Looking for a New Fin Backing Medium

[KBauman]

Now that Sobo glue has changed their formula and I cannot find my all time favorite, Fin Master Soft, I am in the market for a new fin backing cream.  It the past, I have used Tuff Fin, WASCO fin backing cream, & Modge Podge.  I was too crazy about any of these.  So, I am open for suggestions on a new product to try.  Plus, does anyone know what happened to Fin Master Soft?

[Todd B]

Pm sent.
luster Flex is the same as Fin Master.

[Jimmy Lawrence]

Finmaster went out of business I believe in 2005.

thats the last batch I bought anyway . I used to love it!!!  Jonas used to carry it forever.

I dont think Lustre flex is the same however I could be wrong.

[fishstuffer]

im always trying something different..
the stuff i was using i think changed...it was nice and creamy now its about like peanut butter. (white lightning siliconized acrylic latex caulk)   called and spoke with a white lightning tech and he said its the same as it always has been. tried 8 tubes and they all were way thicker than before.
i told him what i was using it for and he said he had something he thought would work much better.. so he sent me a case of it, unfortunately its white and not clear..

so tried some red devil LIFETIME siliconized acrylic adhesive sealant clear and was pleased with the results....extremely flexable fins with 1 coat... and was easy to spread on with a brush.

[Kastaway]

This is a product we have been using for years, probably on 15,000 + fish
http://www.kastaway.com/Video.cfm?file=Web_Fin_Fix.wmv

[John C]

Go to Lowes or Home Depot, there is alot of good stuff, clear too someof it needs to be smoothed withmineral spirits.

[Jim Tucker]

This is a product we have been using for years, probably on 15,000 + fish
http://www.kastaway.com/Video.cfm?file=Web_Fin_Fix.wmv

How long does it take for the repair product to dry before you can Wonder Coat it??

[Kastaway]

20 min. to 30 depending on the temperature. I have used it for some time. I like it because the fins are clear as well as flexable. I have dropped a fish and the fine has survuved with another coat.

[BMW]

I too was sad to see SOBO go.  I relied on it for several applications, and it was my #1 choice for fins.  I had several old bottles on hand and didn't realize it had changed until recently.  I was sad.
Then Pescado turned me on to Dermagrip fin flexative (Green container) at the NTA this year.  I've used it now on a half dozen fish or so and it seems to be very nice.  It is a white water based glue similar to Sobo.  The product I received was a little thinner than Sobo, so I applied a couple coats.  It seems to be very good.  I noticed the excess in the top of the lid is thicker (as it must have dried out a bit while the lid was off) and I like that consistency too.  Still experimenting with it, but so far so good.  I believe Matuska's will be carrying it in the upcoming 2011 catalog. 
Good luck-
Brett

[KBauman]

I want to personally thank Todd B. for turning me onto Luster Flex.  I am quite confident it is the the old product known as Fin Master Soft.  Smells the same, looks the same, goes on the same, and best of all works the same.  Todd, thank you for solving my fin backing dilemma.

[Todd B]

You are more than welcome.  Just glad I could help you out.

[KBauman]

Well, bad news.  After several days of drying the Luster Flex has become stiff.   Fin Master Soft, never got as stiff as this.  So, I am revamping my opinion.  This stuff isn't quite the same stuff.  It is on the verge of brittle, not nearly as brittle as the new Sobo glue. 

[Jimmy Lawrence]

Tried telling everyone that!

[KBauman]

Jimmy it is very close, but doesn't retain a good flex.  Maybe there is some additive that keeps it more flexible.  I remember there was a Fin Master and it dried a little more stiff.  Fin Master Soft was the good stuff and made great fins.

[Todd B]

Sorry you are having issues Ken.  I backed some last week and still have the same flex ,  I worked on them this morning.  Sorry Jimmy I do not see where you mentioned that about flexibilty problems anywhere.   Maybe there are still 2 formulas, No problems here though it still as flexible as it has always been for me.