Animal Glue: What You Need to Know

Animal glue is a natural adhesive made from animal parts like collagen found in bones, hides, and connective tissues. For centuries, people have used it for woodworking, bookbinding, and crafting because it creates strong, reversible bonds. If you've ever wondered why old furniture or musical instruments hold together so well, animal glue is often part of the story.

Unlike modern synthetic glues, animal glue is water-based and sets by drying rather than chemical reaction. That means if you soak a joint bonded with this glue, you can separate it without damage — an important feature in restoration work.

How Animal Glue Is Made and Used

Making animal glue starts by boiling animal collagen to extract gelatin. This gelatin is then processed into a solid form, like granules or sheets. Before use, you dissolve it in hot water, and as it cools, it thickens into a sticky glue you can apply. Woodworkers value this glue for its strong initial tack and ability to allow adjustments before setting.

Animal glue works differently depending on its temperature and moisture. It's essential to keep it warm while applying, as it hardens quickly when cooled. That might sound tricky, but this quality lets craftsmen control the work time precisely.

Why People Still Choose Animal Glue Today

In today’s world of instant adhesives, animal glue might seem old-fashioned. But its unique qualities keep it relevant, especially in specialized fields. For example, restorers prefer it because it can be undone without harming valuable antiques. Luthiers, who build violins and guitars, like it for the strong yet reversible bonds that hold delicate wood pieces together.

Plus, animal glue is eco-friendly and made from renewable materials, unlike some synthetic adhesives. If you care about sustainability or need glue that can be reversed or repaired easily, trying animal glue might surprise you.

Next time you look at a finely crafted wooden chair or a vintage book, remember animal glue had a hand in holding it all together — quietly and effectively.