Epoxy Magic

Fly tiers have long used epoxy resins in innovative ways to mimic natural fish prey. Done correctly, epoxy can give a fly a transparent look that cannot be achieved in any other way. There are several desirable attributes of epoxy that make it perfect for use by the fly tier. Epoxy is extremely durable and can make a fly virtually indestructible. Epoxy can form a clear, smooth body on a fly that is both appealing to the angler as well as the fish. Epoxy can also be used as head cement or to coat stick-on or molded eyes. Just about any streamer or saltwater fly can have epoxy added to it in some way to give it a different look or add durability.

There are two main types of epoxy that are widely used in the fly tying, and a new product which has taken the fly tying world by storm in the last year or so. These three types of resins have very different properties but ultimately create the same effect for the fly tier. These three epoxies are fast curing epoxies, slow curing epoxies, and the relatively new epoxy resin called Tuffleye.

Fast curing epoxy, commonly referred to as “five minute” epoxy, is probably the most widely used in fly tying. This epoxy can be applied to a fly and rotated by hand until it sets up. Because of its fast curing time, it is a good choice for the fly tier who ties only a few flies at a time, or ties flies that will be used in the near future. The main drawback of this type of epoxy is its tendency to take on an amber tint or “yellow” quickly. This can make the fly less desirable looking to the angler. If it is important to the angler to have crystal clear epoxy flies, the tier should not epoxy too many flies and store them for long periods of time. The short cure time also means a short working time, so tiers using this type of epoxy must work quickly once the epoxy is mixed. The tier should also be careful not to mix too much epoxy at once. Mix only as much as is needed for one fly if hand turning, or three to four flies if an electrical turner is used.

In addition to “five minute,” there are also many other slow curing epoxies. These epoxies’ reaction times can vary from twenty minutes to four hours, and are often used in rod building. To prevent sagging or dripping while the slow curing epoxy sets, fly tiers must use an electrical turner to rotate the fly slowly. A fly turner is a slow rotating motor with an attached wheel of cork, foam, or a metal spring to hold the flies in place while they dry. Slow curing epoxies are an excellent choice for tiers who tie many flies in one tying session. Flies can be tied in bulk and epoxy applied to all of them at once. Slow curing epoxy flies will remain clear for a much longer time than flies tied with fast cure epoxy and are just as durable.

When using two-part epoxy, either slow or fast cure, there are a few tips that can make the work go smoother. First, when mixing two-part epoxy, be sure to mix it on a surface that is nonporous like aluminum foil. The nonporous foil will help prevent air bubbles from forming while mixing. Mixing tools should also be nonporous and made of plastic or metal. Second, make sure the epoxy is mixed in equal parts. If the epoxy is not mixed in equal parts, it will not cure properly and the surface will remain sticky. Finally, epoxy can be messy stuff, so be sure to keep your work area organized and clean. Wipe up errant epoxy drops immediately using alcohol. To keep epoxy flies from yellowing for as long as possible, minimize the amount of sunlight the flies are exposed to while in storage.

Tuffleye is a new fly tying product, but is fast becoming a favorite among tiers around the world. This type of resin is different from the usual two-part epoxies. Tuffleye is a one-part, light activated resin, and cures almost instantly when exposed to high-intensity blue light. The desirable attributes of Tuffleye resin for the fly tyer are its ease of use, and its ability to remain permanently clear. The resin’s quick curing time also makes it the perfect choice for tying flies where the epoxy is used to hold materials in a certain position and not just evenly distributed around the fly. Tuffleye’s main drawback is its inability to cure without exposure to a strong light source. Flies must be cured in direct sunlight or with a high-intensity blue light. Even after curing, the surface of Tuffleye remains tacky, so a top coat must be applied to finish the fly. Tuffleye is also considerably more expensive than two part epoxies.

Fly tying is all about creativity and the epoxy itself can be altered in ways that add to the already limitless possibilities available to the fly tier. Glitter can be mixed into the epoxy to give the fly extra flash and sparkle. A drop of model paint or nail polish can be added to give the epoxy a tint of color. Permanent markers can also be used to color materials under the epoxy, or to color the epoxy itself if a top coat is used.

Epoxy is an everyday item which many fly tiers have successfully adapted to their craft. Many more anglers have fished epoxy flies with great results. Epoxy flies are durable, easy to make, cool looking, and extremely effective. Isn’t it about time to give epoxy a try?