Why so much varnish on (some) buzzers?

[Brennan]

I see a lot of recipes for the slim style of buzzers list as many as 3 or 4 coats of (quite thick) varnish. I'm sat here wondering why so much? Is it for durability, aesthetic effect or both?

Regards,
Brennan

[Scratch]

Depends on the varnish, the viscocity of the varnish and the materials it's being applied to. With the threadless buzzers there's nowhere for the varnish to go, so they don't need many coats, unlike a buzzer built up from hundreds of turns of thread, which will soak lots of varnish up. Once a buzzer is sealed ie, the base material is saturated, then just one more coat should do it and give the desired smooth finish and sheen. I guess sometimes they're overcooked though because people fai to recognise when the buzzer is sealed.

[black knight]

Originally Posted by Brennan

I see a lot of recipes for the slim style of buzzers list as many as 3 or 4 coats of (quite thick) varnish. I'm sat here wondering why so much? Is it for durability, aesthetic effect or both?

Regards,
Brennan

Correct for durability and to get the right visual effect.

[Brennan]

Thanks for your answers, Gents.

As Scratch said, there are some overcooked versions about and I was just wondering if the extra varnish was accidental or on purpose.

Regards,
Brennan

[Scratch]

Originally Posted by Brennan

I was just wondering if the extra varnish was accidental or on purpose.

Down to personal taste, I guess, Brennan. Things like unevenness and reverse-tapers are accidental and sloppy.

As with any fly, the idea and the look should be based on what the fish want, and the final look/finish based on what YOU want. If that is the case, then it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.. the tippets aren't aligned.. the shoulder hackle is too long.. too much varnish.. not enough varnish etc etc. If you can honestly say to yourself that your finished product is exaclty what you're looking to achieve, then you've cracked it.

[corky]

Originally Posted by Scratch

Down to personal taste, I guess, Brennan. Things like unevenness and reverse-tapers are accidental and sloppy.

As with any fly, the idea and the look should be based on what the fish want, and the final look/finish based on what YOU want. If that is the case, then it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.. the tippets aren't aligned.. the shoulder hackle is too long.. too much varnish.. not enough varnish etc etc. If you can honestly say to yourself that your finished product is exaclty what you're looking to achieve, then you've cracked it.

Great post there Scratch,I look in awe at some of the forum flies and can never come anywhere near the standard of some,but I do like to fish and always seem to catch on my offerings.If I can get close to what I envisage the fish want I'm happy enough to fish the fies .Actually way of on a tangent to original question but I've had a few .

[Scratch]

Originally Posted by corky

If I can get close to what I envisage the fish want I'm happy enough to fish the fies.

That's all it's about, Corky. Having a plan and executing it to the best of your ability.