Whether you are an expert or new to fly fishing, you should know that a fly tying designed by UV resin is the best and most well-handy material to carry in your fish kit.
For those of you who are new, fly fishing is simply an angling method in which a lightweight lure called an artificial fly is used to attract and catch the fish. The fly is cast using a reel, fly rod, and unique weighted line.
You can add a glow to your fly tying and attract fish towards the rod with the UV resin. UV resin is a practical and perfect alternative to epoxy resin as it heals quickly and does not require the use of a hardener.
Further, it is more versatile and less toxic for use. UV resin is ideal for creating different kinds of flies, whether it is saltwater flies, trout flies, or others. It is environmentally friendly, which kind of makes it perfect for use.
You can create a different design on the fly, which will make them more appealing, and you can easily grab the fish with them. This guide will teach you the steps to make UV resin fly tying, the best UV resin to use, and some other essential things.
Note – You must distance the light from the resin to ensure it doesn’t cure instantly. If you put it too close to light while working, it will cure it in one second, so avoid that and only put it closer when you are done.
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Must-Have things when working with UV Resin –
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Table of Contents
5. SOLAREZ Bone Dry Fly Tie UV Cure Resin –
If you have ever searched about fly tying, you know about Solarez; it’s just all over the market. This one is another excellent UV resin from Solarez, but it’s lower on the list because of the lower quality and the higher price.
The quality is poor, while the price is super high for the quantity(0.5 oz.). It comes in a round glass bottle that, if it gets knocked over, will roll off the table’s edge and make a mess on the table and the floor.
Once it hits the floor, it will splinter into many splinters, and the glue will be all over the floor(personal experience). That’s something you never want, do you? Otherwise, it’s amazing.
It’s thin and comes with an applicator brush that makes it very easy and convenient to use. Also, it dries clear, hard, and glossy within seconds under UV light. The best thing is the bone dry formula that cures non-tacky, glass hard, and super-shiny.
I have used this product for sealing thread on bucktails and fluke jigs and adhering eyes to jigs, which worked like a charm. But the place where it falls hard is the small shelf-life, so If you keep it sealed in the bottle for a few months, the resin will thicken inside.
Pros
- The thin consistency and brush applicator make it easy to use
- It dries clear, hard, and glossy within seconds.
- It cures non-tacky and super shiny.
- You have infinite working time.
- It cures within 10 seconds under UV light.
Cons
- The overall quality is lower, but the price is high
- Small shell-life
- No Tacky Finish - that needs to be wiped off with alcohol like other products.
- Non-Yellowing! Super Fast UV Cure! Perfect for Fly Tying!
- Ultra Low Viscosity! Glossy Hard Finish!
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4. SOLAREZ Fly Tie UV Cure Resin – 3 Pack Starter Kit –
This is a small pack of three of the best UV resins from Solarez(for fly tying), i.e., Thin-hard, Thick-Hard, and Flex. I have their bigger pack, and I suggest that over this small one(#2 on this list). This one is just way too small, like the size of a super glue bottle or even smaller.
If that’s fine for you, give it a shot. Otherwise, move on to their bigger option, which has more quantity and comes with a UV flashlight. The pack has three tubes with different consistency, making it easier to tie flies.
Now, you have a different tube for different needs. If you want thicker consistency for making rounded thorax or eyes, you have the Thick-Hard. The thin-hard is perfect for a thin coat on a fishing lure head.
And for legs, wings, and base of hackles, or anywhere where you need a flexible cure, Flex is perfect. All the tubes are tiny, you get about 0.5 oz resin, all three combined, but I made around four dozen flies out of all three, most of which were heads on deceivers and a few candy eels.
Despite having different consistency, I like how all the tubes cure to a hard, shiny, and scratch-resistant surface under UV light within seconds except Flex, which cures Flexible. The thin-Hard is the most glossy and my favorite too.
You can also use glow powder with the “thick” formula to make glow lures for night fishing. The only problem people have is that it’s way too small for the price(to which I agree), and it has some leakage issues even if you keep it upright.
Pros
- You get three of the best UV resins for fly tying.
