Glues for Water Gilding
Natural glues are an essential component of traditional water gilding, used in the preparation of gesso, bole, and gilders liquor. These glues provide the adhesive properties necessary to build the layered foundation required for burnished gold leaf. Sepp Leaf Products offers several types of traditional glues commonly used by professional gilders, including Hide Glue, Rabbit Skin Glue (Framers Glue), and Gelatin Glue.
Glues used for water gilding can be compared by evaluating their gel strength, measured using a Bloom Gelometer. Bloom strength indicates the rigidity of the glue: higher Bloom values produce a stronger, more rigid glue, while lower Bloom values create a weaker and more flexible adhesive. This characteristic allows gilders to select or blend glues to achieve the desired working properties for their specific technique.
Working with natural glues requires a two-step preparation process. First, the glue granules are soaked in cold water so they can swell and soften without dissolving, which may take several hours or overnight. After soaking, the softened glue is gently heated until fully dissolved. Prepared glue solutions are perishable and will lose their adhesive strength over time, so they should be stored in a cool, dry place or refrigerated.
Recipes for preparing gilders glue vary widely among practitioners. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and seasonal conditions can affect glue performance, and gilders often adjust their formulas accordingly. Many artisans experiment with different glue-to-water ratios, heating methods, and combinations of hide and rabbit skin glue to create the ideal adhesive for producing a flawless water gilded surface.
