Lining Jewelry boxes and trays

[gatheringsplinters]

Greetings!

I'd like a bit of advice regarding products you use for lining jewelry boxes and trays. I've been using flocking from Flockit.com (donjer suede-tex) but I'm not having good results. (Still working with the company to figure out why...)

I'm looking for a lining similar in texture and softness to felt or velvet. It needs to be durable since some items I'm working on will be used for rolling dice on.

Any suggestions?

[rpd]

I have no experience with the use of flocking.
When I made a dice tower I used craft felt that I bought at Michaels.
The fabric they use on pool tables could be an option.

[nuhobby]

While not cheap, the replacement felt sold by Gerstner is very high quality, thick stuff. With a little care, it makes a very elegant drawer lining.

- Chris

[davebodner]

I made a jewelry box with the suede-tex. I applied it, scraped it off and applied it again. I think the instructions call for applying more flocking than you think you need, but I also found I needed to apply more adhesive than I thought I needed. In the end I had a fairly good, but not great, fuzzy surface. The jewelry box doesn't get that much use, but I notice some flocking has been worn down.

I think I'd go with the felts others have suggested. Felt would probably last longer, and it might be easier to replace when the time comes.

[gatheringsplinters]

While not cheap, the replacement felt sold by Gerstner is very high quality, thick stuff. With a little care, it makes a very elegant drawer lining.

- Chris

Hadn't heard of them. I'll have to look into it!

Thanks

[TomH]

I've recently started using the DonJer product for flocking the insides of small drawers and boxes and I love it!

Here's a link: http://www.woodcraft.com/search2/search ... y=flocking

Couple of tips based on my experience, YMMV:

1. Use a heavy coat of the adhesive.
2. Wear a dust mask or filter, even if you put your object in a deep box as a flocking booth, the little fibers get all over the place!
3. Use lots and lots and lots of ventilation. The adhesive is really strong smelling.
4. Mask the area off unless you are really good at painting small areas with goopy glue.

The instructions are included and dead simple to use. Let it set overnight, knock off the extra fibers and you are good to go.

[gatheringsplinters]

Tomh,

That's the flocking I'm currently using and I've been having to use two applications in order to get a good result. In my experience, the first application results in a nice soft coat but it's inconsistent in coverage color. With the second coat I have to sacrifice some of the smoothness for consistency.

How have you applied the glue and the flocking itself? I've used natural bristle brush, synthetic brushes, acid brushes and foam brushes to apply the adhesive and I've gotten the same results.

I do love the crisp edges you can get with the product when you tape off areas and the fact that you don't need to design the item with grooves for felt...

[TomH]

Well, don't think I'm doing anything special. I use a $.69 synthetic brush and slop on the glue rather liberally, then use the mini-flocker tube to poof the threads on. Have never done more than one coat so not sure how to do that.

If I get some time, I'll take pictures of some drawers I've done. Maybe I just have low standards! LOL!

[swampgator]

As stated earlier, I also use felt which is an excellent grade from Michael's. This tip is to help you get an accurate size and shape. Before preparing the drawer for lining, I rub chalk on the section I wish to make a pattern. Then press the felt into place and rub it gently. Carefully, lift the felt straight away from the chalked surface. Now you have your pattern. You can cut it with scissors or the tool of your choice. When all the pieces are cut, use a damp sponge to remove the chalk. Allow the wood to dry. I have used hot glue and tacky glue. The first box I made about 5 years ago is retaining the felt that had hot glue. On the side, I would place the felt near the bottom corner of the drawer, dab in the hot glue and press the felt into place. Then put the glue up one side of the felt piece, and press it into place and continue that procedure until you can put some glue all along the top and press into place. I also use grip clamps to hold it in place for a few minutes. I put in the bottom first and cover the edges with the side pieces. Maybe, I do it all wrong, but it has been successful thus far. Testing on scraps is always a good idea until you decide how you desire to proceed.

Pictures would be welcome. Good luck.

Steve, the old Florida Gator in the western panhandle of Florida.

[gatheringsplinters]

Thanks for the responses... I'm a bit under the weather at the moment but once I'm back on my feet I'll post a few pics showing the issue I'm having with the flocking as well as some finished projects that I've done using various lining methods I've tried.