13 best fly tying cements
Fly tying cements are essential tools in the world of fly fishing, particularly for anglers who tie their own flies. These specialized adhesives are used to secure various materials to the hook when creating artificial flies. Here's what you need to know about fly tying cements:
Purpose: Fly tying cements serve the primary purpose of securing and bonding the various components of a fly pattern to the hook. This includes attaching materials such as feathers, fur, thread, and synthetic fibers to create a lifelike imitation of natural prey for fish.
Types of Fly Tying Cements:
- Head Cement: Head cement is a thick adhesive used to secure the final wraps of thread and materials near the head of the fly. It provides durability and prevents the fly from unraveling during use.
- Thin Cement: Thin cement is used for securing materials along the body and tail of the fly. It is more watery and can penetrate materials and thread wraps easily for a secure bond.
- UV Cure Resin: UV cure resin is a relatively new type of cement that cures quickly when exposed to ultraviolet light. It provides a strong and clear finish, ideal for creating durable and realistic fly patterns.
- Epoxy: Epoxy is a two-part adhesive that is mixed before application. It is often used for creating glossy, hard finishes on fly heads and bodies. Epoxy can be applied in various thicknesses to achieve different effects.
Application: Fly tying cements are typically applied sparingly with a small applicator brush or needle. Anglers must be careful not to use excessive cement, as it can add weight to the fly and affect its buoyancy and movement in the water.
Drying Time: Drying times vary depending on the type of cement used. Traditional head cement and thin cement may take a few minutes to dry, while UV cure resin cures almost instantly when exposed to UV light.
Safety Precautions: When working with fly tying cements, it's essential to do so in a well-ventilated area and take precautions to avoid skin contact or inhalation of fumes. Some cements may emit strong odors and should be used with care.
Durability: Properly applied fly tying cements enhance the durability of flies, ensuring they can withstand multiple fish strikes and remain intact during extended use.
Variety of Brands: There are various brands and formulations of fly tying cements available, each with its unique characteristics. Experienced fly tiers often have their preferences based on the specific flies they tie and the fishing conditions they encounter.
In summary, fly tying cements are crucial tools for fly anglers who create their own flies. They play a vital role in ensuring that the artificial flies are not only aesthetically appealing but also durable and effective in attracting and hooking fish. The choice of cement depends on the specific requirements of the fly pattern and the angler's preferences for ease of use and performance.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best fly tying cements on the market
Loon Hard Head Non-Toxic Head Cement
Loon Outdoors
Product description
Loon Outdoors Hard Head Fly Tying Cement::Feel good about what you are bringing to the water with the Hard Head Cement from Loon Outdoors. Non-toxic and odorless, this cement is safe for fish, fisheries and fishermen alike – without compromising quality or performance. Hardens and dries with a glossy finish, Hard Head is a thick head cement perfect for building glossy heads and bodies. DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Remove cap. Use supplied applicator brush to apply Hard Head to flies. Replace cap to prevent Hard Head from drying out.
- Loon Outdoors - Hard Head Clear
User questions & answers
| Question: | How many oz |
| Answer: | This is a 1 oz. bottle. |
| Question: | Could this be used to secure knots in model ship rigging instead of CA glue |
| Answer: | Because I don't do model ships I cannot answer your question. However, I cannot believe it cannot "secure" any knot. |
| Question: | is this all I need to epoxy the head of my flies after I'm done trying them |
| Answer: | This will secure the thread and give a clear finish but it is not epoxy. If you are looking to really build up a bulky clear finish on larger flies you want the loon clear uv fly finish in thick, or thin. To me this is more of a basic head cement. |
| Question: | Does it dissolve "squirmy worm" material |
| Answer: | I don't know, but if you have other uses for it -- and you do, if you tie flies-- try it on a bit of SW. The solvent/thinner in Hard Head is denatured alcohol. |
Loon Outdoors Water Based Head Cement System
Loon Outdoors
Product description
Overview A thin odorless non toxic water based head cement with applicator system for precise applications Never breathe toxic or smelly fumes again Features: Thin head cement Dries clear Odor free Water based Includes applicator brush System comes with applicator needle for precision tying How To Use INSTRUCTIONS: Attach applicator needle to bottle or use applicator brush on lid Apply desired amount to fly with applicator needle or applicator brush When finished cover applicator needle with supplied cap or replace lid to resist drying of cement
- Loon Outdoors - Water Base Head Cement System
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does is require a UV light to dry |
| Answer: | no it does not. you would want a uv clear fly finish by loon for the need of a uv light. |
| Question: | How does water based head cement work? If it's water based, won't the stream act as a solvent if the fly were to get wet |
| Answer: | I don't know how it works chemically, but it is water soluble while you are working with it, then in a few minutes it turns to a hard clear acrylic that is unaffected by water |
Loon Outdoors BENCH KIT, 5 PCS
Loon Outdoors
Product description
Includes High Tack Swax, Low Tack Swax, Hard Head Clear, Hard Head Black, and WB Head Cement System.
