Expert: Arash Ebrahimi - 4/25/2007

Question
Hey, im also a piper... and i recieved a feather bonnet (used) that has partially faded feathers. This may not be your area, but if you could point me in the right direction of whether or not i could/should paint or dye the feathers to make the back again.
Thankyou

Answer
Hi Liam,

Great question regarding your bonnet, and I hope I am not too late in replying.  I apologize, as I have been moving across the state.

I think different people would answer this question different ways.  The "traditional" bagpipers would say that you don't need to re-dye the feathers as that would not be natural.  Younger, contemporary pipers would say that having your outfit look new and bright is very important.  In the end, there is no "right" answer.

I would say if you are interested in making the color brighter to look in crafts forums.  Personally I don't think paint would be a good idea, but I don't have much experience with this sort of thing.  Again, that's why a crafts forum might be better.

The Bob Dunsire forums (google Bob Dunsire forums) would be a great place to help, although sometimes the people can be rude.

Hope this helped.  If not, reply back and I will do some more research for ya.

-A