For those of you who process your own feathers for fletching, here is an easy method for adding color to them. I decided to try this “how-to” I found on the Internet, which gives detailed instructions for dying feathers with KOOL-AID. I have used green and orange, and the color transfer was very good. I soaked them in water to see if the colors would run, and they are colorfast.
You will need three bowls and several packets of KOOL-AID in the color you prefer.
Prepare one bowl for washing/degreasing that contains water and Joy liquid soap. Agitate the feathers in this solution and let them set while you prepare the other two bowls.
In the second bowl, combine water, a dash of white vinegar and a couple of drops of Joy soap.
The last bowl should be a microwave-safe 8″ x 8″ glass dish. Fill it 1/3 full of water and add a splash of vinegar and a few drops of Joy soap. Dissolve two packets of KOOL-AID into this solution.
Transfer the feathers from the degreasing bowl to the water/vinegar bowl, and leave them there for five minutes.
Transfer the feathers to the KOOL-AID dye in the microwave-safe dish. Microwave it on high for two minutes, let it stand for two minutes, then microwave it again for two minutes.
Remove the dish from the microwave and use tongs to examine the feather. If it is too light, let it stand longer. The KOOL-AID acts as an acid dye, and the dye will transfer from the water into the feather. The water will actually get clearer as the feather absorbs the dye. If you desire a darker shade, remove the feathers, add another packet of KOOL-AID, and repeat the microwaving process. Once the desired shade is achieved, rinse well and dry the feathers.
Great advice on kool aid feather dye. But I was so wondering, how permanent is the look aid dye. I want to make earing from feathers and this process , will rain or anything wash out the color over time or not ??
I can’t really say for sure, but I think after you set them with the vinegar solution they should be fine. It will probably take some trial and/or experimentation on your part to see how fast they fade.
What flavor Kool Aid for the shown feathers?
I believe it was orange.
Started doing this in the 90s. Had read about it somewhere. Have used since then. Allows subtle to bold colors depending on how long you leave them in. Used a lot for muted fall colors for hunting arrows till old eyes forced me to switch to all white to see arrow hit. Try it you will like results.
Better traditional arrow craft through creative chemistry. Old meets modern in a neat twist of the tail! Thanks for the tip.
No, the color does not wash out.
I am the one who wrote that how-to many years ago and didn’t know it was still floating around on the internet.
I still have some of those arrows pictured.
Those were dyed with orange Kool-Ade. I have used Lime and Grape with the same results.
Hey Dennis, is it best to cut/burn your feathers, then dye them, or does the dye permeate the feather to the point that order is irrelevant?
Thank you, and thanks for a great idea!