This is basically the way I was taught and it has worked for me for over 20 years.

(1) Put some pearls into a container.
(2) Cover with water.
(3) Allow it to absorb the water and swell.
(4) Place into glue pot.
(5) Heat until the Glue is between 50~60 degrees C
(6) The consistency (runnyness) should be that of good enamel paint and
run unbroken from the end of the brush.

I have read that if the glue temperature exceeds 70 degrees C the glue should be thrown out as it is no longer effective. This has not been my experience as on occasion I have had it boil over and once cooled seems to work just fine. Several years after the pieces were glued they are still intact.

Another myth; the glue should be renewed after 2 days. This also is something that I have found to be unnecessary, having had glue in the pot for a considerably longer time than that and it still worked fine.

As far as the smell goes the new glue available today is odour free. The exception, once it has been immersed in water and not heated for a few days "THEN IT STINKS!" (Personal experience has taught me that one!)

Clamping the glue joint is also a little different than working with modern glues. Not as much pressure is required as the glue need to bond with itself. Hard clamping will squeeze the glue out creating a weak joint.

You can purchase Hide Glue from us in 500g $17.50 and 100g bags $5.00. + postage

Currently I have a few Old Double Pot Boilers, Glue Pots from $60.00ea

To read more on Hide Glue Click Here