FLOCKING

Flocking is a technique of applying tiny fibres (flock) to the surface of fabric (or another material), which, with the help of glue and an electrostatic field, are fixed vertically, forming a velvety, fuzzy texture. Thus a soft, velvety pattern or a solid coating is created on a smooth base. Historically flock imitated expensive velvet, and today it is used both for decorative prints (for example, velvety patterns on T-shirts, wallpaper, packaging) and for functional coatings. A flocked pattern is pleasant to the touch, three-dimensional and stands out strikingly against a smooth ground. The technique requires precision in applying the glue and evenness of the pile. In fashion flock is valued for its tactility and the decorative contrast of textures. Flocking is a technique of creating a velvety texture, in which fixing tiny fibres to a surface gives fabric a soft, velvety relief that combines decorativeness with pleasant tactility.