Flex & Flock

Flocking is a textile printing technique often incorrectly referred to as Flexography (a rotary industrial printing technique using an inking roller).

The basic flocking technique involves serigraphy, when a coat of adhesive is applied to the item of clothing. This adhesive is then sprinkled electrostatically with fine coloured textile fibres (the flock). The surplus fibres are sucked away and the item of clothing then passes through a drying tunnel. This technique creates a velvety feel and look.

The flocking technique most commonly used today is far simpler. It involves the hot application, under high pressure, of a fine thermobonded film of very flexible PVC or polyurethane, cut out in advance with a plotter (digital cutter). The excess film that does not have to be printed on the item of clothing is removed manually (trimming). To do this, we need three essential tools: the computer, the plotter and the hot press.

Flocking or flex

Flex is very fine and is smooth and soft to the touch. It can have various appearances: matt, glossy, sequined, reflective, puffed, pre-printed in the factory with various motifs (streaks, camouflage, fine stripes, etc.), metallic effect, mirror, photoluminescent, etc.

Flock is thicker and has a velvety feel. It gives t-shirts a vintage look and is very suitable for sweatshirts.

For various colours we recommend digital flex/flocking.