- Top Quality Loon Outdoors
- Dubbing wax for large and small flies
- Head Head Clear and Black for building up heads and bodies
- WB Head Cement System for precision tying
- Includes High Tack Swax, Low Tack Swax, Hard Head Clear, Hard Head Black, and WB Head Cement System.
Loon Outdoors UV FLY TYING KIT (1/2 oz), 4 PCS
Loon Outdoors
Product description
Description: With everything a tyer needs to make the move from traditional cements to UV Cure the UV Fly Tying Kit includes UV Clear Fly Finish Thick Thin and the brand new ultra thin Flow and a UV Bench Light Features: Includes UV Clear Fly Finish Thick Thin and Flow Build fly heads and bodies Instantly cures with sunlight or UV light Various needle tips included for precision tying Directions for use:Apply UV Clear Fly Finish to fly while indoors or shaded from the sun Use applicator and or rotating vise to form into the ideal shape Expose to sun light or use Loon s UV Lights to cure In direct sun or when using Loon s UV Lights hardening should take approximately 15 seconds
- Loon Outdoor - UV Fly Tying Kit 1/2 OZ
User questions & answers
| Question: | Are these bottles a half oz each or a half oz total for all |
| Answer: | There are 3 .5 oz bottles. |
| Question: | Is the light that comes with this the infinity |
| Answer: | No. It's the Loon Bench Light. The UV Infiniti light is 33% larger and comes with a rechargeable battery using a USB cord, while the UV Bench Light uses a AA battery. |
| Question: | How do you put the small tips on |
| Answer: | The small colored tips attach to the black screw on tips. |
SOLAREZ Bone Dry Fly Tie UV Cure Resin - Ultra Thin Bone Dry Formula (0.5 oz Bottle w/Brush applicator tip) Fly Tying, Fly Fishing, Build Fly Heads and Bodies
SOLAREZ
- No Tacky Finish - that needs to be wiped off with alcohol like other products.
- Non-Yellowing! Super Fast UV Cure! Perfect for Fly Tying!
- Ultra Low Viscosity! Glossy Hard Finish!
- Eco-Friendly and Made in the USA!
- Look for NEW Solarez BONE DRY - BLACK- ! - Perfect for Eyes and realistic details!
User questions & answers
| Question: | what size is the bottle of resin |
| Answer: | I am absolutely stymied as to why this is not stated in our AMAZON description. We will change this tomorrow. It is a 1/2 oz bottle with very fine applicator brush. |
| Question: | Will this product effect my glow paint? Does it stop uv light from charging the glow paint if I coat the whole jig |
| Answer: | Will not affect glow paint, I use it over all kinds of UV threads and UV ice dub - if anything the bone dry actually enhances the effect. I have never used any UV product as good as this. Dries glass hard, super shiny. Amazing stuff. |
| Question: | So this product does indeed come with a UV flashlight |
| Answer: | It cures with a light. Does not come with one. A $5.00 uv light works just fine |
| Question: | Will my loon uv torch cure the bine dry resin |
| Answer: | yes it most certainly will and as a matter of fact you might even want to distance the light from the resin so it doesn't cure it in less than 2 seconds. if you cure it very close it will cure and literally one second and it will actually admit a plume of smoke from curing too fast so try to avoid this and you will get a stronger, clearer finish. |
Loon Outdoors FLUORESCING UV CLEAR FLY FINISH, 1/2 oz
Loon Outdoors
Product description
At depths as shallow as a few feet, even bright flies can appear dull and disappear into the background in the dark underwater world. Loon Fluorescing UV Clear Fly Finish performs just like UV Clear Fly Finish Flow, and takes the UV light that is available underwater and reflects it as a color more visible to fish.
- Ultra-thin UV-curing resin
- Allows infinite work time
- Cures instantly when exposed to UV light
- Cures hard and clear
- Includes brush applicator
User questions & answers
| Question: | Which product is the flex |
| Answer: | Unfortunately Loon does not make a flexible UV Epoxy. The flow, thin and thick is just the viscosity of the epoxy. |
Gehrke-Feets GINK Fly Pro Original Flotant
Gehrke
Product description
Gink has a specific gravity of 0.77% which means its lighter than water. Its a liquid emulsifier that penetrates deep into the body of dry flies...
