Adhesives: Glues, UV Resin and Head Cement.

In fly dressing, UV resins and glues are used for securing materials and creating durable, glossy finishes, with UV resins curing under ultraviolet light and offering quick drying times, while traditional glues, like head cement, provide a more gradual drying and bonding process. 

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• Traditional Glues (Head Cement):
  • Purpose: Primarily used for securing thread wraps and creating a durable, glossy finish on fly heads. 
  • Application: Applied to the thread wraps and allowed to dry naturally, forming a hard, protective layer. 
  • Examples: Loon Head Cement, Zap-A-Gap. 
  • Advantages: Relatively easy to use and provides a strong, lasting bond. 
  • Disadvantages: Drying time can be longer compared to UV resins. 
• UV Resins:
  • Purpose: Used for securing materials, building up fly heads and bodies, and creating a durable, glossy finish. 
  • Application: Applied to the fly and then cured by exposure to UV light. 
  • Examples: Loon UV Clear Fly Finish, Solarez UV Resin. 
  • Advantages: Quick drying time, creates a durable and glossy finish, and allows for precise application. 
  • Disadvantages: Requires a UV light source for curing and can be more expensive than traditional glues. 
• Hardeners:
  • Purpose: Hardener is not a separate product but rather a component of some UV resins or epoxies that is used to enhance the strength and durability of the cured resin or epoxy. 
  • Application: Some UV resins and epoxies require a hardener to be mixed in for the curing process. 
  • Examples: Solarez Thick-Hard UV resin. 
  • Advantages: Provides a stronger and more durable finish. 
  • Disadvantages: Requires extra steps in the application process.