1. Body Tubing — Durability
After the body tubing has been wrapped and secured, apply a thin coat of clear head cement and allow it to dry completely before proceeding. This reinforces the tubing and produces a more durable body structure.
2. Securing the Body Tubing
After securing the tubing to the hook shank with tying thread, apply a small drop of CA (cyanoacrylate) glue to the tie-down wraps. This helps prevent the tubing from rotating around the hook shank as subsequent materials are applied.
3. Nayat Hair Wing — Head Construction
Taper-cut the butt ends of successive Nayat Hair wing layers before securing them. This helps build a smooth, progressively tapered head while providing a firm, even foundation for the stick-on eyes.
4. Head Finish — Protective Topcoat
After the UV resin has been fully cured, apply a final thin coat of Sally Hansen Hard as Nails. This preserves the glossy appearance of the UV-finished head while adding a durable protective topcoat.
5. Nayat Hair Wing — Preparation
Before tying in the Nayat Hair, comb out the underfur and straighten the remaining fibres using a few gentle passes with a steam iron. Lightly dampen the hair patch before applying steam to help relax and straighten the fibres.
Some Nayat Hair patches may be more difficult to straighten than others. This variation is a normal characteristic of the natural material and may require additional preparation to achieve the desired wing profile.
6. Shoulder Wing — Feather Selection and Placement
Select a grizzly hackle feather of sufficient length to allow the shoulder wing to be trimmed to the desired profile while positioning the tie-in point toward the lower portion of the feather. The stem is generally stronger and more stable in this area, reducing its tendency to roll or twist when secured with tying thread.
