How to Glue an Ivory Tusk
True ivory comes from the tusks of elephants, both African and Asian. The tusks of other animals, like walrus and narwhales, are also considered to be ivory by some people, although they have characteristics different from elephant ivory. Although ivory trade has been banned in the United States since 1990, any ivory purchased before the ban is still legal to own and use. Gluing an ivory tusk is a matter of finding the proper type of adhesive for it.
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Instructions
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Clean the ivory tusk with mild soap and warm water to remove any dirt or other residue. Dry the ivory thoroughly with a cloth.
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Check if the ivory has a resin coating on it. Resin will make the outside of the ivory dull and clear. Use a thick resin mixture to glue the ivory if it's already treated with resin. Apply the resin to both sides of the ivory tusk and stick them together. Hold the pieces in place until the resin dries.
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Apply Acryloid B-72 or any PVA emulsions glue to the ivory tusk if the tusk was not treated with resin. Add a layer of glue to the sides of the tusk and place them together. Hold the tusks in place until the glue dries.
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Tips & Warnings
Glue and resin may take several hours to dry completely.
Use a clamp to hold the tusk together until it dries.
