4oz Hide Glue Granules for High Clarity

Ragland’s 1/4 pound (4oz) granulated hide glue offers a 192 gram strength and high clarity, making it an ideal choice for various applications where less visible glue joints are essential. This traditional adhesive has been utilized for thousands of years and is particularly effective for bonding materials such as felt, wood, leather, cork, cardboard, and paper. It is widely sought after in fields like luthier work, cabinet making, and player piano repairs due to its strong bond and the unique advantage of being separable when needed—a distinct benefit compared to many modern adhesives.

When using this hide glue, a proper setup is crucial. It is recommended to heat the glue to 140 degrees Fahrenheit using a glue pot or a double boiler. Caution is advised against using smaller glue pots designed for hot glue chips, as these can generate excessive heat. If the temperature exceeds 150 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods, it can adversely affect the glue's protein structure, leading to a significantly weaker bond.

For long-term storage, dry glue crystals can remain viable for an extended period when maintained in a dry environment. However, once mixed with water, the glue should be refrigerated when not actively in use. It's important to monitor the mixed glue for signs of mold or white spots, which indicate spoilage; in such cases, it's best to discard the old mixture and prepare a fresh batch.

To ensure that the hide glue suits your requirements regarding working time and bond strength, doing a few tests can be beneficial. Gluing together test pieces of wood and then deliberately breaking the joint can provide insights into the glue's effectiveness.

Now, let's delve into the concept of gram strength. This refers to the weight needed to push a 1/2" plunger 4mm into a glue sample mixed to a 12.5% solution and cooled to 10 degrees Celsius for 16 hours. While gram strength does not solely determine the bond's strength—albeit with subtle distinctions—it primarily indicates the glue's set time. A hide glue with a strength of 192 will offer a longer working time compared to a 251 glue, where typically, lower numbers correlate with extended working periods.

When it comes to selecting between regular and high clarity options, the choice depends on the visibility of glue joints in your project. For applications demanding minimal visibility, such as cabinetry and musical instrument bodies (guitars, violins), high clarity glue is advisable due to its reduced appearance of glue lines. Conversely, if visibility is not a concern, regular clarity hide glue is perfectly adequate.

Ragland Piano hide glue comes conveniently packaged with a silica gel pack. This inclusion helps absorb moisture and extends the glue's lifespan during transit, ensuring that you receive a quality product. Whether you are a luthier looking for a reliable adhesive or engaged in various woodworking projects, this hide glue is a popular choice, known for its good open time and less noticeable glue joints.

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