10 replies to this topic

[walleye4]

What can I use to dye my own bucktails? Got access to a ton of fresh tails and want to dye them myself.

Thanks,

[Vodkaman]

I did a search for you on "dying bucktails" and found four relevant posts.

http://www.tackleund...-dying-etc.html

http://www.tackleund...-acid-dyes.html

http://www.tackleund...-bucktails.html

http://www.tackleund...buck-tails.html

You could try some other search words, as I think the subject has been covered more recently. Enjoy you read.

Dave

[BLT]

If you are using Rit, I can't help you, but if you are using acid dye, that's what I use.
Not sure what you a calling a "ton" of fresh tails, but Jaquard acid dye is probably the most affordable, with a lot of color choices. Even with this dye, your looking a a high cost for the Chart. greens and some other colors. I use 2 of their colors, but go with another company for most.

Jacquard Acid Dyes produce the most vibrant colors possible on protein fibers and nylon

If just talking about doing a few dozen tails in several colors, go with the rit. I don't think the colors are as bright, but much better on the wallet!

Just remember what ever method you use, do not put tails into boiling water, it makes a nice hair soup!

[Tony P]

I'm sure you can find all of the information you need on the internet but if you want it in book form I recommend A.K. Best's book "Dyeing and Bleaching Natural Fly-Tying Materials". It covers bucktails & most natural materials used in fly tying in great length. I've dyed many bucktails & the only color that I can't stand to dye is black, for some reason I just can't get it jet black.

Tony P

[Wayupnorth36]

Try skunk tail for black. The natural black is great, obviously, and the hair is so long that you can use it for anything.
Alex

[BLT]

Tony P said:

the only color that I can't stand to dye is black, for some reason I just can't get it jet black.

Tony P

Seems like a common issue for many that do their own dyeing. I've had mine black that it works good enough. I don't think fish are as picky as we put them up to be.

[Tony P]

Wayupnorth36 said:

Try skunk tail for black. The natural black is great, obviously, and the hair is so long that you can use it for anything.
Alex

Skunk is usually to soft for the patterns that I use bucktail in but it is a great material for many patterns.

Tony P

[Tony P]

BLT said:

Seems like a common issue for many that do their own dyeing. I've had mine black that it works good enough. I don't think fish are as picky as we put them up to be.

I agree 100%! I guess I'm just a little anal when it comes to the materials & colors I use .

Tony P

[AtticaFish]

I have heard of using koolaid - vinegar - warm water. I saw some tails that the person claimed they dyed with it and they were some of the brightest colors I've seen. Just can't say I saw the whole process.

[Moon39]

walleye4, on 12 March 2009 - 10:06 PM, said:

What can I use to dye my own bucktails? Got access to a ton of fresh tails and want to dye them myself.

Thanks,

I was on crappie.com in the jig tying section and saw a link for dyeing buck tails useing coolaid it tells you the whole process.

[jfmustang1]

Moon39, on 13 December 2009 - 07:22 PM, said:

I was on crappie.com in the jig tying section and saw a link for dyeing buck tails useing coolaid it tells you the whole process.

I know I'm a little late in jumping in on this thread but I haven't been on here in a while. I have been dyeing tails for a couple of years now. If your are still looking for direction I can help you. I do standard colors aswell as a couple of custom ones but what I can say is that acid dies are the way to go. And contrary to what you may think they are more cost effective when you buy in larger quantities. I might also be willing to trade some dyed tails for whites depending on what you want let me know.