Finding head cement for small flies, size 18-26, sometimes even down to 32, like we use for the RS2, has been easy to find for the past two decades. You just went to any fly shop and pick up a bottle of Griff’s Thin Head Cement, and you are good to go, at least until it runs out, as it rarely dried out like lacquer based cements do, requiring thinner frequently in the meantime. Sadly, Griff’s has been discontinued.
When Griff’s was discontinued, being no nonsense and frugal, Rim turned to the hardware store and got some clear varnish and varnish thinner. He is very happy with the results. This is what commercial tyers such as A.K. Best have also recommended for many decades.
Lacquer-based Head Cements
The well known Western States fly tyer A.K. Best, in his book, “Production Fly Tying”, advocates the use of common hardware store lacquer for its economy and fast drying qualities. This is what Rim uses now.
Griff’s Head cement – Griffin made two versions, thick and thin. These are discontinued.
Veniard’s No. 1 is the closest I have found to Griff’s Thin, and my favorite so far. Rim has opted to just use lacquer from the hardware store with lacquer thinner. He says it works fine, as long as you dilute it and don’t mind the smell.
One Fly Fisherman 