How can I dye the fur on rabbit aviators hat
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There are many ways!
RIT Dyes found in groceries and hobby stores works but the color brilliance is something to be desired. (pastel soft) it also does not set well and washes out in water somewhat.
If your looking for vibrant colors Vernardi dyes are the best. You can get them from "Hunters" in New Hampshire
1-800-331-8558 or http:/www.hunterangling.com
There is also a mid ground, Jacardi acid bath Dyes Found in some fabric stores.
Another place to ask is the textile industry (Carpet)
And the very old ways of Organic substances, Onion , beets, tea, vegetable oil dyes etc... takes alot of time
I have used all three and prefer the Vernardi dyes as the set very well and have viberant colors.
One thing to think about is you need to heat the bath to no hotter than 140 degrees and anything lower than 100 degrees you won't get good results. this also means that the tanned hide is going to swell . Might be something to do with the acid (vinegar)used to set the color once tested and what you want. You can test it by after soaking in the hot water you and you see the color you want in the fur, pull it out and rinse unter cold tap water . if you use a test scrap piece you can dry it and see the color. It's usually darker when wet that's why I suggest a scrap piece. To set the color once you have reach the desired hue you add vinegar to the bath and stir this sets it in the hair . feathers are more delicate.
I have saved a lot of money dying feathers and furs from hides & skins instead of buying exspensive materials for fly tying. I have several books on the subject, that offer simple soulutions all the way to almost needing a chemical engineering degree.
Any more questions you can e-mail me. Include a postal address and I'll mail you more details
Good Luck
If the hat is already made you'll have to skin it again, dye it and re-sew it back together
Maybe one of those hair spray dyes for guys with solar panels on top of there heads . but it will was out in the rain and snow.
Sorry I did'nt catch that right away