- Country Of Origin : China
- The Package Height Of The Product Is 1.1 Inches
- The Package Length Of The Product Is 3.2 Inches
- The Package Width Of The Product Is 2.3 Inches
User questions & answers
| Question: | is this silica based |
| Answer: | I am not Shure but I believe so |
| Question: | Can gink go bad over time? Will it loose its float properties if left in the heat, ie. My truck for a year |
| Answer: | Over time, Gehrke's will become thinner and easier to work into materials(as the directions suggest working floatant in using body temperature and friction). Personally, I have used Gink for many years on dry flies, flylines, etc and it has remained effective. I do not believe there is an effective date or "use by" date. |
| Question: | how many oz per bottle of gink |
| Answer: | It's about a half oz. |
| Question: | How do you go about saturating the fly with this product |
| Answer: | I apply a small amount to the back of my hand, then gently rub the fly through it until coated. This will coat the fly without globing it up |
Loon Outdoors UV Clear Fly Finish Curing Solution
Loon
Product description
Loon Outdoors UV Clear Fly Finish::The UV Clear Fly Finish from Loon Outdoors is for those who believe “five minutes to cure is five minutes too long.” No mixing or waiting is required, and it remains workable until exposed to direct sunlight or Loon’s UV Power Light or UV Mega Light, at which point it will cure in a matter of seconds. The possibilities are endless! Need a thinner solution? UV Clear Fly Finish Thin and UV Clear Fly Finish Flow are thin enough to make smaller fly heads, bodies or wing cases, as well as smaller jobs such as a head cement replacement or coating fly heads, bodies and midges.
- Ultra-thin UV-curing resin
- Allows infinite work time
- Cures instantly when exposed to UV light
- Cures hard and clear, Can be used as head cement replacement
- Includes brush applicator
User questions & answers
| Question: | Anyone else receive a mostly empty "1/2 oz" bottle |
| Answer: | My bottle was full when I received it but I knocked it over and spilled half of it. |
| Question: | how do you attach the taper pits |
| Answer: | I'am not sure what what your trying to do? but you tie something to make a bond. You put this on it with the light,It will not come apart. |
| Question: | Which cap do you use to store the stuff? The brush cap is packaged separately, but the pictures show it on the bottle. Confusing |
| Answer: | I keep the same cap it comes with already on. There is a brush attached to that cap snd that is what i use all the time. |
| Question: | What comes with it |
| Answer: | It comes with two UV blocking application needles and the brush applicator. |
Riverruns UV Clear Glue Three Formula Thick,Thin and Super Flew +12 LED UV Power Light Fly Tying for Building Flies Flies Heads Bodies and Wings Tack Free Special Introductory Sale!
Product description
Riverruns a set of UV glues of both thick, thin and flew glue formula with a 12 LED head UV light battery, needle and fly NOT included. High tech introduced from Dental word. No any harm effect. Environmental friendly. They cure in seconds under UV light, become crystal clear and glass smooth. Customer can use the dubbing needle open the bottleneck. No heat needed. Simple, ready to use, no need any preparation. Stay clear and never turns yellow and also super durable comparing to traditional epoxy, 100% Tack-free. Thick UV glue (standard uv glue) is great for making surf candies, epoxy shrimp, and bait fish heads or any flies heads, also good in bodies or wing cases, or to coat a small thread head.
Thin UV glue flows easily with excellent penetration, applying on flies bodies, wings, or as coasting for decal eyes and heads. They are great in making nymphs, scud backs, chironomids, and more you can name. Flew uv glue ready to use, no need any preparation.This super power flex UV glue will make vivid flies moving super realistic. They are also the best protection for all type knots. Customer can use the dubbing needle open the bottleneck.Cure in seconds under UV light, crystal clear and glass smooth. Stay clear and never turns yellow and also super durable comparing traditional epoxy. 100% Tack-free. Both of them are multi-purpose, instantly cure with UV light or sunlight. Store away from direct light best use 24 months after the opening Package: 20 ml (2/3OZ) each formula UV light: Surface process: common oxidation Size : 3.86*1.22*1.14 inch (9.8*3.1*2.9 cm) LED: 12 UV 395-400NM Power: 3AAA battery as drive power Switch: tail switch Product weight:73g Brightness: 11000MCD Last time: 6-8 hours Package: white box
- Flew uv glue ready to use, no need any preparation. This super power flex UV glue will make vivid flies moving super realistic. They are also the best protection for all type knots.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Where on Amazon do I find the needle |
| Answer: | The picture is deceiving. I believe they are saying to use a needle to open the sealed tip of the container. It doesn't actually come with one. |
| Question: | what kind of batteries does the light use |
| Answer: | Three AAA batteries. |
| Question: | Will this work on metal or plastic for welding and how well will it bond to metal and plastic |
| Answer: | Hi Tyler, I use this stuff every week on just about anything - mostly plastics on drones. Two important notes though: won't work for long on smooth surfaces (I always rough up or lightly sand pieces) and it works best when used in layers. Sers up slightly softer than bondic but works exactly the same plus I like that they give you both thick and thin. Can't beat the price either.. |
| Question: | Does it have color |
| Answer: | No color but product is amazing. Does not take much. I have tried 300 jigs and still using first bottle |
SOLAREZ Fly Tie UV Cure Resin - 3 Pack Starter Kit - Thin Hard, Thick Hard, Flex Formulas (3 x 5g Tubes) Fly Tying Resin, FlyTye Glue, Fly Fishing Starter to Build Fly Heads and Bodies! USA Made!
