2 replies to this topic

[Ryan]

What is the best way to dye rabbit hair. Thanks for the help. Ryan.

[RCaillouet]

First I need to say that I haven't done this very much on rabbit hair! But it works on deer and a few other types I have tried it on.


First go to the store and buy some packets of Kool Aid! That's right I said kid's drink Kool-Aid!

Mix up 1 pack of Kool Aid for 2 cups of water. Get a microwave safe container and heat up the solution for about 30 seconds. You don't want to bring the water to a boil but you want it fairly warm. Now place the hair (it is on a hide/mask/strips and not loose hair right!) in another container and pour the solution over it and let it sit for a minute or two. You want to have enough solution to completely cover the hide/mask/strip of hair you are dying. Use some needle nose pliars to make sure the hair stays in solution and soaks it up!

Remove the hide with the pliars and let completely dry (overnight to 2 nights is usually good.) If still not dark enough repeat process!

CAUTION!!! You don't want the solution hot enough to loosen the hide and release the hair, but you want it hot enough to make the hide and hair absorb the solution to die the hair!

This will be trial and error until you find out how long your micro needs to be on to heat the solution well enough and how long to let it sit.

Good luck!
Reg

[BLT]

I don't use cool-aid, and never did anything but deer tails also, but I dye at 180-185 degrees for anywhere between 12-28 minutes depending on what color I am using. Never had a tail fall apart yet. If you are looking to be very consistent, put the pan on the burner and use a cheap candy thermometer to keep the water at a certain temp. Like I said, I can't speak for kool-aid, but the dyes I use give different results at different temps.
Rit clothing dye is another option for you to look at, and from what I hear, you can get it a any large grocery store. If you are just doing a small amount of dying for yourself, spending for the good dyes isn't worth the $$ IMO. (acid dyes)
The color always looks darker while wet also.
Hope it works out for you!