Dying Goose Feathers?

[Cutty47]

I have some raw goose feathers I'd like to try and dye and use on some rivercane shafts...

Do I have to bleach them before coloring?

Will that make them too soft?

Also, I was planning on dying them with Rite dye and denatured alcohol.  Is there a better way to use Rite dye?

[sticshooter]

Pete Here's a tutorial in the how to section for dying them...rit dye works great BTW.<><


  http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000020

[Cutty47]

Awesome stishooter!  Man, that was fast...ask and you shall recieve...

[sticshooter]

Anytime, happy I can help<><

[dino]

Jerry of Great Northern during his seminar on dying feathers at kzoo said that he tried to bleach goose feathers.  They do turn white then they fall apart, the bleach eats them.  His conclusion was not one the best ideas.  He had a bunch of goose feathers there that he had died and they did look pretty good despite the grey base. dino

[Jack Denbow]

I have dyed goose feathers using the Great Northern dye. Dyed in the red they come out a nice wine color. They look cool.
Jack

[Cutty47]

Thanks Jack...I've got some red, so that's what I'll try first...

[ishiwannabe]

Doesnt coloring them remove the oils that make them water repellant?
I know that great northern feather dye is awesome with turkey feathers...show pics when your done!!

[wapiti]

Hey Cutty. Goose feathers huh? Are the bases ground or stripped? I have some swan featheres I want to use some time and was wondering how yours turn out. A little to busy right now to build arrows but I'll get caught up one day!