Flocking! Has Anyone Found Flocking Material That Matches So Soft Ponies?

[LittleSpiffy]

I am considering repairing my newly acquired Hippity Hop:

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Poor baby - too good to be bait!

I've looked at CherryCake's tutorial a few times over the years, but that particular flocking doesn't exactly look like MLP flocking.

Has anyone found something closer to what Hasbro used?

[Katika]

I can't help, but am stalking this thread!  I just finished doing an in-depth inventory of my So Softs and I have quite a few of them that would be *so* close to minty if not for a few misplaced rubs!

[StarFaerie]

The problem isn't sourcing the flocking itself but the process.

The original process uses an electrostatic flocking machine in which the flocking is applied to the glue coated pony. The static charge on the flocking makes each piece stand out so it is only glued to the pony on one end and sticks straight up,to make a soft fluffy pony. To redo that properly, you'd really have to deflock and then reflock in a machine, which is a big capital outlay.

People can and do make their own flock applicators, but it is a high voltage machine so you want to know what you are doing with the electrics.

Some people, like in CherryCake's tutorial, have reflocked without that but it isn't really the same, as the flocking tends to be flat rather than fluffy without the machine. It looks ok but it's not so soft.

[Wardah]

Ive never tried this but I'll leave it here.
http://m.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Flocking-or-Static-Grass-Gun-from-a-/all/

[Colorscapesart]

Flocking without a machine *could* be used to touch up her noticeable rub areas.  It won't look factory, it won't feel as soft, but it will typically look less noticeable than with that dark purple peeking underneath.  I touched up a Lofty and she looks a lot better, but the fixed areas are hard, not soft.

[Karma]

I've often wanted to throw polysoft into a blender to see if it might match. I've flocked with finely cut ribbon before, and it's pretty soft, depending on the ribbon.

[LittleSpiffy]

Omg, the homemade gun looks terrifying

...and I would make it if I owned a soldering iron.  Heck, I'd reflock everyone's ponies! Hah.

This may not work, but what if I used a balloon, got it all static-y, & put the flocking powder on it?  Have glue on the bits that need reflocked & then dab the pony onto the flocking (lightly) so it picks up the powder with the fiber going the right way?

[Karma]

Huh. I actually could totally make that. I can't right now, (no money for supplies) but I do know how to solder and have a soldering iron.

[Sawkinator]

Ive never tried this but I'll leave it here.
http://m.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Flocking-or-Static-Grass-Gun-from-a-/all/

Wow... that's interesting. How do people think of this stuff?

I think you can also get a flocking applicator online for pretty cheap - it's basically a cardboard tube, but I've seen it suggested before and the results are probably better than just dumping flocking on.
From what I know, it really is more about the application than the material.

[sharnofshade]

There's a lot more to the process than just 'get applicator, problem solved', unfortunately. You need the right flocking (most 'craft' flocking is far too short and feels prickly rather than soft when used with an applicator), the right glue (too thin, it can't support the flocking upright as it dries; too thick, the flocking can't penetrate deeply enough to get a stable bond and will shed like crazy; too rigid and the glue layer will crack if the pony is flexed, etc), and a lot of difficult, time-consuming work (hand held applicators cannot enable a full-body flock, only patches. Getting the edges between patches to look right is a huge pain in the butt).

And this is ignoring the fact that hand held applicators that are strong enough to flock a pony with a really dangerous (as in, potentially lethal if you shock yourself badly), and it's definitely not something I'd recommend customisers pick up and play with on a whim.

[Leave a Whisper]

Ive never tried this but I'll leave it here.
http://m.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Flocking-or-Static-Grass-Gun-from-a-/all/

that's very cool

[Diamond]

Ive never tried this but I'll leave it here.
http://m.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Flocking-or-Static-Grass-Gun-from-a-/all/

I will stick with my age old flocking "gun" which just uses muscle and air to send it flying out. 

[pyrodarknessanny]

i found on ebay   some  static flocking guns ...
has any one used them ?

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from this seller 

Spoiler

http://stores.ebay.com.au/evemodelau

this one  says it uses D size batteries

[NoDivision]

There's a lot more to the process than just 'get applicator, problem solved', unfortunately. You need the right flocking (most 'craft' flocking is far too short and feels prickly rather than soft when used with an applicator), the right glue (too thin, it can't support the flocking upright as it dries; too thick, the flocking can't penetrate deeply enough to get a stable bond and will shed like crazy; too rigid and the glue layer will crack if the pony is flexed, etc), and a lot of difficult, time-consuming work (hand held applicators cannot enable a full-body flock, only patches. Getting the edges between patches to look right is a huge pain in the butt).

And this is ignoring the fact that hand held applicators that are strong enough to flock a pony with a really dangerous (as in, potentially lethal if you shock yourself badly), and it's definitely not something I'd recommend customisers pick up and play with on a whim.

All of this. Honestly, going through the work and expense of trying to find the right materials and supplies to try to accurately recreate the so-soft look and texture to restore ponies is ... ehh... it's just probably not going to be worth it. Now if you want to try to flock a pony with some grass flocking to make a fun custom, sure, go for it!

[Katika]

i found on ebay   some  static flocking guns ...
has any one used them ?

visitors can't see pics , please register or login


from this seller 

Spoiler

http://stores.ebay.com.au/evemodelau

this one  says it uses D size batteries

I might just be game to get one and try it out...  Not sure if my husband would be on board with it, but if I do, you guys will be the first to know!