UV Resin: Thin, medium, thick and in clear or colored finish.

UV resins for fly dressing come in various viscosities (thin, medium, thick) and finishes (clear, colored, flexible), allowing tiers to choose the right product for different applications, from securing materials to creating durable, textured bodies and heads. 

Here’s a breakdown of UV resin types for fly dressing:

Viscosity:

• Thin:

Ideal for coating bodies, securing materials, and creating a durable, smooth finish. Thin resins are also good for applications where you want the resin to penetrate into materials.

• Medium:

A versatile option suitable for a wide range of applications, including smaller and medium-sized flies.

• Thick:

Used for building up larger structures or creating more substantial features on a fly. 

Finishes:

• Clear: Provides a transparent finish, allowing the colors of the fly materials to shine through. 
• Colored: Used to add “hot spots” or create specific color patterns on the fly. 
• Flexible: Allows for movement in areas like crab legs or shrimp imitations, preventing cracking or breakage. 

Examples of UV Resins:

• Loon Outdoors: Known for their UV Clear Fly Finish, available in thin, medium, and thick versions. 
• Fulling Mill: Offers a glass UV resin for a quick-drying, crystal-clear finish. 
• Solarez: Produces a variety of UV resins, including Bone Dry for a thin, durable head finish. 
• UV Craft: A smaller company focusing on resin products, known for good surface curing. 
• Tuffleye: Offers a flexible resin for areas needing movement, like crab legs. 

When to use UV resin:

• Securing materials:

Use UV resin to hold materials in place, especially those that might be prone to shifting or falling off. 

• Creating durable finishes:

Apply UV resin to the head or body of a fly to create a durable, water-resistant finish. 

• Adding weight:

UV resin can add a small amount of weight to a fly, helping it sink faster. 

• Creating textured bodies:

Build up resin bodies or wings for a unique look and feel. 

• Adding shine:

UV resin can add a glossy finish to a fly, making it more attractive to fish.