"Static grass application to bases" Topic

I just got a Grass Tech USA static grass applicator, and I want to apply the static grass to figure bases. The tutorials say I need to push a nail or pin into the board you are going to flock before attaching the alligator clip. Can you just place the pin or nail into glue? I make my bases out of polymer clay that covers over metal washers.

You want to have a flow of electrons from the glue on base into the wire and back to device. The glue (such as PVA or white glue) needs to conduct the electricity. The base itself is not really involved. So you do not need to poke into the base, you want to make sure the pin stays in the glue.

You could use something like this to hold the pin down in the glue on the base:

link

DO NOT hold the pin with Your hand, you will get static shocks!

A better search term for what I mean is "Third Hand Tool".
Often used in soldering.

link

link

Thanks Dyehard. That third hand tool might do the trick. It might also help me with painting, as my hands are getting a little shaky with age!

I find that just dunking the base in a plastic tub with the static grass and then giving it a good shake while upside down makes the grass stand up. No complicated applicators needed.