appalachian angler (tn.) 0 Report post Posted March 14, 2006 I know alot of tyers mention the use of a "fixative" to treat wing feathers for the preparation of slips to be used for wet fly wings, hopper wings, stonefly wing cases, etc.. I have heard or read mention of various hairsprays and the like for treating feathers. What are some recomendations for such products? How best to apply and how much? Drying time? Hoping to make wings that not only look better but hold up to fishing stresses as well Thanks, AA Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted March 14, 2006 I have heard of people using head cement, but I don't put anything on wet fly wings. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elkcrazy 0 Report post Posted March 14, 2006 For wing cases and the like I use either Dave's Flexament or Flex Seal. Take the whole feather and apply some with your bodkin, then smear it in with your fingers. Once it is dry, you use your bodkin to split away the amount of fibers to give you the width you want for your wing or wing case. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ephemerella 0 Report post Posted March 14, 2006 For hopper wings and the like (NOT wets) I also use Dave's Fleximent. I've heard one can also use "workable fixative" which is in a spray can, and is available in art stores, maybe Staples ? One brand was "Fixatif" It is used to fix chalk or pastel artwork,and used to be used for graphic arts when wax transfer lettering was used (1950's-early 1980's) before the popular use of PC or Mac-based page layout. It is a matte spray varnish or laquer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gadabout 0 Report post Posted March 14, 2006 The last time I did that, I used a product called Tuffilm. It's available in art supply stores. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Al Beatty 0 Report post Posted March 14, 2006 Hi AA, I'm with gadabout. I use Tuffilm to fix my hopper/stonefly wings. Also, Krylon from ACE hardware works pretty good as well. Take care & ... Tight Lines - Al Beatty www.btsflyfishing.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldfart 0 Report post Posted March 15, 2006 For my hopper wings and nymph wing cases and such, I use Krylon Workable Fixatif. Got mine at an art and craft store. Micheals I think. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
appalachian angler (tn.) 0 Report post Posted March 16, 2006 Thanks for the feed back everyone! I'll try the craft store next chance I get. AA Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites