Rabbit skin glue is a traditional animal glue made from hydrolyzed rabbit collagen. Valued for its high strength and elasticity, it has been used for centuries primarily in fine art for sizing canvases and in instrument making for its fast bonding and reversibility. Primary Uses * Canvas Sizing: Rabbit skin glue is applied to raw linen or cotton to stiffen and tighten the fabric. It acts as a barrier that prevents linseed oil in oil paints from rotting the canvas fibers over time. * Gesso Ingredient: It is a critical binder in traditional gesso [a mixture of glue and chalk/whiting], creating a smooth, absorbent surface for egg tempera or oil painting on wood panels. * Adhesive: Known for its very low creep, it is used in woodworking and luthiery [e.g., violins and guitars]. It can be debonded with hot water, allowing for easier repairs of delicate instruments. * Gilding: Acts as a size to adhere gold leaf to surfaces. Preparation Guide RSG typically comes in granules, pellets, or sheets and must be prepared fresh. 1. Soak: Mix the glue with cold water ratios typically range from 1:10 to 1:20 depending on the desired strength. Let it sit for several hours or overnight until it swells into a jelly. 2. Heat: Gently melt the jelly using a double boiler bain-marie. 3. Critical Temperature: Never heat the glue above 60–65°C boiling destroys its adhesive properties and protein structure. Key Characteristics Trade-offs * Hygroscopic: RSG absorbs and releases moisture from the air. This constant swelling and shrinking can cause oil paint to crack over time, which is why many modern artists use synthetic alternatives like PVA size. * Compatibility: It is not compatible with acrylics. Acrylic paint or gesso applied over RSG may flake off or gum up. Working Time: It has a very short open time [minutes], setting quickly as it cools. * Spoilage: Once prepared, the liquid glue can spoil or grow mold quickly it should be stored in a refrigerator and typically discarded after one to two weeks.
