The Framers Forum

hi, am having real trouble with my rabbit skin glue, it seems to have changed and is now really oily and smelly does anyone have any suggestions as to where i could get something better? i have tried a concentrated size glue and found it really bubbly, any tips?

Agree with your observations on RSG. I now use Concentrated Size which I find a cleaner superior product:

http://www.goldleafsupplies.co.uk/cgi-b ... fCS_2f1000

I have not found it to be 'bubbly' but you might try a spot of alcohol to break surface tension.

Over the last few months we have tried RSG from as many different sources as possible, and it has become quite an obsession, trying to find a pure glue that is like it used to be. The latest batch we are trying is also beading on the surface as you apply it (in both gesso and bole) adding IPA stops this as Ian suggests.
I have tried the synthetic or technical size, although have not given it enough experimenting to really make my mind up about it yet. But have heard that gilders far more experienced than me think it is very good...

SAVE THE RABBITS!!! Abandom this barbaric practice!!

Steve I take it you arte not a bunny boiler then.


Do they do a veggie version

Steve Goodall wrote:SAVE THE RABBITS!!! Abandom this barbaric practice!!

I think Steve responded out of a basic instinct............................I'll get my coat......

It was Fatal Attraction not Basic Instinct.

I have done a bit of research into the rsg and the change in quality, rsg was being manufactured and supplied by a German company this company is no longer making it and now it is being manufacture in Eastern Europe this is apparently the reason for the change quality!! Over the years I have tried most products available working for Lowy a large framer in NY I made and tweaked all there recipes as well as testing new products for sepp leaf, you can get most to work but my personal preference is rsg or hide glue. I have been using the rsg and not had any problems but I always add linseed oil and alcohol in my gesso recipes as for bole I have not used rsg for 9 years now. I found that gelatine is a far better product it gives you a longer burnish window and dose not dry out and scratch like rsg and the burnish is far superior in my opinion. You could try adding a water based paint flow medium to the bole made with rsg this works well when spraying bole helps it self level it may help.
I have attached a pic of a frame with detailed gesso work im working on now, this is made with the rsg gesso and gelatine bole it is unfinished but you can see the burnish you get.

joanne

Brilliant post - lots of info - thanks for that!!!