Rabbit Skin Glue, Coarse Powder, for Making Gesso and Water Gilding Size

Gilders use rabbit skin glue to create gesso paste for water gilding. A layer of bole, or gilders’ clay, is applied over the gesso to prepare the surface for gold leaf. Rabbit skin glue is also essential for making the gilders’ clay (bole). When in coarse powder form, rabbit skin glue produces a strong bond between the genuine gold leaf and the gesso layers. This glue is made from shreds of rabbit skin, which are byproducts of rabbit skin production. While it is more elastic than other skin glues, it has lower adhesive strength; however, this does not pose a disadvantage for priming and gilding techniques.

To prepare an effective mixture of rabbit skin glue, follow these instructions:

1. Add 100 grams of rabbit skin glue to 1 liter of water and let it soak overnight.
2. place the mixture in a double boiler the next day and heat it slowly until all the particles are dissolved.
3. Be careful not to overheat; the ideal temperature is around 50 degrees Celsius.
4. Once all air bubbles have disappeared and the mixture cools down, it will be ready to use.
5. After usage, store any leftover mixture in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life, but do not use it after seven days.

Recommended brush is Kölner Broad Golden Synthetic Brush, Black Handle

We stock a range of high-quality glue, manufactured in Germany and Italy, specifically designed to meet all your needs. Including bone glue (Knochenleim), coarse powder rabbit skin glue, grain rabbit skin glue, Barley hide glue, Gel Tablets of Rabbit Skin Glue (Colnasol), and convenient ready-to-use liquid Rabbit Skin Glue (Colnafix) for water gilding. Whether you are an artist, a professional restorer, or a DIY enthusiast, our products guarantee exceptional results.