Velvet Feather: Goose Kits- Lessor or Greater Canada
Velvet Feather™: Flocking Canadian Geese.
( Additional guidelines- see basic application sheet included with kit) PDF of this page
Lessor vs Greaters. The lessors are darker than the greaters.
The process allows for some variance in the finished product, which will give a more natural look.
Also the color of the birds can vary from area to area. Try to match the birds in your area.
Protection: Use a face mask or bandana. Find a room or place with no wind or air movement, which can loft the fibers. Apply at a room temperature. Rubber gloves are not necessary if you’re a careful, but suggested.
Supplies: Use a jar, can or glass with water to insert brushes during application. Different ones for each color. Change water as needed. Glue will set up even in the water after a while. Clean brushes after each use with water before glue sets up, then dry. Kits have brushes and applicator for the flock. (Can order from Aero). We use a plastic catsup squeeze bottle for the flock, with the tip cut off. Sift fibers before using. If the fibers ball up, allow to sit with the lid off in a low humidity area, and stir often to get the moisture out of the flock. Then sift to get the lumps out. Apply over a large tub, bowl or very large open end box which will help prevent the drift (big enough to insert decoy and flock). Collect the excess fibers after each application for re-use. Allow each piece to dry before next color.
Preparation: Read other sheet. Surface must be clean, dry & free of contaminants. Test, & flame surface is needed.
Having a stuffed bird for reference is very helpful, or a detailed tru-toned picture. Check the colors outside, under natural light!! Best to test shading and general application process before applying to decoys.
Glue: Glue may be thinned, but no more than 5% with water. Always test the surface to ensure good adhesion. Do not apply any more glue than you can apply flock to in less than 8 minutes. Try not to overlap brush strokes. Use a bright light to check the section treated after a couple minutes, to ensure the heavier glue application spots do not absorb the fibers and create shinny spots. If this happens apply some more fibers right away and tap/pat gently if needed to imbed the fibers in the glue. Do not freeze the glue. Stir as needed before use, since the coloration may settle. The glue cures in 24-36 + hours, depending upon the temperature, humidity, etc.
Flock: Apply one color at a time. We suggest the lighter colors first. Fill the applicator plastic bottle about ½ full, shake up and down, and on the downward shake squeeze over the area you are flocking. The gentle force will break the surface tension and allow for better flocking finish. After each color dries the next day (or 3+ hours partial set up) or gently blow the excess off and recapture. The kit has different colors of flock. Mixing will enhance the finished process.
For shading, best to use ’very little’ of another color. Some apply over, some under the color. Experiment.
Clean the bottles & area of the one color, before the next color, to prevent color drifting and color mixing.
Suggested application.
Light colors first:
a. White for bottom of tail
b. Light feather (light oatmeal) for breast and sides.
c. Cheek patch
Dark Colors
The backs of the decoys are dark brown & black. Can mix with lighter flock for variety and different shades.
Head & tail are black too.
Hand Details: Best results are achieved by following the application with stripes and feather variations, applied with an airbrush and paint. Some have used artist brushes to apply the feather details. Most use paint; some use flock.
Apply some brown on the breast for subtle stripes. Apply some light brown or beige for feather highlights on the back. You may want to make a template. Light application or mist of color will help with the subtle changes in the colors.
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