With the commercial feathers I've done it wasn't necessary to wash them. You can just do the water and vinegar. Just make sure you soak them twice as long so they get good and wet. Worked like a charm for me.

The shaving might not have worked well because there is not acid in it. Kool-has an acid base to it so that might be the reason why.

I don't let the kids drink kool-aid!!!

QuoteOriginally posted by magnus:
With the commercial feathers I've done it wasn't necessary to wash them. You can just do the water and vinegar. Just make sure you soak them twice as long so they get good and wet. Worked like a charm for me.

The shaving might not have worked well because there is not acid in it. Kool-has an acid base to it so that might be the reason why.

I don't let the kids drink kool-aid!!!

Thanks! I think I'll give it a try.

As to the shavings idea, I wonder if adding a bit more vinegar (acetic acid) would etch the surface of the feather enough to take the dye? Just pondering...

 

Thanks Matt, I hope these work!

Hmmmmm.......there might be something to the acid level in the Osage brine?
I'll take some out of the batch, add a little vinegar to it and do some testing.

I'll also wash the feathers first in the soap and vinegar cleaning solution first, then soak in the Osage dye.
I know it will flat turn a raw wood shaft as yellow as a banana in no time, but then there is nothing impeding the soaking process when your talking raw wood, it soaks up anything like a sponge.

Let us know Semo. If the vinegar will act like an acid it might work.