- All the tubes make it easier and faster to tie flies
- It cures to a glossy scratch resistant surface in a couple of seconds
- No yellowing and tackiness; cure the way it should
- Different consistency gives you more options to work on
Cons
- It’s way too small and has some leakage issue
- Our Most Popular Solarez Fly Tie UV Resins in Sample Tubes! - Ample for numerous flies as a starter kit!
- Resins Cure Exceptionally Dry - unlike other UV cure resins that cure tacky.
- Thin, Hard Formula - Creates a Super-Hard Scratch Resistant Finish!
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3. Solarez Fly Tie UV Cure Resin – Thin Hard Formula –
I think I have mentioned it a couple of times now, but I’ll repeat it – I just love the Thin-Hard UV resin from Solarez. It is tack-free, yellow resistant, cures hard in seconds, and is very easy to use. The consistency is perfect; it lays down perfectly on the flies and moves easily with a toothpick.
It’s a bit pricey, but your results make it worth every penny. This resin is perfect for making saltwater flies like Bonefish Bitters and is ideal for thin coats on fishing lure heads, although I tried it for getting 3D effects out of holographic eyes on EP baitfish patterns, and it came out great.
This resin yields a thin clear super-hard scratch-resistant finish in a matter of seconds. Just put it under a UV light, and it’ll cure right in front of your eyes. I like that it doesn’t yellow or cure tacky; it’s always clear and glossy. Plus, it doesn’t have that awful smell, which is nice.
You get 2 oz. (almost 60 ml), which is enough for plenty of fly tying, so expect it to last long. This bottle comes with a cap and a cone applicator. When needed, just hop on the cone cap, and it makes it easier and faster to pour and seal it right back with the cap when done.
Pros
- It cures tack-free and clear within seconds.
- It’s effortless to use and cures fast.
- The consistency is perfect and moves easily.
- This resin cures to a clear, super-hard, scratch-resistant
- It doesn’t have any odor and comes with a cone applicator
Cons
- It’s a bit costly, but TBH, worth every penny
- Cures in Seconds when Exposed to UV Light!
- GUARANTEED TACK FREE when cured with Solarez UV Light! ~ Easy to Work with!
- Thin Hard Formula for a Thin, Shellac-Like Clear Coat! (viscocity of 10w30 oil)
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2. SOLAREZ Fly Tie UV Cure Resin – Pro Roadie Kit –
You know what’s better than a UV resin? Three UV resins! And what if those three are the best fly-tying UV resins on the market? Umm, that sounds like a deal, right? Well, that’s what this pack is all about.
It packs three of the best UV resins from Solarez – Thin Hard, Thick Hard, and Flex, which gives you more options. Now, if you want a thinner consistency, Thin-Hard is your companion; for thickness, Thick-Hard is your friend. You got it!
Each bottle has 0.5 oz. (1.5 oz. total) which is enough for many projects. It has a different design; it’s a cone-cap applicator tip, unlike the brush applicator we usually see. Most people seem to like it as it’s much faster and more convenient now, but your opinion may vary.
You also get a High Output flashlight and tip covers, apart from the UV resins. The Flashlight cures the resin in seconds and is very handy; however, sadly, it didn’t come with the batteries, but we got the light at least.
I love that it has a low odor and dries really tough with no tackiness or yellowness. Since I was left with a lot of resin(after tying flies), I tried it on rod wraps, and it worked like a charm.
Pros
- You get three UV resins with a flashlight.
- The cone-cap cap makes it fast and convenient to use
- You can choose the resin depending on the project.
- It has a low odor and cures with no tackiness or yellowness
- It cures quick and clear
Cons
- It’s a bit costly and doesn’t come with batteries
- Cures in Seconds when Exposed to UV Light!
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1. Loon Outdoors UV Clear Fly Finish Curing Solution –
After trying tons of UV resins, I finally settled on this one, and why shouldn’t I? It has no odor, has a great consistency, and comes with two UV blocking application needles and a brush applicator(attached to the cap) that makes it convenient to use.
It has a thinner consistency that’s perfect for tiny midges, dry flies, wing cases on nymphs, or bombproof thread heads. I usually prefer a thicker consistency, but this is what I now use the most. You have to be adjust using it as it flows quicker, but that’s worth the results.
The best thing is that it offers infinite working time and instantly cures under UV light. So, you can take your time, be creative and slowly tie your fly without worrying about the time, and when you are done, flash it, and it cures hard within seconds.
