How to Dye Feathers

Dyed feathers are used to accent fashion jewelry and fancy hats, and are a staple of most craft supply kits. Crafters often take dyed feathers for granted since they are readily available in craft supply stores. However, dying feathers correctly takes skill. If you would like to dye your own feathers at home, gather the supplies listed and follow these instructions. You can even use this method to make fancy black ostrich feathers.

Supplies

acid dye for staining protein fibers
white vinegar
water
glass bowls
rubber gloves, face mask, goggles
paper towels, saran wrap, plastic spoons
feathers

First, put on the rubber gloves, face mask, and goggles while working with the acid dye. Acid dye comes in powdered form, and it may be harmful if the powder is inhaled, or if the dye liquid comes in contact with the skin.

Next, in a medium sized glass bowl, combine 1 and 1/2 cups water with 1/2 teaspoon dye powder. Stir the solution with a plastic spoon so that the powder dissolves. Jacquard is a good brand of acid dye, and comes in a variety of colors for staining feathers, fur, wool, silk, and leather.

Cover the bowl with saran wrap and microwave just until the dye sarts to boils, about 1 minute on high. Remove the bowl from the microwave and add 1 tbs of white vinegar to the dye. If you are dying large ostrich feathers, you should boil the water separately on the stove top, pour it into a glass baking dish, and then add the dye powder.

Add the feathers to the hot dye, and use a plastic spoon to gently dunk them under the surface of the liquid. When the feathers start to submerge on their own, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let them soak for about 5 to 10 more minutes. The longer you leave the feathers in the dye bath, the more intense their color will be.

When the feathers are dyed to your liking, remove them from the dye, and let them soak in a bowl of clean water for a few minutes. Remove the feathers from the clean water carefully, and lay them on paper towels to dry.

You can restore the feathers' shapes by running your fingers along the shafts to close the gaps. Use cuticle scissors to trim the feathers into whatever form you need for your craft project.