Rabbit Skin Glue

Rabbit Skin Glue

Rabbit Skin Glue is a traditional animal-based adhesive made from boiled rabbit hides. Historically, it has been widely used as both a sizing and an adhesive in the preparation of canvas and panel surfaces for painting, particularly prior to the Modern era. It provides a stiff, absorbent ground that helps oil paint adhere to the canvas.

Function

• Seals and sizes raw canvas or wood panels to prevent excessive absorption of paint.
• Acts as a strong adhesive for traditional gesso grounds.
• Provides a firm, slightly brittle surface favored in classical painting techniques.

Characteristics

• Hygroscopic: absorbs and releases moisture, which can cause expansion and contraction in the canvas or panel.
• Requires careful heating and mixing to prevent clumping or uneven application.
• Can yellow over time and is sensitive to humidity changes.

Application

• Applied warm as a liquid sizing with a brush or sponge to the canvas before painting.
• Often layered with traditional gesso to create a rigid and stable painting ground.
• Requires proper storage of prepared canvases to prevent mold or cracking.

Conservation Notes

• Modern alternatives like acrylic size or PVA-based primers reduce hygroscopic issues.
• Artwork prepared with rabbit skin glue may require careful humidity control for preservation.

Related Terms

• Hide Glue
• Eel Glue
• Hygroscopic
• Wheat Paste