What is Fish Glue?
Fish glue is a natural adhesive made from the collagen found in fish skin, bones, and swim bladders. It is a clear, colorless, and odorless liquid that is soluble in water. Fish glue is a traditional animal glue that has been used for centuries in a variety of applications, including woodworking, bookbinding, and the manufacture of musical instruments.
History of Fish Glue
Fish glue has a long and storied history that dates back to ancient times. The earliest evidence of its use was found in Egypt, where it was used to adhere pieces of wood together in furniture and other objects. Fish glue was also used by the Greeks and Romans, and it was mentioned by the Roman author Pliny the Elder in his Natural History.
In the Middle Ages, fish glue became an important adhesive in bookbinding, and it was also used in the manufacture of musical instruments and other objects. During this time, fish glue was typically made from the swim bladders of fish, which were boiled and then processed to extract the collagen.
The Industrial Revolution saw a decline in the use of fish glue, as new synthetic adhesives became available. However, fish glue continued to be used in some specialized applications, such as the manufacture of violin bows and the gilding of illuminated manuscripts.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in fish glue, as people have become more interested in using natural materials. Fish glue is now used in a variety of applications, including woodworking, bookbinding, and the manufacture of violin bows.
How is Fish Glue Made
Fish glue is made from the collagen found in fish skin, bones, and swim bladders. The collagen is extracted from the fish by boiling it in water. The resulting liquid is then filtered to remove impurities. The filtered liquid is then allowed to cool and solidify.
There are two main types of fish glue: isinglass and fish glue:
- Isinglass is made from the swim bladders of sturgeon fish, such as the beluga, sterlet, and Russian sturgeon. It is the highest quality of fish glue and is clear and colorless.
- Fish glue is made from the skin and bones of other fish, such as cod, haddock, herring, and salmon. It is not as clear as isinglass, but it is still a strong adhesive.
The different types of fish used in the production of fish glue vary depending on the region. In Europe, sturgeon is the most common fish used to make isinglass. In North America, cod and haddock are the most common fish used to make fish glue.
The quality of fish glue is also affected by the age of the fish. The collagen in older fish is more degraded, which results in a lower quality glue.
Fish glue is a traditional material that has been used for centuries in a variety of applications. It is used in woodworking, bookbinding, and the manufacture of musical instruments. It is also used in the food industry as a clarifying agent.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Fish Glue
Fish glue has both advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for a particular application will depend on the specific requirements.
Advantages of fish glue
- Natural and biodegradable: Fish glue is a natural product that is biodegradable. This makes it a more sustainable option than synthetic adhesives.
- Strong and durable: Fish glue is a strong and durable adhesive. It is often used in applications where strength and durability are important, such as woodworking and bookbinding.
- Transparent and colorless: Fish glue is transparent and colorless. This makes it a good choice for applications where the adhesive is visible, such as gilding and glazing.
- Reversible: Fish glue is reversible. This means that it can be dissolved in water and reused. This makes it a good choice for applications where the adhesive needs to be removed or replaced, such as conservation and restoration.
Disadvantages of fish glue
- Slower drying time: Fish glue has a slower drying time than synthetic adhesives. This can make it difficult to use in applications where a quick drying time is required.
- Sensitive to moisture: Fish glue is sensitive to moisture. This means that it can be damaged by water or high humidity.
- Not as strong as synthetic adhesives: Fish glue is not as strong as synthetic adhesives. This means that it may not be suitable for applications where high strength is required.
Where to Buy Fish Glue
Here are some specific products of fish glue that can be purchased online:
- StewMac Fish Glue is a high-quality fish glue that is made from the swim bladders of codfish. It is available in liquid form and is easy to use.
- Lee Valley High Tack Fish Glue is a high-strength, water-resistant fish glue that is made in Canada. It is a clear, colorless glue that is suitable for a variety of woodworking and other projects.
- Norland High Tack Fish Glue is another high-quality fish glue that is known for its strong bonding strength. It is available in flakes or granules and can be dissolved in water to make a liquid glue.
- Renaissance Fish Glue is a traditional fish glue that is made from the swim bladders of sturgeon. It is available in flakes or granules and is often used for conservation and restoration work.
- Sturgeon Glue (Isinglass) by Cornelissen & Beyer is a high-quality, food-grade isinglass glue that is made from the swim bladders of sturgeon. It is available in sheets or flakes and can be dissolved in water to make a liquid glue.
- Seccotine Glue by Cornelissen & Beyer is a type of fish glue that is made from the swim bladders of codfish. Seccotine glue is a clear, colorless glue that is known for its strong bonding strength and water resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Fish glue is a natural adhesive that has been used for centuries. It is strong, water-resistant, and biodegradable. Fish glue is a good choice for a variety of projects, including bookbinding, woodworking, and violin making. It is also a good choice for conservation and restoration work.
