4oz Hide Glue Granules for High Clarity Users

Ragland's 1/4 pound (4oz) granulated hide glue boasts a strength of 315 grams and features high clarity, resulting in less visible glue joints. This traditional adhesive has been utilized for millennia, proving ideal for bonding various materials such as felt, wood, leather, cork, cardboard, and paper. It's particularly well-suited for tasks in player piano restoration, luthier work, cabinet making, and numerous other applications. Known for its exceptional strength, this hide glue also allows for easy separation later on, a significant advantage over many modern adhesives.

To use this glue effectively, it’s best to employ a glue pot or a double boiler set up at a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It's crucial to avoid small glue pots designed for hot glue chips, as they can become excessively hot. If the temperature of the glue exceeds 150+ degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods, it can alter the glue's protein chains, compromising its bond strength. When stored properly and kept dry, dry glue crystals can last a long time. However, once mixed with water, the glue needs to be refrigerated when not in use. If you encounter mold or white spots in the mixture, it is advisable to discard it and prepare a new batch.

To assess whether the hide glue meets your needs in terms of working time and strength, conduct tests by gluing sample pieces of wood together and intentionally breaking the joints. This hands-on approach can offer valuable insight into the glue's performance.

Understanding gram strength is key in using hide glue. This metric—indicating the grams needed to depress a 1/2" plunger 4mm into a 12.5% solution of glue cooled for 16 hours at 10 degrees Celsius—relates more to set time than bonding strength. Specifically, a glue with a strength of 192 grams allows for a longer working time compared to one with a strength of 251 grams; in this case, lower numbers denote extended working periods.

When considering visibility in applications, there are two options: regular clarity and high clarity. For projects where the visibility of glue joints should be minimized, such as cabinetry, instrument construction (like guitars and violins), or other fine woodworking, high clarity glue is recommended for its reduced appearance of glue lines. For scenarios where the aesthetic of the glue line doesn't significantly matter, standard clarity glue will suffice.

To enhance the longevity of the hide glue, Ragland includes a silica gel pack with their product. This helps absorb moisture during shipping and preserves the glue's quality. Overall, Ragland's 1/4 lb. (4oz) granulated hide glue is an excellent choice for various bonding needs, complete with instructions for use and the added benefit of moisture control during transport.

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