I'm guessing this has been covered before, but what's the best method for waterproofing feathers? I've heard Turtle Wax Ice, lacquer, and several other methods.

What has worked well for you guys? I may do some experimenting this spring, but if someone has a good method, I'll just run with it.

I use Black Magic Tire Wet in I need to.  Just spray it on.

I've always had great luck with Bohning Feather-Dri.

X2 for feather dry powder. Works great.

X3 for Feather-Dry

   

Laquer would make the feathers stiff I'm thinking.

Powder works , but kind of messy.

I might try the tire shine if I think I'm gonna be in the rain. Which is pretty unlikely. 

Quote from: kennym on February 27, 2023, 05:24:08 PM
Laquer would make the feathers stiff I'm thinking.

Powder works , but kind of messy.

I might try the tire shine if I think I'm gonna be in the rain. Which is pretty unlikely. 

Scared yer gonna melt ole timer?

Nah but all my critters don't go down in sight . 

Natural turkey feathers, the way God made them waterproof.
If it's raining hard enough to waterlog them, then it'll also wash away any blood trails too. I stay home then.

I'm going to check and see how the new Rain Ex spray works, Will report back.

The Feather-Dri works really well on dry flies too. So, that has me wondering if silicone dry-fly goop would work on my arrow feathers. Hmmmm. Maybe it is time for some experiments.

Quote from: Terry Green on February 28, 2023, 09:12:23 AM
I'm going to check and see how the new Rain Ex spray works, Will report back.

I actually have some RainX...didn't think about that...I'll test it out.

Quote from: kennym on February 27, 2023, 05:24:08 PM
Laquer would make the feathers stiff I'm thinking.

Powder works , but kind of messy.

I might try the tire shine if I think I'm gonna be in the rain. Which is pretty unlikely. 

The guy that used lacquer let it dry and then ran the feathers through his hand to make them pliable again. Said the lacquer stayed on and kept them from getting water logged. Everyone seems to have their own methods.

Quote from: blacktailbob on February 28, 2023, 08:07:47 AM
Natural turkey feathers, the way God made them waterproof.
If it's raining hard enough to waterlog them, then it'll also wash away any blood trails too. I stay home then.

DITTO
and Canadian Goose feathers work awesome to they works so well you can't dye them difference colors.

Quote from: trad_bowhunter1965 on February 28, 2023, 10:51:54 AM

Quote from: blacktailbob on February 28, 2023, 08:07:47 AM
Natural turkey feathers, the way God made them waterproof.
If it's raining hard enough to waterlog them, then it'll also wash away any blood trails too. I stay home then.

DITTO
and Canadian Goose feathers work awesome to they works so well you can't dye them difference colors.

Thanks...now I have to get feather processing equipment to try this! My wife will be thrilled lol.

Quote from: RBO21 on February 28, 2023, 11:02:04 AM

Quote from: trad_bowhunter1965 on February 28, 2023, 10:51:54 AM

Quote from: blacktailbob on February 28, 2023, 08:07:47 AM
Natural turkey feathers, the way God made them waterproof.
If it's raining hard enough to waterlog them, then it'll also wash away any blood trails too. I stay home then.

DITTO
and Canadian Goose feathers work awesome to they works so well you can't dye them difference colors.

Thanks...now I have to get feather processing equipment to try this! My wife will be thrilled lol.

I was very interested in this subject years ago when I started hunting, and tried sprays, powder, and even using grey goose feathers with natural water repelency. After all is said and done, I would not discourage you from having the fun of working it out, but here was where I ended up:
1. If it is really raining, I stay home.  I hate to dry out me leather stuff, and sitting in the rain is not pleasant while tracking is an issue of its  own .
2. I found that the powders were just a PIA to use, but not bad at their job.  It is just that the stuff is REALLY hydrophiic and gets on everything (because it is a POWDER) and annoying. The sprays work but seem to make the fletching more brittle and therefore noisier when rubbed up against.
3. I long since switched over to using a Cat Quiver, so except for the arrow in hand, the rest stay completely dry. 

I use kiwi spray from Walmart. 

Use 4×3" feathers, in my experience they are to small to soak up much water.