Chuck Young

You can pick up perfectly acceptable plastic sheets at Staples or any office supply store. Fellowes binding covers, midweight. Model # 52043. They form quickly, yet are plenty durable. 25 pack of 8-1/2 x 11 is $17. You can sometimes get 4 sets per sheet.

I was having that problem too. Now I glue my foil on with epoxy. No more problems. I think this is because epoxy does not dry, or out-gas, it cures. Plus you have the same material below and above the foil, so any shrinkage would be equal.

I want to get started with the uv hardened materials for surf candy, 3-d eyes, and other salt water flies. Any ideas on what is best?

Go to Dharma acid dyes. They have all the detergents, salts, and citric acid you need. Over 80 colors are available at great prices for 2 oz jars.Great tutorials as well. You can eve get some of that elusive nylon sparkling bunting ( unspun fibers ) there to blend your own sparkle dubbling. If you need to bleach material first, go to your local pool and hot tub supply and get some hydrogen peroxde. Mix it to 20% strength, Be careful. Add strong to weak if you need to dilute. Wear safety goggles, rubber gloves, an apron, etc. Dyes are temp, concentration, material, and time sensitive. From day 1 keep a log of what you try and what works if you want repeatable results. Dyeing and Bleaching Natural Fly-Tying Materials by A. K. Best Is a fantastic source of information for those who want to do this on a more serious level. With limited sources for natural materials, doing it yourself is fast becoming the only option.

Have you ever tried Tiparilo or other small cigar plastic tips. Use your left over cork or foam to stuff them. Use the whole tip or cut some off. Epoxy hook and / or through wire. Makes a great, consistent, and durable popper body. You can pick these up by the dozens on golf course tees, if anyone needs an excuse for another expensive hobby.

Thanks, I suspected that is the case.

I custom mix many colors using Createx paints. I often blend these in advance and spray these directly from a bottle. What can i use for a thinner that will store well. I am not impressed with the water & Pledge mix. The brand reducer says to use it within an hour or so. How well does the water / alcohol / glass cleaner / glycerin mix store?