Question Regarding Rabbit Skin Glue
Question: How do you use Rabbit Skin Glue to prime a canvas? — Andy
Michael: Rabbit Skin Glue is the traditional painting surface that that has been in use for centuries. Simply add water to the granules at a ratio of approximately 8 parts water to one part granules, and allow to stand…
October 14, 2016 at 3:44 pm, Teresa said:
Can your foundation white be used on a flexible stretched canvas or should it only be used on panels?
November 01, 2016 at 3:38 pm, Austin Schneider said:
Hello Teresa,
Our Foundation White can be used on both.
October 17, 2016 at 1:27 pm, victoria said:
Dear Michael, could you tell me if the following instructions are correct for the preparation and application of:
RABBIT SKIN GLUE
Soak granules in cold water overnight
12 parts granules to one part water.
40g granules – 1.137 litres of water
2OZ – 2 PINTS
In ban marie, heat the mixture with hot water (70c) stirring occasionally and gently.
2 oz – to pints
Once melted, set aside to cool fully.
Should have consistency of apple sauce (rough and uneven)
APPLICATION
Re-heat to ensure even distribution. NEVER BOIL
Brush on in short strokes, avoiding back and forth movements and not going over covered areas.
Dry flat and naturally. – 12 hours
many thanks
November 01, 2016 at 3:35 pm, Austin Schneider said:
Hello Victoria,
That should be fine but don’t be afraid to put a little more rabbit skin glue in.
September 18, 2018 at 3:42 am, John Clifton said:
Hello. Can I paint straight onto rabbit glue once dried with oils ? Or should I use gesso first.
Thanks
September 26, 2018 at 10:58 am, Michael said:
Hi John,
Thank you for your question.
You can paint straight on RSG but do not put acrylic primers on RSG
Best Wishes
April 09, 2019 at 11:29 am, Michael said:
If applied directly to aluminium it might scratch off easily I suggest you test it yourself first.
December 21, 2018 at 7:56 pm, ‘Josephine josephsen said:
Hi, I am using RSG with gilder’s whiting for gold leaf egg tempera work. I would like the surface to be softer for tooling on the gold leaf. Should I make the glue weaker by adding more water to the mix?
January 02, 2019 at 12:26 pm, Michael said:
I’m sorry I don’t have experience with this technique I suggest conducting your own experiments.
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 am, Lynn said:
The lead primer came through my 2 coats of rabbit skin glue that I applied just as I always have, although I sanded and I can’t remember if I sanded those other times
July 29, 2019 at 10:22 am, Michael said:
Hi there,
Were you using a very light linen with an open weave? Sometimes it’s best to apply RSG as a cold gel by hand. I presume you mean through to the back of the canvas?
Always wear a mask if sanding, sanding lead white really should be avoided at all costs. It might also be illegal where you are so be careful
July 30, 2019 at 3:48 pm, Lynn said:
It is belle arti portrait grade and it says it is a tight weave but yes, it is thin and see through, so I should use rag in gel form? would I need 3 coats?
April 11, 2022 at 5:34 pm, Jim Prokell said:
Can you apply RSG to the back of a FINISHED painted canvas to eliminate stretch marks and subtle buckles
April 12, 2022 at 1:32 pm, Michael said:
It would be better to apply a little warm water with a sponge, tighten the wedges and allow to dry. This removes dents and such like.