Straighten Feathers on Mount?

[YukonC]

Any good method of straightening the feathers on a tail mount? I don't mean how to lay them out I have that down and have one pinned up and borraxed right now. I'm talking about the individual feather when they are kind of pinch or clumped of that makes any sense?


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[GobbleNut]

There are "short versions" of dealing with this problem,...and there are also "long versions". 

Short version: Assuming the fan is dried out and is generally in good condition in terms of overall appearance, the easiest way to reposition some of the feathers is to separate them and use superglue to glue them in the position you want them in.  Separating them may include cutting them loose and relocating before gluing. Just put the feathers in the position you want them in and then "spot-glue" them to the surrounding feathers. 

The Long version would be for fans that were not properly prepped before drying.  That could include not cleaning the base of the fan properly (getting rid of all the meat and fat) and/or not washing and drying a fan that is excessively dirty.  Even if a fan appears pretty clean, it is almost always best to wash the fan thoroughly in water with a mild detergent, rinse in clean water, and then thoroughly blow-dry (a hair dryer will work just fine). 

If your fan is dirty and dried without a good cleaning (and it sounds like this might be the problem if the feathers are stuck together), you may need to start over.  This would include soaking the fan so that it becomes somewhat pliable again, and then washing and drying it.  Once you do that, you should be able to re-stretch the fan and get the proper feather placement.  This long version could also include the cut and glue version, as well, depending on whether soaking the fan achieves the needed pliability for properly re-stretching. 

All in all, a really nice fan mount is pretty easy to accomplish if the base is cleaned up properly, the fan in thoroughly washed and dried before stretching, and feather placement is done before the fan begins to dry out.   

[YukonC]

There are "short versions" of dealing with this problem,...and there are also "long versions". 

Short version: Assuming the fan is dried out and is generally in good condition in terms of overall appearance, the easiest way to reposition some of the feathers is to separate them and use superglue to glue them in the position you want them in.  Separating them may include cutting them loose and relocating before gluing. Just put the feathers in the position you want them in and then "spot-glue" them to the surrounding feathers. 

The Long version would be for fans that were not properly prepped before drying.  That could include not cleaning the base of the fan properly (getting rid of all the meat and fat) and/or not washing and drying a fan that is excessively dirty.  Even if a fan appears pretty clean, it is almost always best to wash the fan thoroughly in water with a mild detergent, rinse in clean water, and then thoroughly blow-dry (a hair dryer will work just fine). 

If your fan is dirty and dried without a good cleaning (and it sounds like this might be the problem if the feathers are stuck together), you may need to start over.  This would include soaking the fan so that it becomes somewhat pliable again, and then washing and drying it.  Once you do that, you should be able to re-stretch the fan and get the proper feather placement.  This long version could also include the cut and glue version, as well, depending on whether soaking the fan achieves the needed pliability for properly re-stretching. 

All in all, a really nice fan mount is pretty easy to accomplish if the base is cleaned up properly, the fan in thoroughly washed and dried before stretching, and feather placement is done before the fan begins to dry out.   

I don't think I am being clear enough. I have the fan laid out snd setting i am talking about the individual feathers kind of matting see in photo.



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[tracker vi]

Steam em

[3bailey3]

man i have watched i guy do it, i think he used a comb but not sure it has been some time ago.

[MK M GOBL]

There are a couple of ways to do this, steam and a pet dryer works great plus I have use a very soft bristle tooth brush or paint brush to get feathers to realign. If you need to lift and move feathers to position I have a long set of "tweezers".

MK M GOBL

[YukonC]

There are a couple of ways to do this, steam and a pet dryer works great plus I have use a very soft bristle tooth brush or paint brush to get feathers to realign. If you need to lift and move feathers to position I have a long set of "tweezers".

MK M GOBL

Could you provide me in the right direction for the steam snd drying equipment?


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[Tom007]

You can get a small steamer at a place like bed bath beyond, or on line. That should work good for you. Good luck....

[MK M GOBL]

There are a couple of ways to do this, steam and a pet dryer works great plus I have use a very soft bristle tooth brush or paint brush to get feathers to realign. If you need to lift and move feathers to position I have a long set of "tweezers".

MK M GOBL

Could you provide me in the right direction for the steam snd drying equipment?


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Something like a Wagner Power Steamer (used to take wallpaper off) and then a Pet Dryer ( used for drying a dogs hair) a regular hair drier may work for you too. I use these for my displays.

you'll be surprised how tough turkey feathers are, I wash, clean and dry my fans before setting them. They turn out awesome!


MK M GOBL

[YukonC]

The local Walmart had a bissel handheld steamer so I picked it up. Will give it a try possibly tomorrow evening.


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[Greg Massey]

There are a couple of ways to do this, steam and a pet dryer works great plus I have use a very soft bristle tooth brush or paint brush to get feathers to realign. If you need to lift and move feathers to position I have a long set of "tweezers".

MK M GOBL

x2 and i mostly just use a soft bristle paint brush.