Veniard Dyes in 100 gram bulk bags. In bulk bags, the color chart includes Fl. Pink, which is missing from standard packages. Veniard dyes are specifically formulated for dyeing feathers and fur, making them an excellent choice for fly tyers. These dyes are used by professionals all over the world.
Instructions:
First clean the feathers by soaking them in a good detergent (Venpol recommended) or a quality soap solution for a few minutes. (Waterfowl feathers require a significantly longer soaking time so the detergent can penetrate their natural protective layer of oil). Rinse in cold water.
Dissolve about a quarter teaspoon of dye in one litre of boiling water and stir until the dye is completely dissolved in the water. Add one tablespoon of acetic acid or vinegar (to fix the dye).
NOTE: Black and all other dark colours require a stronger dye solution and more acetic acid or vinegar.
Place the feathers to be dyed into the solution and keep the mixture warm (60°C degrees to boiling depending on the material) while keeping the feathers in motion at all times so they dye evenly. For skins (e.g., zonkers/foxes etc.), it may be necessary to let the solution cool down to about 60°C degrees before adding the material in to dye, so the skin does not harden and shrink. The temperature may therefore vary depending on the material.
Most Veniard dyes are a blend of three different colours, so it is important to allow enough time for the colours to absorb to achieve the correct, final shade. Different colour components do not fix at the same time, so if you remove the feathers too early, the result may be a shade different from expected. You can judge the final shade by looking at the quill of the feather or holding an individual feather up to the light (note, however, that the feather looks much darker when wet).
Remove all feathers from the dye solution and rinse well in cold water. Press the feathers between cloth or paper to remove most of the moisture. Allow to dry naturally at room temperature.
You can restore the natural sheen of the feathers by first letting them partially dry naturally, then placing them in a cardboard box and drying with a hairdryer while gently shaking them until they are dry.
These instructions can be applied to fur, wool, etc., in addition to feathers.
We recommend cleaning the materials with Venpol before dyeing.
NOTE: The colour images below are for reference only. The final shade may vary depending on the material being dyed and the dyeing process.
