Peddler 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2006 I received a nice batch of wood duck feathers that I would like to lighten in color then dye sulfur colored. I don't have the foggiest idea on where to start. Any help would be greatly appreciated and will bring nothing but good karma down on your head! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alex_F 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2006 Sorry Peddler but your best bet would be to start from scratch with silver Mallard flank instead, or possibly Teal if you want heavier barring. It is possible to lighten materials with peroxide but with fragile feathers such as Wood Duck I wouldn't advise it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
letumgo 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2006 I agree with Alex. I've always heard of other people trying to dye materials to match Wood duck feathers. If you've got a good supply of them I save them and put them to good us as they are. Teal has really nice barring that would show through after you dye them and they look great. I picked up a rainbow of colors of dyed Teal last fall when I was tying spey flies. Just my two cents worth... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phg 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2006 Jack, I'm reasonably certain you can get a good batch of mallard flank from the same source. Personally, I prefer teal for dying, but I haven't been able to get my hands on bulk teal lately.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
siskiyouflyfisher 0 Report post Posted December 23, 2006 I dye wood duck dark olive (Veniard's) to tie tails and legs on small nymphs and Bird's Nests. It makes very "buggy" flies. The only downside is that it is not too durable. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
