Dying Bird Skins

[Byron haugh]

Not sure how long it has been on youtube, but Blue Ribbon Flies current Newsletter had a link to Craig Matthews' explanation of how to dye bird skins.
Thought some might be interested in watching.


https://youtu.be/IXIZF_QK7hE

[dave potts]

I saw that Byron. I was kind of surprised when he never rinsed the soap out of the skins. I could see leaving them soapy during the dying process but seems like you would want to get the soap out sometime.

[John Rhoades]

I agree with removing the soap.

Also, Matthews says to bring the dye bath to the boiling point to dissolve the dye. What he didn't say is that you don't want to put your feathers in at that the boiling point. It needs to cool down some before you do that.

[Byron haugh]

interesting that he made a point of saying it was very important not to rise the soap out before putting the skins in the dye. I believe he said the dye would not thoroughly get into the base of the feathers?
Not sure, as I don't dye my own. Thought those who were considering doing this might enjoy the video.

[lastchance]

What I'm looking for is an olive starling skin. I know it won't get completely olive.

[Byron haugh]

No idea, really, last chance as I don't dye. BUT, could you do it twice without killing the feathers? Once sorta bleached and again later as olive?

Someone will know it doesn't work, but a question, really.

[lastchance]

No idea, really, last chance as I don't dye. BUT, could you do it twice without killing the feathers? Once sorta bleached and again later as olive?

Someone will know it doesn't work, but a question, really.

I've seen dyed Starling skins for sale, but none in the color olive. I've seen blue, yellow, and chartreuse. Go figure.
Bruce

[Mark Vendon]

I've seen dyed Starling skins for sale, but none in the color olive. I've seen blue, yellow, and chartreuse. Go figure.
Bruce

Hi Bruce,

Scroll about halfway down the page to see his dyed starling skins including olive. Many of his pages are not updated though, so whether he actually still has this in stock or not you'll have to contact him to find out.

http://www.eflytyer.com/materials/softhackle.html

Regards,
Mark

[NJTroutbum]

I used fit and denatured alcohol for years to dye cedar arrow shafts. Not sure how that would affect the feathers? Never used vinigar to set.

[lastchance]

Hi Bruce,

Scroll about halfway down the page to see his dyed starling skins including olive. Many of his pages are not updated though, so whether he actually still has this in stock or not you'll have to contact him to find out.

http://www.eflytyer.com/materials/softhackle.html

Regards,
Mark

Thanks. I sent him an email.