feather die

[FerretWYO]

Does any body color there own feathers? What do you use for die?

[Grant Young]

I dye my natural barred feathers and use RIT for every color I use except red-for red I use an analine dye for natural fibers that you can find on line w/ a google search. I don't recal the brand or source for the last batch I bought. The RIT work well- I add a quarter cup of white vinegar to it and usually soak my feathers full length and unsplit in a warm to hot dye bath. To check the color fastness rinse them in cold water. I dry them in an oven at around 150-175 and have had no problems with runs or washout from rain,etc.                    Grant

[FerretWYO]

Thanks I will give it a try

[Doc Nock]

I used some bright yellow leather dye for feathers with a bit of vinegar in the hot water to set the dye. Worked very well.

Also used boiled onion skins...very interesting color on white feathers...soft tan... interesting.

Like Easter eggs as a kid, I just use a spoonful of vinegar in the water.  Time in the mix controls the darkness it seems.

I'm sure Rit is more reliable, but it was fun to play with other stuff!    Hmmm...redbeets?  

[Orion]

Doc:  I'm sure beets would work.  Ever try mulberries?  I haven't, but sure stain my fingers a nice purple when I eat them.

[FerretWYO]

Funny you say that about mullberrys. I was eating some kurrents the other day when I thought about this. They have an amazing natural die in them. Probly would work rather well if you are hunting bears as long as you dont mind them eating your arrows lol.

[Foxtail]

Check out the dyes that are used for fly tying. I have used these with great success- excellent range of colours, and you can custom blend the colours easily. Can't remember the brand at the moment, but there is only the one brand, as I understand. I got a selection of colours, and have had excellent results blending my own colours.

[FerretWYO]

thats a good idea foxtail. I never thought of that. Thanks

[short slugger]

I have used kool-aid mixes and food dye with great results.

[DBGJR]

Check out GreatNorthern Quivers,Rick offers a professional feather dye that come in pre measured packets.You can dye up to 200 feathers per packet,and he has the dye in six colors.
www.greatnorthernquivers.com
DICK

[VTer]

What's the recipe for using the kool-aid. I'd like to try that.

[Tioga]

Jell-O also makes a great dye for feathers.

[longstiks]

I'll second the Kool-aid, I've done orange and yellow with great results. Two packs kool-aid about an inch of water in a small pan, boil, let cool, soak feathers for an hour, stirring every once in a while, add 1/4 cup vinegar let soak some more, rinse with clean water, let dry between paper towels. Works for me and Kool-aid is real cheap.
Denny

[longstiks]

I forgot to add it helps to wash the feathers first with mild soap, dish soap, to take some of the oil out for better results.
Denny

[jcar315]

Grant is spot on. I have dyed many with this method and results are rock solid. The Kool-Aid idea is interesting though.

[maineac]

I have used the rit red, with a bit of vineger.  I tried beet juice but it did not color as well as I wanted.  I keep a big ball jar of the dye and put it in a pan of water on low on the stove.  Then add the feathers and stir occasionally.  Rinse well.  I just air dry mine.

[snag]

These were done with Rit dye and a little vinegar. They have held up real well over the last year. But it does take the natural oils out of the feathers. So they will not be as naturally water resistant.

[frank bullitt]

Feibings leather dye, used it for about 20 years works great. And sure the others mention work good also! To replenish the oil, try the fly tyers duck oil, spoken about in another thread.

[straitera]

Much obliged with the how to's. I'm going to try food dye this afternoon. Anyone ever spray feathers w/thin layer of clear coat to make them resilient?

[snag]

Good idea Frank! Don't know why I didn't think of that....