Old Brown Glue

Before the 20th century there was only one type of glue that was used in making things out of wood: animal protein glue. A diverse variety of proteins were used, such as fish, hide and bone, to make glues for instrument, marquetry and furniture making. The working properties of these glues was well understood, and every cabinet shop featured a glue pot, to keep the glue hot and ready, as a necessary element of the trade.

One of the "secrets" of the trade was the fact that the addition of urea to animal protein glue would lower its gel point, making it set slower and keeping it liquid at room temperature. This is one of the secrets that allowed the cabinetmakers of the early 19th century the ability to veneer columns, and chair makers the time to assemble their chairs before the glue set. For more information have a look at my article "Why Not Period Glue"


	AN 18TH CENTURY EUROPEAN TRADITION
	Before the 20th century there was only one type of glue that was used in making things out of wood: animal protein glue. A diverse variety of proteins were used, such as fish, hide and bone, to make glues for instrument, marquetry and furniture making. The working properties of these glues was well understood, and every cabinet shop featured a glue pot, to keep the glue hot and ready, as a necessary element of the trade. One of the "secrets" of the trade was the fact that the addition of urea to animal protein glue would lower its gel point, making it set slower and keeping it liquid at room temperature. This is one of the secrets that allowed the cabinetmakers of the early 19th century the ability to veneer columns, and chair makers the time to assemble their chairs before the glue set. For more information have a look at my article "Why Not Period Glue"
During the past several years, I have been working with different formulations of urea modified animal protein glue, with a great deal of success. I have made this product available to other chair makers and cabinetmakers and found that it provides working characteristics which are not found in other glues currently on the market. Old Brown Glue has a very long open time. This means you have about an hour to assemble your project before the glue starts to set up. It cleans up easily with cold water. It has superior strength in tight fitting joints and remains flexible after it sets. The viscosity of Old Brown Glue is liquid at room temperature, and can easily be made thinner by heating or thicker by cooling as needed before application. The glue dries by loss of moisture and, under normal conditions, will be completely set in 24-48 hours.
Old Brown Glue is a true reversible wood glue, compatible with all existing animal glues. This makes it ideal for antique furniture restoration, veneer work, lamination and instrument repair. Each batch is dated on the label and has a one year shelf life under normal conditions. "I have been using your glue for several years and am finding fewer and fewer reasons to use anything else. In my own shop tests the glue bond I get in a mortice and tennon joint is far better than anything I ever got with yellow glues. It is a vital part of what makes my chairs work and i make sure to emphasize this to my students. Thanks for making this great stuff so convenient." Brian Boggs Berea, Kentucky		Now available in two sizes! 16oz. bottle $20.00 plus S/H 5 oz. bottle $8.00 plus S/H Special Offer: Order two 16 oz. bottles and recieve a 5 oz. bottle free! To order call: 619 298-0864 or fax 619 297-0500 Antique Refinishers 3815 Utah Street San Diego, California 92104. We accept Visa and Mastercard.
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