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View Full Version : Looking for waterproof stiffener....



PhlyPhisher
08-25-2007, 09:30 PM
I have some material that I've been using to make nice light lacy wings for my dry flies. I use the fabric softener sheets after they've come out of the dryer. They take a dye well and hold and retain floatant and dry fairly quickly. I would however like to make the wings stiff. The ideal material would be waterproof, lightweight, easy to work with, and not affect the color and/or appearance of the fly. I've tried fabric stiffener, various brands thinned down head cements, but I've not been satisfied with the results.
Anyone out there have any suggestions?



Philster
08-26-2007, 10:23 AM
well the two classics are Daves Flexament, and Krylon spray on cement. I've never gone for the Krylon, but I've used Daves on lots of different kinds of feathers that needed help. Golden Pheasant tippet, low grade jungle cock, turkey wings that wouldn't hold together...

My best recommendation is to ditch the dryer sheet, and go for some tyvek. You know those indestructible post office priority mail envelopes? Back in the 90's I introduced my customers to prince nymphs tied with that stuff. A few of the more flexible ones went for it and loved it. Indestructible. On a dry it'll buzz like a model airplane when you cast it.
lx-88
08-26-2007, 11:11 AM
well the two classics are Daves Flexament, and Krylon spray on cement. I've never gone for the Krylon, but I've used Daves on lots of different kinds of feathers that needed help. Golden Pheasant tippet, low grade jungle cock, turkey wings that wouldn't hold together...

My best recommendation is to ditch the dryer sheet, and go for some tyvek. You know those indestructible post office priority mail envelopes? Back in the 90's I introduced my customers to prince nymphs tied with that stuff. A few of the more flexible ones went for it and loved it. Indestructible. On a dry it'll buzz like a model airplane when you cast it.

Where do you get the tyvek sheets? Seems like a neat idea....
Philster
08-26-2007, 01:10 PM
Where do you get the tyvek sheets? Seems like a neat idea....


Same place you can always get a job. The post office :cool: