I can match almost any colour when dyeing feathers except green.
I really struggle with this colour and my heart sinks when a customer comes into my shop with a bright green dress.
I mostly use the jacquard acid dyes mixed into hot water ( using combinations of the powder colours depending on what colour I'm after). I mix yellow and blue to try and get the particular shade I want but they all look dull and flat.
I've also started using metallic craft/car sprays but am limited in the number of greens available.
Does anyone use anything different? or have any suggestions of what I could try? Would really be grateful for any ideas
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I would email Dharma Trading , and ask them. They sell brighteners for their dyes. They have also been very helpful on the phone. I've never dyed feathers, but I'd love to try.
Good Luck, Kathleen
Sounds great, thanks Kathleen. I'll let you know how I get on
Hi Annabel, Would you consider hand marbled feathers a combo of colors that include green? Here are some of mine. The swan feathers are 11" to 13", the cockatoo feathers are head feathers. These are real feathers, permanent paint, and the paint is waterproof. They are non-delicate. I have many more feathers in my shop that combine bright green with other lovely colors. If you are interested pls take a look: www.QuillnAros.etsy.com/ . Ely
oops, sorry I didnt mean to make these so big!
Wow... beautiful feathers!
also Pro Chemical and Dye, I purchase my marble colors from both Dharma Trading and Pro chemical. Elin Noble who is their experimentor wrote a book "Dyes and Paints". It is my bible for sure. Ely
From the Twittersphere...
The hotter the water/longer the time the darker the colour
— Niki Collins (@KaraMilliner) November 13, 2012
@hatacademy use a small amount and add as you need. white/natural colour feathers take dye better. Dylon powder pouches the colours are good
— Princess Palles (@PrincessPalles) November 13, 2012
I've heard a product called Design Master is pretty good. http://www.torbandreiner.com/online-shop-1/millinery-essentials/des...
I haven't used it myself, but it has been recemmended by a highly skilled milliner and I've seen feathers which have been dyed with it and they looked brilliant (although not green).
Hope this helps :)
Design Master is an aerosol spray Greer I do use it but never without using my Workstation for fume extraction plus gloves -it warns that it must not have contact with skin. The smell gives an instant headache. If you read the label it warns can defat (=braincells) & affects blood ( big C??)
It is worst of all chemicals used in millinery & florist industry. When I developed allergic asthma about 15yrs ago Dr sent labels of products I was using to Poisons Info Centre and Design Master came back as most dangerous next to stiffener then 450 glue. Dr told me to get a fume cupboard. We need to take care. The Qld Museum purchased one of our workstations (check it in supplies) for classes. Free to view Video on how it works coming soon.
Thanks Elaine - I've never used it, but knew it was dangerous. Didn't realise it was up there with stiffener and 450 though. I've got a lung disease too - Pulmonary Fibrosis - and because of this, take special care. I don't have a fume cupboard, but always go outdoors on a breezy day for and stiffening or gluing. A warning to all of us though!
I should also warn people too that my lung specialist told me that the disposable masks that are available from harware stores are for dust protection - do not protect from chemical inhalation -you need a special filter mask for chemicals.
I cant believe this topic ois here, I spent all week-end dying feathers GREEN. bright Lime Green !
It took about 15 dye baths before I got the color just right
I used Rit Dye, because I could color match it from their website. I did end up adding more Yellow to my Dye bath to get the bright Lime I wanted.
Here is the link and formulas for their greens.http://www.ritdye.com/colorit_color_formula_guide
I thought the feathers were bright and the dye covered well, I used the liquid and addede vinegar to the bath, I did it on the stove top maintaining a temp of 140 degrees
I hope this helps
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