This is the hide glue featured in our recent mold-making videos.
A reusable, biodegradable molding material that melts with gentle heat, pours like a liquid, and can be remelted and used again.
Simple preparation method is demonstrated in our videos.
What can I use hide glue for?
• Mold making for plaster or wax casting
• Special effects and prop work
• Traditional gesso and canvas sizing
• Furniture restoration and woodworking
• Decorative finishes (crackle and chip finishes)
Why artists still use it
Hide glue behaves differently than modern synthetic glues. It is reversible with warm water and gentle heat, allowing molds, finishes, and restoration work to be adjusted or removed without damaging the original object. Because of this, it is still widely used in conservation, instrument repair, and traditional art processes.
Basic preparation (overview)
Soak the granules in water until fully swollen, then heat gently in a double boiler until melted. Do not boil. Once liquid, it can be brushed, poured, or cast depending on the application.
The material can be reheated and reused multiple times.
Additional notes
• Natural protein glue (granular form)
• Sets as it cools
• Store dry granules in a sealed container
• Prepared glue should be refrigerated between uses
More Prop 65 Info