Man)]

I'm thinking that maybe something has either gotten into the glue or on the surface. Another theory could be a chemical reaction with the adhesive. This I've seen with some plastics- not with bubbles, but with causing the dry adhesive to lift from the surface.

You will have to remove all the flocking and start over. You may have to prime the surface. there are plastic auto primers you can find on the web. On your project I would consider learning to use spray equipment for the adhesive. Getting a smooth even adhesive coverage would be key to flocking a dash that feels as smooth as it looks.

[Ray (Flock Man)]

After doing a little test I found the same thing. I'm thinking it was the epoxy I used. It looks to me that I didn't apply it even enough with the brush or I may have to appy a super thin film first and then wait until that's dry and apply the working coat.

I'm wondering did you or do you use a primer of some kind? I'll try it with the primer, but I'm pretty sure in my test I didn't apply the glue even enough and the excess was soaked up into the fibers.

[spotonjon]

hi, sorry for the late reply been very busy.
I took your advise and spraying the adhesive onto parts gives a much better finish!

I haven't tried use a primer on parts yet but I guess the smoother the adhesive is the smoother the finished effect.

[spotonjon]

oh and my other question how can you remove flock? ive had a glove box in which was flocked from factory? how could I remove the old flock to reflock it?

[Ray (Flock Man)]

If it's plastic maybe Denatured Alcohol and let it soak in a little while. If card board (as some are) maybe turn it inside out.

do a small test first. I'm not sure of the effects of Denatured Alcohol on various plastics.