Answer:
RAYON fibers are .75mm (1/32”) in length.
NYLON fibers are 1mm (1.25/32”) in length.

RAYON fibers are made from wood pulp.
NYLON fibers are petroleum based.

RAYON fibers are available in 32 colors.
NYLON fibers are available in 17 colors.

RAYON fibers are softer and show handling that can be brushed out. They tend to fade in the sun. RAYON is meant for indoor use. RAYON is also used for screen printing on fabrics.

NYLON Fibers are soft, but do not show fingerprints. NYLON is water resistant, fade resistant, and more durable than rayon. NYLON can be used inside or outside. NYLON is recommended for automotive use.

Answer:
Suede-Tex and Soft Flock are the same rayon fibers but packaged differently. (Suede-Tex is also available in nylon fibers. Soft Flock is only available in rayon.) Soft Flock is meant for crafters doing smaller projects, e.g. miniatures, models, holiday greeting cards, decorations, etc., and is packaged in smaller, ½ oz. packages.

Suede-Tex and Soft Flock adhesives and applicators are different. The Suede-Tex adhesive is more durable and because of its consistency does a better job of creating a smooth, even finish on larger surfaces.

Answer:
The Suede-Tex adhesive is solvent based and has been colored to complement the fibers.

Soft Flock adhesive is water-based and dries clear. When working with the Soft Flock adhesive paint the surface with a complementary color (acrylic paint works well) before applying the adhesive & fibers.

Answer: (mouseover red links for product image)

The Soft Flock Squeeze Bottle Applicator is a squeeze bottle that is great for small areas. The Soft Flock fibers can also be applied with the Mini Flocker hand pump applicator, which broadcasts a wider spray covering a larger area with a little more force, but one package of Soft Flock contains only ½ oz. of fiber and depletes very quickly.

Suede-Tex can also be applied with the Mini Flocker, but for larger projects the Air-Assisted Spray Applicator, designed to be used with an air compressor at 15 to 18 lbs psi, allows an even coating of fibers with just the squeeze of a trigger. Extra canisters are also available when working with multiple colors or on a large project.

Also used to apply Suede-Tex is the CP 70 Electrostatic Flocker which uses a positive charge to produce a denser coating because the flocking fibers are oriented at 90 degrees to the surface, achieving a more velvet-like feel and appearance.
The CP 70 Electrostatic Flocker can be operated from any 110 electrical outlet or on just 3 single cell 1.5 volt size D batteries. The unit includes 3 sizes of applicator cups: 2", 5", and 8", making it possible to flock almost any size surface.

(The CP 70 Electrostatic Flocker cannot be ordered online. Please call (800) 336-6537 or (815) 247-8775 or email to order.)

Answer:
Regular paint spray equipment can be used to spray the Suede-Tex adhesive. HVLP is recommended. Some thinning of the adhesive may be necessary (use mineral spirits—no more than 1 tablespoon per pint). A 2.0mm tip opening (orifice) is suggested.

Answer:
You only need to seal your project if it is porous (metal, glass or plastic do not require sealing). This prevents the surface from soaking up the adhesive before the fibers have a chance to anchor.

You can use any type of sealant, but make sure it has totally sealed the surface – especially on wood that has been routered, leaving an open grain.

If the surface is very smooth or slick, rough it slightly so that it grabs the adhesive.

Answer:
Unfortunately, no. Due to the solvents in the Suede-Tex adhesive, the adhesive can only be shipped within the United States and Canada. Since the Suede-Tex adhesive is a part of the Mini Flocker kit, the kit cannot be shipped overseas. The fibers and applicators can be purchased separately and shipped anywhere in the world.

Answer:
Yes! Specific fiber cuts, lengths, and widths can be customized for your needs up to 1/4 inch (6mm).

Special colors can also be matched, either from sample swatches or from Pantone numbers. We have the capability of providing as little as one pound of flock fiber and as many as several hundreds of pounds.

Special orders can take up to 4 weeks to produce (one pound minimum). An additional fee applies. You must contact us directly to place an order for custom fiber.
Read more about our Specialty Flock Fibers.

Answer:
While there is no inherent danger in breathing the fibers - a dust mask is suggested.

"What happens when we breathe in the flock particles which are blowing about? Answer:...the flock particles cannot penetrate into your lungs. The particle size of flock as commonly processed today is many times greater than that of the finest dust particles which are rated dangerous. They are therefore trapped by the normal filtering system of the human body. This is confirmed by various trade associations who classify flock as not damaging to health."

Source: Flock Journal vol. 14 No. 48/1988 pg. 29