Bomber epoxy

[martyg]

Hey Guys

Any direction on an epoxy that holds up to days in water? I have been using the generic five-minute stuff, but it turns to snot after a day or two.

Thanks.

[Philster]

Hey Guys

Any direction on an epoxy that holds up to days in water? I have been using the generic five-minute stuff, but it turns to snot after a day or two.

Thanks.


waterproof epoxy is available. I know Elmers makes some that dries clear. I don't sweat it and I usually use 5 minute, but I don't soak my flies that much. 30 is more waterproof, but you sound like you need WATERPROOF.

[kodiaksalmon]

Yeah, I've had yellowing, but I've never noticed any problems with anything turning to goo.

Jeff

[FT]

Try Flex Coat 5 minute epoxy, which has been sort of a standard for epoxy flies for years.

[PhlyPhisher]

waterproof epoxy is available. I know Elmers makes some that dries clear. I don't sweat it and I usually use 5 minute, but I don't soak my flies that much. 30 is more waterproof, but you sound like you need WATERPROOF.

A few years ago when I first started tying flies a guy gave me some epoxy to make some saltwater flies. The stuff was clear and worked great but I used it up long ago, and I don't know who the manufacturer was. The only stuff I've been able to find is the "5" minute stuff that states it dries "translucent yellow" and some "6" minute epoxy that dries "Opaque". I'm not familiar with the Elmer product. Where can I get some?

[Philster]

I specified Elmers because I've actually used it and it performed. I'm not endorsing it as the best because I haven't used anything else. You can probably order it online. there's got to be an "adhesive.com" out there... But any hardware store like lowes or home despot should have a selection including waterproof. It just may not be Elmers. I got some Superglue brand 5 and 30 minute epoxy at target.

[James Mello]

A few years ago when I first started tying flies a guy gave me some epoxy to make some saltwater flies. The stuff was clear and worked great but I used it up long ago, and I don't know who the manufacturer was. The only stuff I've been able to find is the "5" minute stuff that states it dries "translucent yellow" and some "6" minute epoxy that dries "Opaque". I'm not familiar with the Elmer product. Where can I get some?

Lots of clear epoxy out there. But one thing to keep in mind, all epoxy products will get yellow and potentially brittle when exposed to light. Also, the clear stuff doesn't have any inherent UV protection (technically the yellow stuff doesn't either), so the colors underneith need to be UV resistant too.

If you have a drier for the flies, I'd suggesting using rod wrap epoxy like flex coat. If you do try it, you'll want the high build formula as it's more viscous. It takes a while to set up, but it's clear, won't get brittle, and will expell bubbles in it if handled properly.

[Philster]

I've probably used a couple quarts of epoxy on flies in my life, and that's probably a low figure. Just as a sanity check I do feel it's important to state that the fish don't care if the head is yellow. I've proven it to myself on both coasts. There's fishing flies, and there's show flies. For show flies use some of the new high tech stuff, not epoxy. For seahabit type flies loon hardhead will take 3 to 4 coats to get the finish you want, it won't hurt your health with fumes, and it won't yellow. It's hella expensive compared to epoxy of course, as is the UV cure stuff. I definitely use the heck out of epoxy, but there are alternatives if you aren't tying for orders and the yellowing bothers you.

[James Mello]

I've probably used a couple quarts of epoxy on flies in my life, and that's probably a low figure. Just as a sanity check I do feel it's important to state that the fish don't care if the head is yellow. I've proven it to myself on both coasts. There's fishing flies, and there's show flies. For show flies use some of the new high tech stuff, not epoxy. For seahabit type flies loon hardhead will take 3 to 4 coats to get the finish you want, it won't hurt your health with fumes, and it won't yellow. It's hella expensive compared to epoxy of course, as is the UV cure stuff. I definitely use the heck out of epoxy, but there are alternatives if you aren't tying for orders and the yellowing bothers you.

Totally agree, I just wanted to point out the options. Personally I've been using the Elmers clear 30 minute myself :)

[PhlyPhisher]

I'm curious, has anyone heard that using a wood mixing tool will cause the epoxy to turn yellow? I read that somewhere and have always used a metal artist spatula to mix my epoxy for flies. I'd like to know what some of you use if you wanted to change the epoxy color totally. I've always kept the epoxy clear and adjusted the color with the use of feathers, glitter etc., etc....
I'd like to hear some of your ideas and tricks...

[Philster]

I'm curious, has anyone heard that using a wood mixing tool will cause the epoxy to turn yellow? I read that somewhere and have always used a metal artist spatula to mix my epoxy for flies. I'd like to know what some of you use if you wanted to change the epoxy color totally. I've always kept the epoxy clear and adjusted the color with the use of feathers, glitter etc., etc....
I'd like to hear some of your ideas and tricks...

You can certainly introduce more bubbles using a tooth pick than a metal bodkin. That's enough reason right there if'n you ask me.