How to Dye Pheasant Tail Feathers

Dyed pheasant feathers have many uses.

You can use pheasant feathers in a wide variety of decorating functions. Their long-lasting and durable qualities, along with their attractive form, make them desirable in many settings. You may see them on a fancy hat or headdress, and in floral arrangements or boutonnieres. They are boldly patterned in their natural state, but you can use dyes to create pheasant feathers in an almost unlimited spectrum of colors.

Things You'll Need

• Pheasant feathers
• Latex or vinyl gloves
• Feather dye
• Glass bowl or stainless steel pan
• Long-handled tongs
• Glass baking dish
• Water
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Mix the dye and heat it per the manufacturer's directions. Use a glass bowl or stainless steel pan. Wear gloves when handling dye, or your skin will end up the same color as your feathers.

2. Add feathers to the dye and stir to thoroughly wet them. Keep checking the color intensity of the feathers, because they won't take long to dye. Bear in mind that wet feathers will look darker than when they have dried.

3. Remove the feathers from the dye when they have reached the desired color. Long-handled tongs make it easy to grasp each feather.

4. Place the feathers in a bowl or dish of cool water. Gently swish them around to rinse off any remaining dye.

5. Remove the feathers from the water and pat dry between paper towels. Leave them out in the open to thoroughly air dry before using or storing them.

Tips & Warnings

• Soiled feathers can be cleaned with a diluted dish soap solution. Rinse them in clear water to remove soap before dyeing.

• Wet feathers have an unpleasant odor. Dye them in a well-ventilated area.

• Dyes can stain nearly everything except glass and stainless steel. Protect your clothes and work areas.

References

• Eskape Anglers: Dyes
• Gina Bellous Dolls: Feather Tutorial
• Great Northern Quivers: Professional Feather Dye Instructions

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish