How-To Make Your Own Glues

Basic Flour Paste

Materials:
whole wheat flour
cold water

Directions:
Mix together whole wheat flour with cold water to make a pancake-like liquid. Continue mixing until lumps are dissolved. Bring mixture to a boil gently, stirring constantly. Cool mixture before using and store in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place (refrigerator). If the paste hardens, soften by mixing in small amounts of warm water as needed. Discard it if it starts to go moldy.

Paste Glue

Materials:
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup water, cold
3 cups water, boiling
1 tablespoon powdered alum
1/2 teaspoon oil of cloves

Directions:
Mix together the flour and sugar. Slowly add in the cold water, stirring constantly. In a separate pan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the flour/sugar mixture to the boiling water, bring to a boil stirring constantly until mixture is clear. Stir in the alum and oil of cloves. Cool mixture before using and store in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place.

Book Binder's Paste

Materials:
1 tablespoon wheat starch
3 tablespoon water (preferably distilled)
cheesecloth

Directions:
Mix wheat starch and water together and place in cooking pot. Heat mixture until a paste is formed, stirring constantly. Strain the mixture through the cheesecloth to remove any lumps.

Simple Papier Mache

Materials:
flour
water
newspaper strips (about 1" wide)

Directions:
Mix together whole wheat flour with cold water to make a thick pancake-like liquid. Continue mixing until lumps are dissolved. To make mixture thicker, add more flour. Dip the paper strips into the paste one at a time and gently pull them through your fingers to remove any excess. Then apply to the surface you want to cover. Repeat until well covered. Allow to dry. To decorate when dry, paint. For a longer-lasting and harder surface, coat with shellac after the paint dries.

For a smoother and stronger mash, soak newspaper strips overnight and then boil, stirring constantly. Cool and strain off the liquid. Mix mash with glue and wallpaper paste.

Wallpaper or Papier Mache Paste

Materials:
1-1/2 cup white flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon powdered alum
1 cup water, cold
2 cups water, boiling

Directions:
Mix together the flour and sugar in a medium saucepan. Slowly add in the cold water, stirring constantly to remove any lumps. Place saucepan over medium heat. Add the boiling water and bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. When mixture stiffens, remove from heat and add alum. Cool mixture before using and store in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place. If the paste hardens, soften by mixing in small amounts of warm water as needed.

Waterproof Glue (for fabric and paper)

Materials:
6 tablespoons water
2 (1/2 oz) packets unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 teaspoons glycerine

Directions:
Bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and dissolve gelatin in the water. Add vinegar and glycerin and stir well. Cool mixture before using and store in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place.

To Use: Apply to surfaces using a brush. Glue will gel after a few days, warm the glue by placing the jar in a pan of hot water. Good for binding leather to leather, fabrics to cardboard, paper to paper.

Gum Arabic Glue Recipe #1

Materials:
3 tablespoons gum arabic
1 tablespoon glycerin
1/2 teaspoon water

Directions:
Mix ingredients together and store in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place.

To Use: Apply a thin coat of the glue to each surface and fit the pieces together. Hold firmly until the glue dries. Let the piece dry 24 hours before washing or using.

Gum Arabic Glue Recipe #2

Materials:
gum arabic
water
plaster of Paris

Directions:
Mix gum arabic with water to dissolve the gum arabic. Add enough plaster of Paris to make a stiff paste.

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using these recipes.

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