I'm going to start a swan in a few days. When I skinned it out I discovered there was more blood in the feathers than I originally thought. Any advise on getting the feathers bright white again. I considered a powder bleach, diluted of course, is this a good idea?
Thanks in advance.
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Use some "iron out" it can be found in any super market in the cleaning section.
Iron Out from Wal-Mart is the only way to go.
I posted last week to help a guy with a snow goose. Give 'er a try...
H2O2
This response submitted by James Parrish on 5/2/05 at 10:36 AM. ( ) 204.211.171.11
Get you some high strength peroxide (30% or better) and cut it 50/50 with water (or buy 15% peroxide if you can find it). With the bird over the sink (and wet) squirt a little of the peroxide on the spots you want to clean and let it soak for a minute. Rinse with cold water. Try not to get the peroxide on your hands...it will burn. And, before someone asks, store bought peroxide (3%) won't work. You need to get the high strength stuff from a taxidermy supply or a beauty supply store.
Not wanting to argue but, I did a pheasant that was shot in the neck pretty bad a couple of weeks ago. It had lots of blood on the white feathers around the neck. I poured some store bought peroxide not diluted on the neck and rinsed,(maybe twice) then patted dry with towels. Came out fine. Maybe because it was a small area I don't know. I'm curious now, but next time I will try the iron out instead. Never hurts to experiment. Thanks.
Two taxidermy soaps made for dissolving blood. Wash for 20 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and then spin dry before tumbling. 90% of your blood will be gone making bleaching unnecessary. HOWEVER, those areas where badly shot up might still require peroxide.