Coloured pens for dyeing feathers?

[wingman]

I'm thinking about buying some dye pens for dyeing feathers different colours as I figure it might be cheaper buying say a partridge skin and dyeing feathers whatever colour as and when required, mainly hackle feathers, rather than buying packets. I just wondered if these dyes had a lasting effect once the fly has been fished a few times or does the colour eventually fade off? If anyone can recommend any reputable make of these pens I'd much appreciate it.

cheers

mark

[emerger1981]

they all fade im afraid ..your better of with dyed mate

[wingman]

Thought that might be the case, wasn't sure, ah well looks like the packets, cheers anyway.

[dabhoy]

I haven't done it fo a while but they do fade I found that the letraset pens lasted longer than the sharpies.

[wobbly face]

You could always try to recolour them again if you have a steady hand.

[wingman]

Ok thanks fellas think I get the message here, ite either packets or dyed capes/skins I think.

[arkle]

Steve cooper does large packets of dyed partridge hackle for £2.50, great range of colours as well. If you dye odd feathers with felt tips, the constituents of the ink are slightly adhesive & they stiffen the fibres a bit as well. "Way to go"

[wingman]

Yes I was aware of that arkle, thanks for reminding me, I'll take a gander over there and have a look at what colours he does.

[ruby pennel595664]

There is a review on page 41 of Feb. Trout and Salmon magazine of ZIG KURECOLOR PENS . It states that the ink in the pens is alcohol based, is permanent and will not wash off. Not cheap at £3.45 each or £35.10 for a set of 12.

It's the first I've heard of them but if the claims about the ink are correct they may fit the bill for fly tying.

Fly Tying Materials, Fly Tying Equipment, Fly Fishing, Fly Tying – Fly Tying Boutique

[wingman]

Might be worth looking into, thanks alot for the links.