OUR NATURAL GLUE – EVO’S FISH GLUE

WHAT IS FISH GLUE?

Fish glue was traditionally made from the bladder of sturgeon and certain other freshwater fish.  This variety is difficult to find today and gives way to a more affordable glue, made up of the bones, skin and heads of various fish.  Its high quality is due to its high collagen rate.

European Sturgeon
Several natural glues were traditionally composed of vegetable ingredients such as starch, glue, mistletoe, sap or bark.  Others were composed of ingredients of animal origin such as glue from skin, tendons, bones or fish.

In the paste, fish glue was very popular.  Its use was diverse, ranging from making bows and arrows, repairing scrolls and leather and wooden tools, making several inks and paints thanks to its binding properties, etc.  Natural glues were put aside after the second war following the advent of vinyl glues.

Fish glue is still used today; for preserving old manuscripts, for repairing shoes and furniture.  It is also used in paint, bookbinding, gliding, box making, blueprint paper, gummed tapes and letterpress printing plates.

WHY USE THIS NATURAL GLUE?

Although its popularity is no longer what it used to be, fish glue is one of the best natural glues for several reasons.  It has qualities that surpass vinyl glues for many projects, including amateur and professional cabinetmaking.

1. It is Biodegradable

Ecological and natural, it comes from fish residues that are not intended for human consumption.  It releases no volatile compounds that are harmful to humans and the environment.  It is also non-toxic and 100% biodegradable.

2. It leaves no Residue

Fish glue cleans up with water leaving NO RESIDUE ON THE SURFACE.  This particularity is very practical when it is time to apply a finishing product to a duly restored wooden piece of furniture.  Synthetic glues tend to leave an invisible residue that prevents finishing products from soaking in well.  This can cause smudges or poor adhesion.

3. It is very Resistant

When hardened, it offers a mechanical resistance of 3200 lbs per square inch.  It is also resistant to solvents once dried!

4. It is Food Grade

It is commonly used in food manufacturing processes.  Our fish glue is thus perfect for assembling cutting boards, barrels or various utensils that touch wood.

5. It is Reversible even once dried

Fish glue comes off easily with hot water vapour.  This gives a certain margin of error during assembly.  It also allows you to restore or repair a broken part on a piece of furniture.  It is for this reason that cabinetmakers and craftsmen love it when adjusting wooden structures with several parts.  Since it takes 12 hours to harden, it gives time to position and assembles perfectly before drying.

6. It Bonds Multiple Materials

  • Wood;
  • Paper;
  • Cardboard;
  • Fabric;
  • Veneers;
  • Marquetry;
  • Glass;
  • Ceramics;
  • Cor;
  • Leather; etc.

7. It can be applied Cold

Fish glue is the only animal glue that is applied cold.  It is therefore not necessary to heat it or handle it before applying it.

IN SUMMARY

With industrialization, many ancestral methods have been abandoned due to the speed and cost of manufacturing, as well as obsolescence.  Melamine furniture is less expensive than hardwood furniture, but it cannot be restored indefinitely and will end up in the landfill if there is a minor breakage.

It is a good idea to assemble or repair wooden furniture with a reversible glue such as fish glue.  This will be easily repairable without the risk of breaking it.  For a handyman or a cabinetmaker, it is more practical due to its slow setting time.

With its many qualities, it is an asset to keep in your workshop.

  • Easy to steam off;
  • Reactivates with water;
  • Can bond multiple surfaces;
  • Food grade glue;
  • Slow setting time;
  • Bond strength of 3200 lbs per square inch;
  • No stripper or solvent can dissolve it;
  • Resists frost;
  • Non-flammable;
  • Can be kept for several years in its original container;
  • Cleans with water before drying;
  • Leaves no residue on the surface when cleaned;
  • Can be mixed with pigments;
  • Biodegradable.

OTHER USES

Medium for a Crackled Texture

Mixed in equal parts with Arabic Gum, it makes an excellent cracking medium to give a beautiful antique effect to furniture.  It creates a thin transparent film, which cracks as it dries.

Pore Filler

It’s a preparation, an amalgam which allows the pores of the wood to be blocked to obtain a perfectly smooth surface which will not absorb the varnish and which cannot be seen.

Clumping Medium

Fining is an old process that corresponds to the clarification and stabilization phase of wine.  When wine ferments, particles and residues are formed.  Consumers rather appreciate clear and non-cloudy wines.  In conventional wines, a “glue” is often added which will make it possible to agglomerate the proteins and particles in the form of flakes which settle at the bottom of the vats and will be eliminated.  This fining process also exists for beers.

REFERENCES

https://www.lapresse.ca/maison/renovation/les-bons-outils/201012/01/01-4348116-la-colle-de-poisson.php

https://cementanswers.com/what-is-fish-glue-used-for/

https://cool.culturalheritage.org/coolaic/sg/bpg/annual/v19/bp19-29.html

https://dico-du-vin.com/collage-viniculture/