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Creativity => Customs => Topic started by: kingluke on December 12, 2023, 09:04:47 AM

Title: What flocking to use and where to get it
Post by: kingluke on December 12, 2023, 09:04:47 AM
Hello everyone,

I'm (most likely) getting ahead of myself but I'm looking to buy flocking for a ss twilight I want to reflock.

I saw that stampendous fun flock in cotton ball white was used but I can't find the stuff anywhere. I also don't have paypal/credit cards.

My questions(s) are, where do I get it? And what is another good option for flocking which leads to a traditional so soft flocked look?

I would love to hear your thoughts on this :)

Thanks in advance!

Title: Re: What flocking to use and where to get it
Post by: BlackCurtains on December 12, 2023, 09:13:46 AM
You don't just need flocking to reflock, you need a static gun. That is if you want it to stick up and look factory.

I've only seen static guns for sale online, mainly on eBay. You might be able to find static guns at a hobby paint shop, if there are any near you. Flocking you should be able to find at any craft store. You want rayon (I think?) in a fine cut.

I've looked into this extensively. It's not easy, or cheap.
Title: Re: What flocking to use and where to get it
Post by: kingluke on December 12, 2023, 09:19:02 AM
You don't just need flocking to reflock, you need a static gun. That is if you want it to stick up and look factory.

I've only seen static guns for sale online, mainly on eBay. You might be able to find static guns at a hobby paint shop, if there are any near you. Flocking you should be able to find at any craft store. You want rayon (I think?) in a fine cut.

I've looked into this extensively. It's not easy, or cheap.

Is it really that difficult? I'm glad you are sharing your knowledge with me.

I thought of just following this tutorial :  http://cherrycake.freeservers.com/SSTutorial.htm

Can you explain to me what a static gun is? I have never heard of it.
Title: Re: What flocking to use and where to get it
Post by: BlackCurtains on December 12, 2023, 10:39:25 AM
That's the easier way to flock, but I've done that too and you need to be very precise so the edges don't show.

How ponies were flocked originally and how other things are flocked is with a static gun. It makes an electrical charge that makes the flocking fibers stand up. So when you sprinkle them on the glue, they stick up, giving the soft fluffy feeling and look. Doing it without a static gun is possible, but the results won't be factory and it won't be as soft and fuzzy.

This is a static gun -

On eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/352420068985?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=2ckAEZL9R9q&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=Q9wOB0IpT_i&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY)

And here is some flocking.

On Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/listing/537705256/flocking-4-oz-pkg-50-colors-available?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=acrylic+flocking&ref=sr_gallery-1-5&edd=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1)
Title: Re: What flocking to use and where to get it
Post by: kingluke on December 12, 2023, 11:53:01 AM
That's the easier way to flock, but I've done that too and you need to be very precise so the edges don't show.

How ponies were flocked originally and how other things are flocked is with a static gun. It makes an electrical charge that makes the flocking fibers stand up. So when you sprinkle them on the glue, they stick up, giving the soft fluffy feeling and look. Doing it without a static gun is possible, but the results won't be factory and it won't be as soft and fuzzy.

This is a static gun -

On eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/352420068985?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=2ckAEZL9R9q&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=Q9wOB0IpT_i&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY)

And here is some flocking.

On Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/listing/537705256/flocking-4-oz-pkg-50-colors-available?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=acrylic+flocking&ref=sr_gallery-1-5&edd=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1)

Thanks for the links. What if I deflocked the pony first and then reflock her? Or does that complicate things?
Title: Re: What flocking to use and where to get it
Post by: Pokeyonekenobie on December 12, 2023, 01:42:07 PM
Amazon has several flocking guns, too.

https://www.amazon.com/Electrostatic-Flocking-Applicator-Netcovers-Modelling/dp/B0CDBW5J5X/ref=sr_1_34?crid=3DTMF4ZXI2CTB&keywords=flocking+gun&qid=1702417218&sprefix=flocking+gun%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-34

Title: Re: What flocking to use and where to get it
Post by: kingluke on December 12, 2023, 01:46:45 PM
Amazon has several flocking guns, too.

https://www.amazon.com/Electrostatic-Flocking-Applicator-Netcovers-Modelling/dp/B0CDBW5J5X/ref=sr_1_34?crid=3DTMF4ZXI2CTB&keywords=flocking+gun&qid=1702417218&sprefix=flocking+gun%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-34

Thank you for sharing.
Title: Re: What flocking to use and where to get it
Post by: Pokeyonekenobie on December 12, 2023, 01:50:47 PM
I would also recommend experimenting with something that doesn't matter if it doesn't work out so you can mess up without stressing over messing up your pony.  :)
Title: Re: What flocking to use and where to get it
Post by: kingluke on December 12, 2023, 02:01:46 PM
I would also recommend experimenting with something that doesn't matter if it doesn't work out so you can mess up without stressing over messing up your pony.  :)

Good idea. I have some baits laying around.
Title: Re: What flocking to use and where to get it
Post by: BlackCurtains on December 12, 2023, 02:37:54 PM
Hmm, deflocking first is up to you. I think if you start with an unflocked body, the reflocking would look better. But if the pony has nice patches of flocking, then do you really want to get rid of it?
Title: Re: What flocking to use and where to get it
Post by: kingluke on December 13, 2023, 01:59:16 AM
Hmm, deflocking first is up to you. I think if you start with an unflocked body, the reflocking would look better. But if the pony has nice patches of flocking, then do you really want to get rid of it?

That is the question. I'm not sure yet.
Title: Re: What flocking to use and where to get it
Post by: pandabear_chan on January 04, 2024, 04:23:39 AM
Professional flocking is indeed a process you need to learn and more important to invest into - it is very cost intensive and we speak about 500€ + for the equipment. Furthermore, it needs a ton of practice and you'll easily face a lot of frustration during the learning process - I promise. The customs from blazenheartcustoms (Instagram) are top notch quality but to get them look like this - it took her multiple years to learn. 
 
Patching bald spots will never look as perfect as the original job usually. You'll see and feel the "repairs" (speaking from own experiences).

You won't only need a static gun but also the correct fibers, working glue (with very specific ), a good working space for the process itself (which is incredibly messy) and more accessories to hold the pony parts, protect yourself from inhaling the fibers etc.   

In case you don't plan to do more than 1 custom it's not worth the money to be honest (at least in my opinion). Maybe look into commissioning one - it will be cheaper.
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