07-06-2009, 03:25 AM
Re: Dye feathers?
Hi Red Owl.
Yes it's possible to die feathers,only if you mostly have large ammounts,however it can be/ is messy.
There are many substances you can use,you can usually buy dyes from
Fabric,craft shops etc.I have even used coffee,cake colourings,potassium permanganate,etc.
The Fabric Dyes are the way to go.
Steps:As I have done it.
1 Pour some water into a small container,(an old Stainless Saucepan is best)also add some Salt,Vinegar,or both,to act as a "mordant' to keep the colour in the feathers,& heat. About a teaspoon of Salt to a pint of water,about 2 or 3 capfulls of Vinegar,should be OK.
2 Put a small ammount of dye into the water.
3 Place a few feathers in the mixture for a minute or so,remove,rinse under cold water.place on an old piece of cloth.Check for colour,add water,dye if needed.It's a matter of trial & error.
1 Make sure you wear rubber gloves,as the dye can ingrain in your skin.
2 Don't boil the feathers as a gooey mess & ruined feathers can be the result.3 Only dye small ammounts of feathers each time.