SLF has a similar translucency, but is man-made. One major advantage to making your own silk floss dubbing is the control over consistency, color and content. For example, using your newly created seal's fur sub may be adequate as-is for atlantic salmon patterns, but may be too wimpy for steelhead bodies. Adding SLF, hare's ear or antron adds sparkle, bulk and texture to the dubbed body of a fly. However, silk, SLF and angora posess high-end quality characteristics of seal's fur at a budget price.
Silk is easy to dub and holds vibrant colors well.
SLF can be a challenge to dub as the fibers are thicker than natural furs. Angora can also be achallenge to dub as the fibers tend to be long and lanky. It makes sense to break the fibers in half to accomodate an easier dub. The following chart compares seal's fur and seal's fur substitute dubbings. Fiber Thickness Dubbing Ease Avail.