Mr. J.,
I'm just randomly "pasting" different things I found on some discussion boards on the 'net about curing and coloring bucktails. But I've seen more than a few guys point out that it's just not worth it (to do it yourself, when you can get the bucktails relatively cheap). Apparently, there's a bit of effort involved, and often a "stink" or even maggot infestation problem if it's not done right.
You're brave.
Hope these tidbits help, though...
W.
1. "I use an equal mixture of borax and salt for the original cure. Depending on the time of year, humidity etc. it usually takes 4 or 5 days to dry. Bill's right in that they still smell something aweful. After doing over 500 tails I still can't get used to the smell before degreasing. After the cure I degrease them by using a simple procedure involving 3 different detergents. anyone can e-mail me if they want the formula. It's alot of soap but unless you want to go commercial grade don't skimp. I tried using less and It made a difference. I let them soak for 48 hours. If I was not interested in dyeing I wouldn't bother doing this. But if you are It's worth it. I have over 50 personal bucktails that are all dyed different shades of different colors. Some colors you can't find in a fly shop. I like having my choice of 6 different shades of yellow, olive or blue. For instance I've got a candyapple green and a color we call burnt olive that You'll probably never find anywhere else. Pastels are the hardest to find and you'll be surprised what you can trade pastel colored tails for at a club meeting if you do have extra. The last few years I've had 2 friends help me because I couldn't keep up with the demand. I used to do it for retail sale but now I just do it for friends and various members of clubs I'm in. One last thing, don't believe the hype about RIT dye. It works great on bucktails when done correctly. Those who have had little success with it either have either dyed incorrectly or are able to make a fly last for 6 months. I've never had a fly tyed with rit dyed materials bleed on me. I can't say that for alot of fly-shop bought flies."
2. "I throw a ton of Borax on the flesh and let them sit for a week. I wash them off with detergant, rinse them, and comb them out. Let them dry for a day or 2 and they are ready to be dyed or used.
Unfortunately, they still smell pretty bad."
3. "most commercial operations use acid dyes. They're activated using some type of mild acid, like acetic acid (vinegar). For your own purpose Rit dyes will also work, and are inexpensive. Depending on what colors you're looking for Rit works just fine. Some colors, like black are more difficult to dye and require more time in the dye & sometimes more dye depending of how many tails you try to dye at one time. Even dyeing with Rit it's best to use a little white vinegar in the dye as it helps set the color."
4. "I would suggest rit dye with 1/4 cup of vinegar per dye pack as well. If you want your tails to have brighter colors strip them with a mild bleach and water solution before dying them. Also use the cold dye method to set the colors instead of boiling the color into them unless you want deer tail soup."
Supposedly, in a discussion board, someone mentioned this article (link) as being very informative. I didn't check this one out yet, though:
www.bassdozer.com/articles/bucktail.shtml
Well, Mr. J., it's just a little bit here & there, but some times you just gotta experiment!!! GOOD LUCK!
W.
Thanks, Dad, for taking me fishing when I was a kid.
But please don't feel obligated; I was happy to help, but I don't know if the info will be a good resource or not.