I love the brush application; it’s attached to the cap, making it very convenient while avoiding any wastage, which I usually do with any liquid. But you can use the application needles if needed.
The significant part is that a little goes a long way with this one, so not a big problem that it’s only 0.5 oz(approx 15 ml). You can, of course, get the 1 oz. Size if you need more resin.
Pros
- It has no odor and a great consistency.
- It comes with two UV blocking application needles and a brush applicator.
- The brush applicator makes it convenient and avoids wastage.
- You have infinite working time.
- It cures in seconds under UV light.
- A little goes a long way with this UV resin.
Cons
- Nothing!
- UV clear curing resin
- Allows infinite work time
- Cures instantly when exposed to Loons UV light
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Steps To Create Your Own Resin Fly Tying –
Following are some of the simple steps to design your own fly or bait for fly fishing.
1. Step one is to prepare the workspace, which is essential because if the area where you are going to work is not clean or maintained, you will face a hard time. Also, place a plastic sheet or cardboard box on the surface before use.
2. Collect all the things you need and keep them ready for use. You need mixing cups, spoons, gloves, mask, goggles, UV resin, UV lamp, fly or bait, colorants, mica powder, and glitter.
3. Pour the resin into a cup for use. Plus, if you want to use a colored or glitter resin, you can add liquid paint, pigment powder, or glitter. Add what you want to the resin cup and mix evenly.
4. After mixing, you can use the resin on the bait. It depends entirely upon how you use the resin on the bait, whether to create a unique pattern or highlight their eyes, ears, or other parts.
5. Incorporate elements such as mica flakes, flowers, or other things into the resin. To create a unique pattern, you can add different elements to the resin layer you coated in the bait or fly. It is either placed directly or inside the UV resin layer.
6. You can further make them more captivating with the help of some little decorative elements. Cure the resin with the help of UV light. Pick up the bait and put it under the lamp for a few minutes for drying purposes.
7. After some minutes, your fly would be ready to use for fly fishing. Plus, to check if it hardened or not, you can use a toothpick and touch the resin area.
Different Types Of Fly –
Although we are here to tell you all about the best UV resin for fly tying, it wouldn’t harm to know about different flies after learning about them, and you can decide which fly to use with which resin.
1. Dry Fly –
It is one of the most popular and famous fly fishing flies. This is designed to float above the water and imitates an insect that lands on the water or floats on top of the water.
The fish swimming under the water will notice the dry fly as it hits the water. If the fish find the fly attractive, it will attach quickly to the fly.
Once it grabs the fly, you should begin to reel. On this fly, you can use resin to make it more appealing.
2. The Nymph Fly –
It is considered the most successful fly for fly fishing in most cases. Most fishes, such as trout, feed mostly inside the water, and the nymph’s purpose is to work below the water surface.
Further, it refers to a stage in the insect’s life cycle, such as caddis, stoneflies, or mayflies. The nymph is a rich food source for the fish and therefore serves as great bait. You can also easily use the resin on the nymph to create an exciting pattern.
3. Streamers –
Streamers are simply large wet flies that simulate leeches, baitfish, crayfish, and other small creatures. After the nymphs, they are considered more successful in catching fish. With the help of the streamer, you do fly fishing differently.
Instead of putting the streamer inside the water or above the water, you float by pulling the line with a streamer. The purpose is to move the bait in fragments, whether short or long.
4. Saltwater flies –
With the help of the saltwater flies, you fish for marine fish species. Most of the saltwater flies imitate crabs, baitfish, and shrimp. The streamers heavily inspire the saltwater design. You can use resin on this kind of bait.
5. Poppers –
Poppers are typically unsharpened, and dipper-headed flies are fished on the water surface with twitches and quick strips. They imitate frogs, mice, baitfish, and other small-sized prey animals.
Things To Consider While Selecting The Best UV Resin –
While purchasing any product, you must consider specific things that will help you to make the right decision. When selecting the best UV resin for fly tying, you need to buy one that will work well on fly tying.
Please take the following factors into mind.
1. Quality –
The quality of a product determines how long it will last? Therefore, while looking for UV resin, purchase from a well-known brand and from a source you are familiar with. You need to buy the resin that is not expired.
