Head Cement

[Light Cahill]

I have used expoxy/superglue for head cement on several batches of my flies. I've also used regular head cement. It seems that the regular head cement ones have yielded better catches. Is this coincidence? I'm wondering if the expoxy/superglue produces an odor or taste that fish can detect and are repelled by?

[steeliesonafly]

Try something really cheap and go to a local All a Dollar store and get some cheap fingernail polish! Get them in Black, Red, Brown and any color you want your head to be finished in. The work great, and finish a head very well. When you want a real buggy looking head this works great! You can get them really cheap too, and it worksssss

[Larry S.]

......And don't forget to get some sparkle polish for your wingcases.

[mcgx2]

Interesting idea, sparkle polish on wingcases. I've used epoxy for wincases but never thought to use sparkle fingernail polish. Do you just gloss over the tied in wingcase? Colors? How does it hold up? Fishing success?

mcg

[Larry S.]

The colors I use are pearl and one with a combination of copper and gold. Get the ones with the smallest flecks. I imagine with several brands out there they have different names for their colors. Just don't spend a lot of time in that department. After a while people start looking at you sideways. :^)

I just put a small drop right on the folded over wingcase, let it dry a minute and then cover with "Hard as Nails". they won't have the "epoxy" gloss to them, just a little sparkle. I haven't put them head to head with the others but I have caught fish with them and they do look unique.

[steeliesonafly]

I use fingernail polish for many different things. When I am making realistic flies, I use it to build up legs from hair and you cannot tell they are not real bugs from a very close up view. Fingernail polish in its many colors and forms can be used for all sorts of things. even backs like mentioned above. When you get into the advanced fly tying, you will find a dozen things to use it for!

[ScottT]

Have sworn by HARD AS NAILS nail polish for 25+ years. Seems to penetrate well and isn't too thick or "gloppy".