May 6, 2024 2:23 pm
I’ve heard some furniture makers and musical instrument makers use hide glue because it’s “reversible.” What does that mean?
Sticky Aides Your Guide to Adhesives, Glue, and Beyond
Sticky Aides Your Guide to Adhesives, Glue, and Beyond
I’ve heard some furniture makers and musical instrument makers use hide glue because it’s “reversible.” What does that mean?
Traditional hide glues derived from animal-based materials like skins, tissues, and bones owe their bonding properties to the proteins present in these sources.
These glues are termed “reversible” because they can be softened and reactivated by applying heat or moisture. This characteristic is advantageous if future repairs or modifications, such as replacing a broken chair leg or installing a new violin neck, need to be undertaken without damaging the rest of the item.
Traditional hide glues come in granular form and require heating in a pot before application while in a warm state.
Alternatively, ready-to-use liquid hide glues, which eliminate the need for heating or mixing, are also commercially available. Similar to their traditional counterparts, these ready-to-use glues offer an extended open time and facilitate disassembly at a later stage.
However, one of their drawbacks is a relatively short shelf life. Due to their susceptibility to moisture, hide glues should never be used for outdoor projects or in areas prone to moisture exposure.