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3. Artists fixative for turkey tail?

What is used to laquer turkey tails for flies like the Hares Ear or Kaufmann stonefly?

Shane,

For preparing feathers used as wing cases, artist's fixative sprays (or similar products like Tuffilm) can be had at craft or art supply stores. A quick-drying clear acrylic spray (Krylon, etc.) will also do the job. For a bit more durability, brushing on thinned Flexament is another alternative. Acrylic artist's gel medium (also from craft or art suppy stores) is probably one of the most economical options. It can be thinned with water and brushed on, and you have a choice of gloss or matte.

Thanks, Gonzo. Got some Krylon workable fixative. I think it'll work.I like the synthetics like Thin Skin as much as anyone else, but regular old turkey has some very buggy realistic mottling. Shane

I use Krylon all my quills (goose, duck, turkey).

This has nothing to do with krylon but if you are tying a fly with calf, mink guard hairs, etc.. use a couple of drops of Lemon Lime soda. It will make them a little sticker. I thought it was B.S. I always used head cement, but the soda does work better.

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