Most of the dyed marabou, especially black, that I have from reputable brand name sources will really bleed onto my fingers even when just tying it in. I was told that this happens because the supplier is not “fixing” the dye after the dying step. I was also told that if I simply soaked the whole string of marabou in a pan of warm water that was heavily salted, rinsed it off and dried it in my microwave that the bleeding would be stopped. I just tried it and it seems to work. How about that? Any comments, please.
Ray,
When I dye with Kool Aid, I add vinegar to fix the color and haven’t had problems with any bleeding. May have to try both methods on some of the black marabou I have, because I’m seeing the same bleeding you are.
Regards,
Scott
Wouldn’t the salt residue in the feather corrode the hooks in your fly box?
Very good point, but the rinsing is usually adequate for most salt removal…
That said, there is a brand which I no longer buy and the local fly shop is moving completely away from due to bleeding colors…
Ray - this I needed to hear! Just been through a weekend of steelhead tube tying, and the fingers do get pretty coloured. I’ll try the method you mention - when you say “heavily salted” what rough ratio are you using?
Thanks,
JW
Think of preparing a glass of salt water to use for an oral rinse after having a tooth pulled. That’s too salty so add another glass of water. That should do it.
Allan
I’m wondering if it’s a problem with black dye in general; I’ve had lots of problems with black-dyed deer hair leaving residue on my fingers. Can’t say if it’s brand-specific because I tend to misplace the bags or put individual pieces in quart or gallon size bags for my travel kit.
Regards,
Scott
Somewhere I recall being told that there is really no such thing as black dye. It is supposed to be an extremely dark purple.