How to Preserve Turkey Feathers for Arrow Making

The process of preserving turkey feathers for fletching, or arrow making, has a two-fold purpose. The shaft feathers are painted, or dyed, which preserves them against moisture and allows the hunter to distinguish his arrow by color and design. The brightness of the painted feathers act as beacons for finding arrows that have missed their mark.

Things You'll Need

  • Acrylic paint
  • Narrow paint brush
  • Aniline dye
  • Vinegar
  • Water
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Instructions

  1. Coloring Turkey Feathers

    • 1

      Paint the turkey feathers after they have been cut and glued to the arrow shaft. This is the most practical way to preserve them. Acrylic paint is acceptable. Choose a bright color, generally red or orange, because these colors are visible from a distance when you're searching for the arrow. Begin painting between the feathers using a narrow brush. Use small strokes and work outward from the feather rib. Paint both sides of the feather. During the painting, secure the arrow shaft with wooden blocks or a clamp so you can turn the arrow as you paint. Apply one or two coats. To effectively preserve the entire project, varnish the arrow shaft after the painted feathers have dried.

    • 2

      The base of the stain used to dye turkey feathers is a solution of aniline dye. Buy the type that is used to dye wool. Colors used for feather preservation in arrow making are red, orange and yellow. Aniline powder is commercially available to be dissolved in water, alcohol or oil. For the purpose of feathers it should be water soluble. A word of caution: Aniline is toxic. Heed the safety precautions and mixing procedures as well as application instructions that come with the powder. Measure carefully and always work in a well-ventilated area. Mix the aniline solution with 10 percent vinegar and heat the mixture, not to the boiling point but to a temperature that isn't too hot to the human touch. Soak and stir the feathers in the hot mixture. Dry them on newspaper. The downside to dyeing turkey feathers is that if they get wet they will run and cause stains.

    • 3

      You can use other types of feathers to make arrows but turkey feathers are preferred because they're sturdy and have a wide flare. Goose, chicken and duck are acceptable substitutes. You must paint or dye these also to preserve and protect them from mites and the elements.