GIMP - change color of object preserving feathering

Question

I have an .xcf image and I like to change the color of some objects within it. The objects are mostly one solid color with the edges feathered into transparency. I.e. all pixels in the object are white with most pixels fully opaque and some with transparency.

I've tried to change the objects' color using the color select tool + bucket fill but this destroys the feathering. Is there a way to get the gimp to change just the color but preserve the transparency?

The actual objects that I have are multiple bits of text all at different sizes and rotations that I have merged into one layer. So it is no use re-adding the feathering as this messes up the text quite noticeably.

Thanks

Answer 1

In order to preserve the opacity/transparency of the layer while working, you can tick the "Lock" checkbox in the layers dialog (see here).

Then, create a selection of the objects exactly like you suggested, and fill it with the bucket tool. The alpha of the layer will remain unmodified.