Final shape, Trunk, Paint and Flock
This process takes about 12 to 20 minutes per tree. The pre-trim step above allows me to reduce this time slightly. I hold the tree the whole time. It is entirely possible to set the tree down during this process. The problem is the tree will get very sticky and each time I set it down or pick it up I risk damaging it. I prefer to just hold it for the entire process.
Supplies:
- Scissors
- Elmer's Spray Glue
- A box of sifted sawdust (use a tea strainer to remove any larger material)
- A disposable glove
- A N95 mast
- A spray box
- Rustoleum Camo brown spray paint
- Woodland Scenic's Coarse turf: Conifer
- Time (20 minutes)
Put the glove on and position the mask so you can get it on with just the hand that is not holding the tree (or just wear it the whole time).
Final shape:
This part takes 5 to 10 minutes - about half the duration of this step. The idea is to get the branches to the "final" position. Separating, bending and angling the branches so it looks like a tree. I use scissors to remove anything that does not bend the right way or otherwise does not look like a tree. The branches do tend to shift around a little during the following steps. The more time spent here the better the tree. Some armatures are just better than others, I spending more time on the better armatures. The less good ones will go in the back.
Trunk:
At this point the trunk still looks like a couple wires spun together. Time to fix that.
I mist the tree with Elmer's Spray Glue focusing on the trunk. I spray from the bottom, sides and top while rotating the tree.
Note on glue alternatives: I've tried 3M spray glue and it not as good, for me, in this application. I do not like using hair spray, it just doesn't work right for me. The Elmer's Spray Glue allows me to mist the tree during these steps and is the best I've found so far.
I hold tree horizontally over the container of sifted sawdust. Then, sprinkle sifted saw dust on the wires. By sprinkle what I mean is I hold some of the material between my pointer finger and thumb and rub them together to slowly distribute a thin layer of the material.
The sifted sawdust fills in the spaces around the wires creating a more solid trunk rather than a pair of twisted wires. Like this:
Tap off excess sawdust, it will fall off later if you don't. The sawdust can only stick where the spray glue was. Once a point is covered you cannot add more. So... the first coat is hopefully a good start, lets do it again.
Mist the trunk with the spray glue, again. A mist is needed here, directly hitting the trunk may blast the prior coat of sifted sawdust off. Sprinkle sifted sawdust on the wires, again. Looks better (maybe done). More like this now:
Still some spiral visible, better do it again. Normally, I sprinkle sifted sawdust on the wires at least two times, often three or four times and occasionally five. Depends on how the tree looks and if I think it will make a difference.
Starting to look better here:
Important safety tip: be aware of the direction the spray glue can is pointed - every time! After doing 3 to 5 coats of spray on a dozen trees it is easy to get complacent and assume you set the can down facing the direction you always do. It may actually be facing another direction. Its only a matter of time until the spray glue becomes alternative hair spray. Don't ask how I know this.*
Now I'm holding something that looks like a tree trunk and armature. Let's paint it...
Paint:
I spray the tree with rustoleum camo spray paint until it is completely covered. I turn the tree as I shot. Examine carefully and make sure its completely covered from all angles. The tree is shiny while wet at this step but dries flat.
I'm in a well ventilated garage wearing a N95 mask.
Flock:
I am currently holding the stickiest thing known to mankind (maybe not - but you get the idea). It has 3 to 5 coats of spray glue and a thick layer of spray paint. It is sticky enough to hold flock. I hold the tree over the container of flock vertically like this and sprinkle flock.
Then I turn it and sprinkle flock into the sides. Like this:
I make sure to get lots on the top.
I tap it against the side of the container while rotating it to shake the extra flock out. I tap and spin it until it stops losing flock.
Sprinkling the flock is the shortest but most satisfying step.
Magic - almost done:
Not my best effort, this one goes in the back. One last important step:
At this point the tree gets a light misting (2 or 3 squirts) of spray glue to help hold the flock on.
Here are a few ready to go:
* so far I have been lucky enough to not spray glue myself in the face. I've had one scare with the can pointed the wrong way - and once was enough. I hope.