Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: JacksonCash on March 11, 2013, 02:28:52 pm

Title: Bleaching/Dying Feathers
Post by: JacksonCash on March 11, 2013, 02:28:52 pm

Recently was given a pair of goose wings, so decided to try my hand at arrow building. Working on some home depot bamboo shafts right now, and I've got my feathers all plucked and stored away. I'd like to make one of the feathers identifiable as the cock feather, but I'm not sure how to go about dying them. Anyone have any tips, tutorials or dye-a-longs?

Title: Re: Bleaching/Dying Feathers
Post by: Pat B on March 11, 2013, 04:13:35 pm

Bleaching won't work and it will be hard for color to show up over the gray of the goose feathers. All my feathes are the same. I use an index on my arrow nock to indicate the cock feather by feel.

Title: Re: Bleaching/Dying Feathers
Post by: JacksonCash on March 11, 2013, 04:19:47 pm

Fair enough, Pat. I wasn't sure if it would work or not. I'm okay with them all being the same color. Thanks for the input.

Title: Re: Bleaching/Dying Feathers
Post by: Matt G. on March 11, 2013, 04:57:59 pm

Pat said it all when it comes to dyeing or bleching goose feathers. Been there done that. The ones with more oil will look darker than the ones that don't.

Title: Re: Bleaching/Dying Feathers
Post by: osage outlaw on March 11, 2013, 06:14:49 pm

I dye turkey feathers in kool-aid.  Just mix the powder in some water and soak the feathers overnight.  Use a weight to hold them under the water.

Title: Re: Bleaching/Dying Feathers
Post by: Matt G. on March 11, 2013, 06:19:27 pm

Kool-aid will work for turkey and white feathers but not on goose feathers.