Hi! I bought a full midge saddle at a fly fishing show. There’s just a ton of feathers on it, probably a lifetime supply. I’m thinking I may split the saddle, and “bleach” part of it with peroxide so I have 2 colors - one light and one dark. Can someone give me some pointers? I really don’t want to botch the job. Also, will the peroxide cause the stems to become stiff or to break more easily?
Thanks!!
You can bleach it with Hydrogen Perioxide 50/50 with water. You can adjust that mix to speed it up or slow it down. If you let it go too far, you can damage the feathers. All bleach damages the feathers to some degree.
The best you’ll get is a ginger color regardless of the natural color.
Happy Trails!
Ronn
Ronn is correct but I would advise letting someone that has done it before handle it for you. Either that or practice it a few times before you try it on your saddle. If I am not mistaken that saddle was not cheap. So don’t take a chance on hurting it. Pratice on some old feathers you have laying around first. Ron
Give Bob Gaston a call, he is a retired barber that has a fly shop at Bennett Springs (MO). Bob even advises some of the materials suppliers in the fly tying business.
His add and phone are;
Bob Gaston
Gaston’s Tackle Shop
11798 Hwy. 64, Lot 63
Lebanon, MO 65536
ph., (417)532-9449
I have had Bob dye some saddles for me and was quite pleased.
Tell him Dugan told you to call
baldmidge