This glue is used in traditional chalk gesso as well as a sizing layer to control absorbency, provide adhesion, or to separate an organic substrate from acidic oil paint.
- 16 fluid ounces water
- 1 ounce of rabbitskin glue (2 tablespoons)
Soak the powdered glue in water. Many textbooks and recipes will say overnight but I’ve found that modern granulated rabbitskin glue, with its small granules, needs only an hour or so.
Heat it in a double-boiler. It shouldn’t be heated more than 140° F. If it gets too hot, the proteins are denatured and it loses adhesive properties.