Head Cement; I need a New Source

[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.

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[ocsofthackle]

I use Sally Hansen Hard as Nails but am not sure which thinner to use.

[Johnno]

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…..

[Roadkill]

Get the "Professional Strength" Nail Polish Remover (100% Acetone) if you don't want scented flies!

[NightWatchman]

I like Veniards now that I finally got a bottle.

[JohnMD1022]

Try your local art supply shop and look for Windsor Newton varnish.

Credit to the late Datus Proper