Gelatin Glue
American Gelatin Glue is a modern, animal-based adhesive developed for traditional water gilding applications, including both gesso and clay bole preparation. Designed to maintain the integrity of classical gilding techniques while improving efficiency, this refined gelatin glue offers a reliable and streamlined alternative to traditional hide and rabbit skin glues.
Unlike conventional animal glues, American Gelatin Glue requires no soaking, batching, or extended preparation time. It is simple to use, just add water, mix the desired amount, and heat, allowing artisans to prepare only what is needed without waste or storage concerns. This ease of use makes it especially well-suited for both studio practice and production environments.
Despite its simplified preparation, American Gelatin Glue delivers strength equivalent to rabbit skin glue (approximately bloom strength 400), providing excellent adhesion and flexibility. It is known for producing a superior burnish, helping gilders achieve the high-gloss, mirror-like finish associated with traditional water gilding.
American Gelatin Glue is particularly well suited for:
• Preparing gilder’s gesso
• Mixing with clay bole for water gilding
• Traditional and contemporary gilding techniques
• Studio and production environments seeking efficiency
• Applications requiring strong adhesion and high burnish quality
This product is available in multiple sizes, including 1 lb, 5 lb, 10 lb, and 100 lb formats, accommodating a wide range of project scales.
For glass gilding applications, gelatin glue is also available in platinum white sheet form, designed for precise and consistent sizing. Each sheet is embossed with measured sections, allowing for accurate preparation of gelatin size without the need for capsules.
Because it is derived from natural materials, slight variation may occur between batches; however, the product remains consistent and dependable in performance. As with all gilding materials, minor adjustments in mixing ratios may be made to suit individual working methods and achieve optimal results.
With its ease of preparation, consistent strength, and ability to produce exceptional burnished finishes, American Gelatin Glue provides a practical and reliable solution for artisans seeking to streamline traditional water gilding without compromising quality.
