Dubbing Wax For Life

Sept. 28, 2013 Dubbing Wax

Hardcore fly tyers use a soft, tacky wax to adhere "fuzz" to tying thread, which essentially makes it into a yarn. The fuzz can be anything from chopped up carpet yarn, to synthetic materials made for the purpose...

Once wound onto a hook, this fuzzy thread then represents a convincing body on their creations. Both the 'fuzz' and the practice is called, "dubbing," and it is utterly dependent on the proper adhesive.

I've tried a few things on hand, like nail polish and silicone glue and like the overall effect, even if these things are not really ideal for the use. From this testing, I knew I was going to need the right wax, sooner or later. Its about 5$-7$ for a small tube, and I must order it in, as there its no local outlet.

I was about to pull the trigger and order, when I searched the internet for alternatives. And here in the photo, you see what I learned.

Good old toilet sealing wax is the same thing!

Anybody who has replaced a toilet knows how sticky and gooey this wax is. It comes in a donut shape, which fits between the toilet base and the flange upon which the toilet rests.

All I had to do was melt some of the ring over a candle flame, and I did it in a votive candle base....you know, those little metal cups the votives come in. The resulting "tin" is on the right, post-melt. You can also cut down an old soft drink can to melt large quantities in a pot of boiling water, double boiler style. Pour the wax into film canisters, small jars, etc.

This toilet ring had some poly fiber reinforcement in it, but it can be picked out once the wax is melted. Even, if a bit remains, it won't hurt.

Cost of the wax ring at Wal Mart was $2.50, give or take, and it will probably last a lifetime. Wax on, wax off, friends.