Rabbit skin glue - vegetarian alternatives?
John Unwin
Apparently it is used to prepare artist's canvas prior to painting.
Thanks
John Unwin ph/fax (64 4) 475 8938
Northland, Wellington
New Zealand
John Davis
As I understand it, animal glues have traditionally been used where ongoing
flexibility is needed. Musical instruments have a similar problem in
allowing for the expansion/contraction of the wood. Presumably the canvas
has the same sort of movement which varies with humidity etc.
I can't help with specific brands (esp in NZ!) but if you can find one that
remains pliable when set it should work OK. (I suppose there must be a good
reason why the canvas needs glue on it?)
John
--
http://catless.ncl.ac.uk/Vegetarian/Orgs/VegSocUK/ - The Vegetarian Society UK
http://catless.ncl.ac.uk/Vegetarian/Orgs/Viva/ - Viva!
http://catless.ncl.ac.uk/Vegetarian/Orgs/EVU/ - European Vegetarian Union
john anderson mcgraw
>I have been asked to find out about alternatives to rabbit skin glue.
>Apparently it is used to prepare artist's canvas prior to painting.
>
>Thanks
>
>John Unwin ph/fax (64 4) 475 8938
>Northland, Wellington
>New Zealand
>
Depends on what you are using the hide glue for. If you are priming a
canvas and do not need to use a traditional gesso (hide glue plus marble
dust, used for centuries), you should be able to use a polymer 'gesso',
made from white titanium and acrylic polymer emulsion. This will work as
a primer for canvasses for both oil and acrylic paintings, and it will
stay flexible as well. Now, if you are using the hide glue to do faux
finishes (such as crackle effects) on walls or furniture, you may have
trouble finding a substitute. Your local arts-supply store should be
able to lend a hand.
good luck!
Rebecca McGraw
--
**************************R.I.P. JEROME GARCIA*****************************
"All secrets of past tense have just come my way,
but I still don't know what I'm going to do next."
--Richard Brautigan