Rabbit Skin Glue: Traditional Sizing and Painting Techniques

Rabbit Skin Glue is a traditional material long valued by artists for its exceptional properties in preparing painting surfaces. Derived from collagen, it serves as an effective barrier that protects fabric fibers and wooden supports from the damaging effects of oil paints. Its hygroscopic nature tightens and stiffens canvas while providing an ideal surface for the adhesion of gesso and other grounds. Used for centuries in the preparation of traditional gesso, distemper paints, and panel sizing, Rabbit Skin Glue remains essential for those seeking historical authenticity and archival quality in their artwork.

1. Preparing Rabbit Skin Glue Size for Canvas

Purpose:
Rabbit Skin Glue (RSG) is traditionally used to size canvas or linen before oil painting. It acts as a barrier to protect fabric fibers from deterioration caused by the oxidative effects of linseed oil. Additionally, it tightens and stiffens the fabric surface, preparing it for ground application.

Supplies Needed:

• Rabbit Skin Glue granules or sheets

• Cold tap water

• Hot plate

• Double boiler or sauce pot with a clean metal container

• Palette knife

• Natural bristle brush

Instructions:

1. In the top container of a double boiler, combine 1 part Rabbit Skin Glue to 10 parts cold tap water.

2. Allow the mixture to sit for 1 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the glue swells and fully dissolves.

3. Begin heating the water in the lower portion of the double boiler. Heat slowly and do not allow the water to boil. Boiling will destroy the adhesive properties of the glue.

4. Once fully dissolved and warmed, apply the hot glue solution evenly to the canvas or linen using a brush, ensuring it penetrates the fabric weave.

5. If pinholes appear after the first application, apply a second thin coat to seal them. Two thin coats are recommended to block oil penetration effectively.

6. Use the solution while hot. It will gel upon cooling but can be gently reheated for reuse.

Note: The gel strength of collagen glue varies, so the above formula of one part by weight of glue to 10 parts by weight of water is not rigid. Allow the solution to cool to room temperature to test its strength. If it barely forms a soft jelly, it is correct. If it remains a liquid, add more glue. If it sets to a stiff gel, dilute with additional water.

Coverage Estimates:

• 1.12 oz (32 grams) covers approximately 1 sq ft (0.093 sq meters)

• 2.25 oz (64 grams) covers 2 sq ft (0.186 sq meters)

• 4.50 oz (128 grams) covers 4 sq ft (0.372 sq meters)

• 9.00 oz (256 grams) covers 8 sq ft (0.743 sq meters)

• 13.5 oz (384 grams) covers 12 sq ft (1.115 sq meters)

Important Considerations:

• Rabbit Skin Glue is hygroscopic. Fluctuations in humidity can cause the canvas to alternately tighten and slacken, potentially leading to cracking in oil paint films over time.

• Ideal for use in controlled environments to mitigate these effects.

• Store prepared glue solutions in a sealed container under refrigeration and use it within a few days to prevent spoilage or microbial growth. Discard any solution showing signs of mold or off odor.

2. Preparing Distemper Paint

Distemper paint is one of the oldest known painting mediums, widely used throughout history for both decorative and fine art applications. This water-based paint employs animal glue, such as rabbit skin glue, as its primary binder, combined with pigments and water to produce a matte, velvety surface. Favored for its simplicity, affordability, and beautiful soft finish, distemper is ideal for interior murals, architectural decoration, and historical restoration projects. Although not water-resistant, its ease of application and reworkability make it a valuable material for traditional artists and conservators.

Purpose:
Distemper is a traditional water-based paint made with Rabbit Skin Glue as the binder. It produces a matte, velvety finish ideal for interior decorative painting and historic art restoration.

Distemper Paint Recipe (Based on Natural Pigments Guidelines):

Ingredients:

• Rabbit Skin Glue, hide glue, or technical gelatin (1 part or 100 grams)

• Cold tap water (10 parts or 1 liter)

• Dry pigment

• Optional: Small amount of honey or glycerin to improve flexibility

Proportions:
Use 1 part or 100 grams of Rabbit Skin Glue, hide glue, or technical gelatin to 10 parts or 1 liter of water.

Note: Distemper paint is traditionally applied to substrates such as plaster walls, ceiling decorations, paper, and untreated wood surfaces. It is ideal for interior architectural finishes and restoration work where a matte, breathable finish is desired.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the glue by soaking 100 grams of glue in 1 liter of cold tap water for 1 to 3 hours. Heat gently in a double boiler until fully dissolved.

2. Slowly add finely ground dry pigment while the glue is still warm and fluid. Stir continuously to ensure smooth dispersion and avoid lumps.

3. Adjust consistency by adding water as needed. Add a few drops of honey or glycerin for enhanced flexibility and to reduce brittleness.

4. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh to remove any undissolved particles.

5. Apply using a brush while the paint is still warm. For best results, allow the painted surface to dry in a well-ventilated area at temperatures around 65–75°F (18–24°C) and relative humidity between 40% and 60%. Avoid overly humid or damp environments to prevent extended drying times and potential mold growth.

Notes:

• Distemper paint is not water-resistant and is best used for interior surfaces.

• It can be reactivated with water even after drying.

3. Preparing Wood Panel Size

Purpose:
The size for wood panels is used to seal the surface before the application of traditional gesso, improving adhesion and providing a more uniform absorbency across the wood surface. This preparation prevents excessive absorption of gesso or paint layers into the wood, resulting in a stable, well-prepared foundation for painting.

Wood Panel Size Recipe (Based on Natural Pigments Guidelines):

Ingredients:

• Rabbit Skin Glue granules or sheets (7 parts or 70 grams)

• Cold tap water (100 parts or 1 liter)

• Alum (optional, 7 grams)

Proportions:
Use 7 parts or 70 grams of Rabbit Skin Glue to 100 parts or 1 liter of water. Optionally, add 7 grams of alum to further harden the size and improve mold resistance. Alum, a traditional additive, acts as a preservative by reducing the risk of microbial growth. Historically, it increases the hardness of the size layer, making it less susceptible to environmental fluctuations and biological degradation. Alum is particularly recommended in humid climates or when long-term durability of the size is desired.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Rabbit Skin Glue by soaking 70 grams of glue in 1 liter of cold tap water for 1 to 3 hours. Heat gently in a double boiler until fully dissolved.

2. If desired, dissolve 7 grams of alum into the warm solution for added hardness and humidity resistance.

3. Apply the hot glue solution directly onto the wood panel using a soft brush.

4. Allow the first coat to dry completely.

5. Lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper to remove any raised grain or imperfections.

6. Apply a second coat if necessary to fully seal the wood surface.

7. Ensure the panel is completely dry before applying gesso or paint.

Notes:

• This size prevents the wood from absorbing excessive moisture or binder from the gesso layer, ensuring a more stable and durable painting ground.