SOLAREZ
- Our Most Popular Solarez Fly Tie UV Resins in Sample Tubes! - Ample for numerous flies as a starter kit!
- Resins Cure Exceptionally Dry - unlike other UV cure resins that cure tacky.
- Thin, Hard Formula - Creates a Super-Hard Scratch Resistant Finish!
- Thick, Hard Formula - Very Viscous for Making Thick Coatings or Spheres (bodies, heads, eyes)
- F-L-E-X Formula - Flexible Finish for Swimmers, Flex Parts (also perfect for wader repair).
User questions & answers
| Question: | Do these resins work well for coating knots on hand tied leaders, or do I need to just get the Loon knotsense |
| Answer: | sorry to say I would never use a glue on a hand tied leader knot. I believe that is a marketing ploy. Yes these products will work as good as loons products but all UV glues take a long time to dry even in direct sun. I purchase these Solarez products to cover some thread wraps on self made braided loop connections. I was very happy with all the resins especially the flex resins. Hope this was helpful Larry W |
| Question: | Is it clear matte or gloss? Thanx |
| Answer: | All 3of these cure to a high gloss finish |
| Question: | Can the cured glue be removed with anything? Acetone perhaps |
| Answer: | I don't know, but I'm sure you'll get a response from the Solarez people on it. These are 'super glue' sized tubes, but the product inside is a solar cure resin, not so much a glue. I don't know if they would work as glue, but the Solarez people will be able to tell you that also. |
| Question: | I want to add uv paint onto plastic goggles for underwater glow. Would this product work |
| Answer: | Let me try to understand better: you want to coat goggles (plastic or glass?) so that they glow in the dark or that they fluoresce? (glow in the day)? And the pigment you want to use will be dispersed in our UV resin? If that is the case, I'd use our Thin-Hard Fly Tie resin. If you want it to stick to glass, I could modify it so that it has better adhesion to glass |
Orvis Water-based Head Cement
Orvis
Product description
Less mess, solid bond. Penetrates thread. Dries clear. Thins with water for easier use with tiny flies. Made in USA.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does it have a attached cap brush |
| Answer: | The Water-Based Head Cement, 76Y7 is a great choice and gets wonderful reviews but it does not come with a brush. We do have the Bodkin, 760Q that could be used and can also be used to clear the eye of the hook. I do hope this helps! |
Loon Outdoors Water Based Head Cement
Loon
Product description
Fast drying, quick penetrating, non-flammable polyurethane emulsion that contains no harmful toluene. Dries completely clear, tough and waterproof. An excellent choice for tying plastic bodied, plastic ribbed or foam flies, whose material is attacked by solvent based systems. The cement is available in a plain bottle or in the "system" which includes a bottle of cement and Loon's unique applicator cap with a 20 gauge needle for clearing stoppages. Both the cement and the thinner are safe for plastic and foam. 1 oz. bottle.
- Please read all label information on delivery.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is the thinner also non toxic |
| Answer: | This product is non toxic |
SOLAREZ Fly Tie UV Cure Resin Thin Hard Formula (0.5 oz Bottle) ~ Thin-Hard Fly Tying Cement, Fly Fishing Lures, Easily Build Durable Fly Heads and Bodies
SOLAREZ
- Cures in Seconds when Exposed to UV Light!
- GUARANTEED TACK FREE when cured with Solarez UV Light!
- Thin-Hard Formula for a thin, shellac-like clear coat!
- Low Odor! No Yellowing! Cures Hard and Resilient!
- Made in the USA!
User questions & answers
| Question: | I need the most 'watery' version (least viscous). Which would version would that be? Thanks |
| Answer: | Thin hard of the ones I use. Ask Solarez, they have a helpful web site and a Facebook fly Tyers page. |
| Question: | Why dont you ship to Hawaii |
| Answer: | This is probably a website or cart error. This SHOULD ship to Hawaii. NO PROBLEM. If you want to call the office tomorrow, we can take your order but we will also try to rectify the problem on our website Thank you for the heads up Gary |
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