Preparation: Dry cannabis flowers are first agitated over fine mesh screens, typically between 90–150 microns, to collect the initial dry sift (kief).

Refinement: The collected sift, which still contains some fine plant matter, is placed on a clean surface.

Charge generation: A charged tool, such as a plastic card, parchment paper, or rubber glove, is used to gently attract the trichome heads.

Separation: The static charge attracts the resinous trichome heads, which have a different electrical charge than the plant particles.

Purification: The cleaner trichome heads stick to the charged tool and are transferred to a separate collection vessel, leaving the unwanted plant material behind.