Description
Rabbit Skin Glue is a finely ground, natural animal-based adhesive widely used in restoration, fine art, and the manufacture of musical instruments.
Suitable applications:
- Manufacture and restoration of violins and other stringed instruments – used for bonding wooden components and, in some traditional techniques, as a very thin sealing coat before varnishing.
- Wooden surfaces – for restoring furniture, wooden artifacts, and other wood objects.
- Priming – when diluted, it can be used to prepare wood or canvas before applying paints, varnishes, or other coatings.
Directions for use:
- Mix the powder with cold water and allow it to swell.
- Heat the swollen glue in a water bath to approximately 55–60 °C (131–140 °F) without boiling.
- Apply the glue while it is warm.
How does it differ from Bone Glue?
- Rabbit Skin Glue is more flexible and typically produces a clearer glue line.
- It is commonly used for priming and for more delicate restoration work.
- Bone Glue is generally harder, sets more quickly, and is often preferred for structural wood joints.
Is it a varnish?
No. Rabbit Skin Glue is not a varnish. It is used:
- as an adhesive for bonding wood,
- or as a sizing or primer (binder) before varnishing in certain traditional finishing techniques.
