L.A. Gold Leaf Hide Glue -1-2 LB 1 LB or 5 LB- -1 LB-

??PREPARATION: To prepare hide glue for use, you have to soak the pellets in cold water for several hours until they soften and become gelatinous. If you’ve never used hide glue before, it’s best to start with a small batch. Put three tablespoons of dry glue in a heat- resistant glass container (most food jars work well) and cover with two tablespoons of water. A larger batch of glue can be made using the same proportion of glue to water. Next, place the gelatinous glue mixture into a water bath. Heat the water to 140F. Be sure to use a thermometer, as it’s important to maintain this temperature, DO NOT GO OVER 140F. DO NOT BOIL. If the water gets too hot, it will overheat the glue and cause it to lose strength. It’s a good idea to stir the glue mixture occasionally to help work out any lumps but it’s not absolutely necessary. After a few minutes, the pellets will be melted and the glue will be ready to use. A properly prepared and heated batch of glue forms a steady thread as it drips from a brush back into the glue pot. If the glue drips from the brush in droplets, it’s too thin. To thicken it, stir the glue while it’s being heated until sufficient water has evaporated from the mixture. If the glue forms thick clumps on the brush, dilute it with hot water until the desired consistency is achieved.