If your product is due past its expiry date, it will not work, and it will be a waste of your money, time, and effort. It is essential to buy a high-quality resin that comes with all the necessary features of UV resin.
Basically, you need a durable resin and that you can get from a high-quality UV resin. It should be able to withhold against attacks from an aggressive fish.
Because when a fish gets trapped, they put up a brave fight. Further, the resin will cure easily and work appropriately if the quality is right. While if the quality is not right, no matter how hard you try won’t get the results.
2. Processing And Curing Time –
Typically, a UV resin processes quite easily and whenever you want as it does not require a hardener. You do not measure and mix the hardener and the epoxy, as in the case of epoxy resin, to get the resin mixture for use.
Therefore, you can use the resin whenever you want without any issue. Basically, there is no curing or processing time. UV resin cures only with UV light.
It is best to invest in a UV lamp instead of a UV flashlight as the former is more economical and cures in a concise time. You only need to place the resin mixture under the lamp to get the results.
A lamp is usually considered easy to use and offers more power than a UV flashlight. You don’t have to hold the lamp over the UV resin substance like in the case of the flashlight.
3. Safety –
Though it is said that UV resin is safer to use as compared to epoxy resin, you still need to check if it is safe to use or not. The safety of a product is essential to consider no matter what you are buying.
The UV resin should be free from toxic and radioactive materials. Uv resin is usually considered sensitive to heat. So, while keeping it under a lamp, don’t leave it for more than the time mentioned.
Mostly UV resin takes around 3-4 minutes, and therefore, don’t leave them for more than this time. It could cause dangerous and harmful reactions.
While working with the resin, wear a mask, gloves, and protective goggles. Also, work in a well-ventilated space and keep the workspace clean.
Why Choose UV Resin For Fly Tying?
UV resin is simple to use and makes the flies durable; as well as adds a distinct look to normal patterns and also be used to create new ones. A primary reason to opt for UV resin is that it cures at its own pace; the resin has a prolonged processing time.
You can apply the UV resin and work to your heart’s content before it cures. There is no rushing with UV resin. Plus, they cure within a few minutes or seconds with the help of a quality UV light.
You don’t have to wait for 24-72 hours, like in the case of epoxy resin for curing. Dry fly bodies, nymphs, and wing cases are made almost bomb-proof when they are coated with this resin.
Moreover, you can upgrade the traditional pattern with UV resin and make it look more unique and funky. It is considered an excellent way for you to add heads, bitters, and eyes.
You can use the thick UV resin to form the head and add eyes to the patterns, like baitfish. Also, you can create a distinct crustacean eye for the saltwater tying patterns.
With the help of UV resin, you can also add glitter to the fly tying. It is said that fishes get attracted to light, no matter what the color. By adding glitter, your fly tying will glow under the water, and you will be able to catch fish easily.
FAQs –
Is It Safe To Use Resin In Fly Tying?
Yes, it is completely safe to use resin in the fly tying. Resins are nontoxic and nonradioactive products which means they do not harm you physically. Plus, they are considered quite popular for use in fly tying.
Can You Color The UV resin Fly?
Well, yes, it is possible to color the UV resin fly. You can use all types of colors that are used with the epoxy resin, such as alcohol inks, pigment powder, airbrush colors, and epoxy resin color pastes.
Basically, you need to use colors compatible with resin in general; otherwise, the fly can get damaged. Any other kind of paint will not work with the UV resin and, in fact, will spoil the resin.
What Do You Understand By UV Curing Resin?
UV resin is considered an excellent and practical alternative to the use of epoxy for fly tying. It is simple to manipulate and can be used to add unique details to the fly patterns, and it doesn’t harden when used.
The resin only hardens when you put it under UV light. This kind of resin is only cured with the help of UV light, preferably a UV lamp.
Conclusion –
Hopefully, by going through the above information, you will get an idea of how to design your own fly with resin and the different UV resins available. With the UV resin, you can make the fly or baits more appealing for fishing.
However, you must use the UV resin carefully and follow all the necessary precautions for the task. Plus, as the UV resin can only be cured after using the UV light, you can use them at your convenience. In short, UV resin is an excellent choice because of its multiple benefits, including practicality, versatility, and simple usage.