How to Use Hide Glue on a Guitar
Hide glue for guitar making is a traditional luthier's glue. Made from rendered animal hide in powdered or block form, the glue is heat-set, allowing for a strong, acoustically transparent bond. An important feature of hide glue for guitar and other musical instruments is that it can be remelted by an experienced repair person to facilitate repairs and adjustments. Powdered hide glue is the easiest form to work with and is favored by many luthiers.
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Things You'll Need
- Kitchen scale
- Measuring cup
- Water
- Glass jar
- Wooden spoon
- Bottle warmer
- Meat thermometer
- Hide glue brush
Instructions
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1
Measure powdered hide glue by weight with a kitchen scale, and clean, room temperature water with measuring cup.
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2
Stir small amounts of powdered glue to water in a glass jar with a wooden spoon and allowing to soak for one to two hours to rehydrate the powder.
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3
Heat the glue and water solution in a bottle warmer, measuring the water temperature periodically with a meat thermometer. When the temperature reaches about 150 degrees F, the glue is ready for use.
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4
Apply glue to guitar parts with a non-metallic brush, clamping parts together after placement, and allowing glue to set for 24 hours.
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5
Clean all tools and receptacles thoroughly with scalding water and disinfectant immediately after work is completed.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Do not allow glue to boil.
Make just enough glue for the job, as it has no shelf-life.
Use only clean water to limit bacterial growth.
Do not reuse old glue.
Use care when working with heating elements, hot glue and water.
Wash hands thoroughly after working with glue.
