Feather dying?

[magnus]

Does dying turkey and goose feathers negate there water proofing? Thanks in advance!
Magnus

[Footed Shaft]

No , it does not magnus. You will still see the oil line in the feather after you dye it. I have dyed hundreds of feathers and am always happy with the water proofness( is that a word?? lol ) with my feathers. Bill

[magnus]

Thanks Bill. That's what I was hoping for.  
Magnus

[Footed Shaft]

I use one part vinegar to two parts water. Add the Koolaid after the water has boiled  

[magnus]

Really Koolaid? Never heard of that. Thanks Bill.
Magnus

[snag]

I like Cherry! I use the same formula as Footed Shaft. Works great.

[magnus]

How much do you need? Water vinegar koolaid. Make a half gallon? How long do you soak them for?

[Footed Shaft]

Bring 2 cups of water and a cup of vinegar to a boil in a small flat tray. Turn off heat and add one pack of Koolaid and stir very well. Add feathers and be sure to have them ALL under the surface of the solution. I leave mine in for 7 mins( stiring them up every 2 mins or so ) , then take them out of the solution , run them under cold water and put them on a little drying rack to dry over night.  Bill

[magnus]

Thanks Bill. One last question. I do this after they're split and ground correct? Thanks again!
Magnus

[2treks]

KOOLAID! I guess it should be good for something. it aint fit to drink!    
I was gonna get me some feather dye from GREATNORTHERN this weekend. maybe I will go the koolaid route. When I was in the U.S.NAVY we called it BUGJUICE, used it to polish brass and soak of rust and corosion.   :eek:

[Aeronut]

Koolaid does a good job.





Dennis

[Footed Shaft]

Yes after they are split and ground. Dennis nice pics !!  Bill

[magnus]

Thanks to all. I know what I'll be doing this evening.
Magnus

[Footed Shaft]

Magnus, it helps as well to soak the fethers in the sink with HOT tap water and a small shot of Joy ( or whatever dish soap you have) . It helps with removing any blood and dirt, so the Koolaid takes better. Bill

[magnus]

Dawn won't take the natural oils out will it? That's all I have. Thanks for the tip.
Magnus

[Footed Shaft]

Nope , not for the amount of time it will be in the bath ( about 5 min ) .     Bill

[magnus]

Then rinse right? Sorry to ask so many questions but I don't have many feathers left and don't want to mess any up. Thanks for all your help Bill!
Magnus

[Footed Shaft]

Yep, then rinse. If you mess any up, you just let me know, i know a guy who has hundreds!!     Bill

[magnus]

Sounds good. Thanks again!
Magnus

[Footed Shaft]

Matt, PM sent. Bill