For this purpose the feathers are first dyed in a light or medium shade
of any color, the effect of frosting feathers of a dark color being
rather unfavorable. The feathers are then, after drying, covered on
the upper side with a solution of clear gum arabic, as for gilding,
but more closely, or may even be entirely brushed over with the gum
solution, and are then, before the gum dries, sprinkled over with
finely ground white glass, or mica, the latter giving the appearance
of frosted silver. The glass powder or mica powder is then quickly
and vigorously shaken off, to open the fibres and flues as much as
possible, while drying. Finally, to complete the opening of the fibres,
the feathers are steamed at the under side, and shaken in the air until
open and dry.
Great care is required in curling gilded or frosted feathers, that
the metal or glass powder is not rubbed off in passing the fibres
of the vane over the curling-knife. This operation being extremely
difficult and dangerous, the use of a curling-iron, like that used
by hair-dressers, is preferable to that of the knife. The iron is
moderately heated, so as not to singe the feathers; then, beginning at
the lower end of the feather, a part of the fibres on one side of the
stem are taken by their ends between the shanks of the iron, the latter
closed and the fibres wound downwards around it, the iron being carried
on the under side of the feather towards the stem. Then first one side
of the vane is successively curled from the quill up to the tip, when
the same operation is repeated upon the other half of the feather. If,
in this manner, the feather should be curled too strongly, the fibres
are taken between the shanks of the warm curling-iron at the stem and
simply drawn through the iron.
Numerous ostrich feather dyers and dressers use the curling-iron
altogether, instead of the knife; the only difficulty for the beginner
is to get the proper heat, which, however, is soon learned.
Very pretty effects are also obtained by dyeing the feathers a light
shade of color, drying, gumming and sprinkling them with either
powdered black glass or jet.