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Re: Head Cement; I need a New Source

Posted: Wed May 19, 2021 2:26 pm
by Theroe
Spar varnish - when I was a kid, it’s with all the old guys in Roscoe used, so that’s what I stuck with.
Works great, a few bucks gets a multi generational supply.

Re: Head Cement; I need a New Source

Posted: Wed May 19, 2021 2:49 pm
by bearbutt
A couple of more thoughts about head cement:

1) don't expect any cement stored in plastic jars will last long--use dark glass, and keep your main stash in a cool dry place in the dark. Anything with a solvent sold in plastic is sold under the premise it will go bad soon enough, and make you buy more--a very good marketing idea!

2) Don't have on your tying desk any more cement than you want to spill--because you will spill it, eventually. I only have my bottle 1/4 full at any given time--and replenish and thin or not as needed as I go along.I usually have 3 bottles going of different consistencies, depending on what I am tying--especially when I am tying with a lot of deer hair, and use cement to glue things up as I go.

I also like spar on small flies, because it penetrates well. Doesn't keep well in a jar, though--it will skim far faster than cement will.

bb

Re: Head Cement; I need a New Source

Posted: Wed May 19, 2021 3:18 pm
by DUBBN
Since we are on the subject of head cement, here is a question.

What is your primary reason for using it?

Appearance or durability?

I tie thread body patterns all the time. I have not had issues with durability with, or without head cement or UV resin.

It is all about appearance for me.

Re: Head Cement; I need a New Source

Posted: Wed May 19, 2021 3:46 pm
by Ron Eagle Elk
DUBBN, when I use head cement, it's for appearance only, maybe for presentation flies. Usually, I don't bother on flies I'm going to fish. If I'm worried about durability, I'll lightly wax the thread before whip finishing.

Re: Head Cement; I need a New Source

Posted: Wed May 19, 2021 10:09 pm
by Fishnkilts
I use two brands, Hard as Hull Penetrator, brown bottle, and Sally Hanson Hard as Nails. I like them both very much and from what I have seen they work pretty much the same. Hard as Hull in the blue bottle is good, but it thickens up after awhile and then I have to use Hard as Hull thinner. I like the Penetrator because the first little dab I use penetrates the thread, and I can put another dab on and it looks as though I used the Hard as Hull in the blue bottle with a little bit of build up, but not too much build up.

Re: Head Cement; I need a New Source

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2021 10:18 am
by ocsofthackle
I use Sally Hansen Hard as Nails but am not sure which thinner to use.

Re: Head Cement; I need a New Source

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:45 pm
by Johnno
ocsofthackle wrote: Mon Jul 05, 2021 10:18 am I use Sally Hansen Hard as Nails but am not sure which thinner to use.
Just use clear fingernail polish thinner.

Or acetone.. which is really all fingernail polish thinner is…..

Re: Head Cement; I need a New Source

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2021 4:47 pm
by Roadkill
Get the "Professional Strength" Nail Polish Remover (100% Acetone) if you don't want scented flies! ;)

Re: Head Cement; I need a New Source

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2021 8:04 pm
by NightWatchman
I like Veniards now that I finally got a bottle.

Re: Head Cement; I need a New Source

Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2022 7:53 pm
by JohnMD1022
Try your local art supply shop and look for Windsor Newton varnish.

Credit to the late Datus Proper