"fixative" for wing slips

[appalachian angler (tn.) 0]

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

[Guest]

I have heard of people using head cement, but I don't put anything on wet fly wings.

[elkcrazy 0]

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.

[Ephemerella 0]

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.

[gadabout 0]

The last time I did that, I used a product called Tuffilm. It's available in art supply stores.

[Al Beatty 0]

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

[JoeFish 0]

[oldfart 0]

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.

[appalachian angler (tn.) 0]

Thanks for the feed back everyone! I'll try the craft store next chance I get.

 

AA