This glue works EXTREMELY WELL for projects which require long or complicated assembly times, such as chair making and cabinet making. It also is perfect for veneers, as it can be applied at room temperature, and allows the veneer to be repaired at a later date. It is the only easily reversible woodworking glue available. OLD BROWN GLUE was designed originally for restoration and conservation of antique furniture with veneer and marquetry surfaces. It is approved for museum quality veneer repairs since it is the same protein glue that was originally used in all preindustrial furniture. Traditional animal protein collagen glues form chemical bonds with themselves, meaning that new glue can be added to pre-existing glues and they will bond chemically.
This woodworking glue is made from high quality hide and bone glue modified with common urea. It is NOT TOXIC, and can easily be cleaned up with cold water and rags. The viscosity is a function of temperature, and ranges from rather thick above 75 degrees F, to very runny at higher temperatures. Do not dilute or heat above 130 degrees F. It has a long "open" time, or "working" time. You can expect about 15 to as much as 45 minutes of working time with this glue, depending on the temperature of your shop, or the warmth of the wood you are gluing.
OBG is transparent to oils, alcohols and organic solvents used in wood finishing, so there is no risk of glue spots spoiling your final finish.
- Glue viscosity is best above 80°F. Never dilute. Warm bottle in sunlight or hot water bath.
- Glue does not fill gaps. Wood work should fit tight and be clamped properly.
- Use as any normal glue. Apply to clean and dry surfaces and apply pressure for at least 12 hours. Complete bond is reached after 24 hours.
- Clean up with cold water.
It is possible to use this glue in vacuum bag systems, but you must allow 24-48 hours for the glue to fully set. This glue is excellent for veneering columns, since it allows the veneer to dry and shrink around the core before the glue is fully set. Just wrap the veneer around the column, using OLD BROWN GLUE, and hold fast with elastic straps. After 24 hours remove the elastic and cut the joint through the overlapping veneer, reheat the joint slightly, and rewrap with the elastic. Another 24 hours and you have an elegant veneered column!
Please note that the bottle has an expiration date printed on it. The glue has a normal shelf life of six months stored at room temperature, longer if refrigerated. The gel point for this modified animal protein glue is about 75 degrees F. To use this glue it must be liquid and flow easily, at temperatures above 80 degrees. Place the bottle in a hot water bath to raise the temperature, or set in sunlight to warm it up before use.
DO NOT place in microwave or heat above 130 degrees. DO NOT dilute.