Whether you’re new to tying your own flies for fly fishing or you’re an expert, UV resin is a handy material to have in your fly tying kits. It’s a great alternative to epoxy, as it gives you more time to add the finishing touches. While epoxy dries very quickly, when you use UV cure resins, you have more flexibility.
UV resins are also less toxic than epoxy, making them better for you and the environment when you’re fly fishing. You won’t get any of that heat building up like you get with epoxy, either!
UV resin is perfect for finishing off your fly patterns, no matter what type of flies you’re creating. It’s suitable for all sorts of flies from saltwater flies to trout flies and more.
One of the great advantages of using resins is that you can work with it for as long as you need to until you get the ideal result. Then, you can cure it quickly and efficiently under UV lights for the finished product!
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Best OverallLoon Outdoors Clear Finish |
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| Best For BeginnersSOLAREZ Medium Formula |
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| Best BudgetSOLAREZ Thin Hard Formula |
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Detailed UV Resin Fly Tying Reviews
Loon Outdoors Clear Finish
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Pros
- One of the best resins around
- Cures quickly
- Suitable for all fly patterns
- With brush applicator for easy use
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Can feel tacky
Loon makes some of the best resin products around right now, so this brand is popular among fly fishers. This resin gives a clear finish while allowing you to work for as long as you like!
You can buy Loon resin in either a thin or thick formula, depending on what you like to work with. The consistency is perfect when working on all sorts of flies for fly fishing.
You can add detailing such as wing cases to smaller flies or give some bulk to bigger fly patterns. It’s versatile and easy to use for any sort of fly you might use when fishing on the river, lake, or saltwater flats!
SOLAREZ Medium Formula
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Pros
- Ideal for coating fly bodies
- Tack free formula
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Not the cheapest product
SOLAREZ was one of the first companies to make UV resin, and its products are well-respected. This bottle has a medium consistency, which is ideal if you’re not sure whether to go for thick or thin resin. It’s a great starter bottle and the most versatile type of resin.
You’ll be pleased to hear that the SOLAREZ resin dries tack-free, so it won’t get stuck to feathers, marabou, or other materials. It also doesn’t have a strong smell and should dry clear, with no yellowing.
This resin is easy to cure – just put it in direct sunlight for a few minutes. You can also cure it using a UV light in seconds. Then, you’ll have a new fly ready for your next fishing trip!
SOLAREZ Thin Hard Formula
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Pros
- No strong odors
- Clear finish with no yellowing
- Tack free result
- Excellent for adding details to small flies
Cons
- Not one of the best products for adding bulk to flies – too runny
Another of the excellent resin products from SOLAREZ is its Thin Hard formula. As the name suggests, it has a very thin, runny consistency that dries into a neat, transparent layer.
This resin is best suited to applying a thin layer to coat bodies of small flies or adding details like eyes. It’s also useful for finishing off thread wraps so that they don’t unravel.
The Best UV Lights on the Market
Once you’ve got your resin, you’ll also need a UV light to cure it. Here are the best options for fly tying!