Sometimes, the best-kept secrets in restoration aren’t the shiniest varnish or the most expensive paint. Sometimes, what truly saves a piece is something much simpler, yet packed with history. Today, I want to tell you about one of those secrets that our ancestors swore by and that we still use today at Taller de Restauración La Barbacana: fish glue.
Yes, you read that right. The adhesive that our forebears extracted from certain fish bladders has remained one of the most reliable adhesives in the restoration of antique furniture and artifacts. It may not sound glamorous, but trust me—if your 19th-century table is still standing, you probably have fish glue to thank.
What is fish glue and why is it so special?
Fish glue is a natural adhesive that’s been used for centuries, especially in woodworking and furniture restoration. So why not use modern glue, you ask? Because fish glue has a unique advantage: it’s reversible. This means that if you ever need to dismantle or restore the piece again, you can do so without damaging the wood or the furniture itself. This feature is crucial when working with antiques that have often already undergone several rounds of restoration.
I remember when a Louis XV-style chair came into our workshop. It was in terrible shape, with several pieces coming apart and barely holding together. Using a synthetic adhesive would have been a crime. Instead, we turned to the trusted fish glue, which not only helped bond the pieces without altering the authenticity of the wood but also respected the historical integrity of the chair.
How do you use fish glue?
The process starts with preparing the glue, which usually comes in dry flakes or sheets. These are dissolved in water and heated until they form a uniform mixture. This is where patience comes in: the glue is applied while hot, which means you have to work quickly and with precision. Once applied, it’s left to dry, and in the end, the piece is as strong as if it had just left a master carpenter’s shop 200 years ago.
But the real magic lies in the patience and care it requires. It’s not just a slap-it-on-and-go kind of process—you need a deep understanding of both the wood and the adhesive. But when the work is done, the results are flawless.
Fish glue in modern restoration
Although this adhesive has an ancient origin, it remains the preferred choice for many professional and amateur restorers. Not just because of its effectiveness, but also because it respects traditional techniques. Every time we use fish glue at Taller de Restauración La Barbacana, we feel like we’re helping history stand tall, piece by piece.
So, if you have an antique piece that needs repair, or if you’re interested in learning more about classic restoration techniques, remember: what’s held our furniture together for centuries can still do so today.Want to learn more about using fish glue and other classic restoration techniques? Don’t hesitate to visit us at Taller de Restauración La Barbacana. You can also explore more stories and restoration tips on our La Barbacana blog or check out our restoration products shop to find the materials you need.
And don’t forget to follow us on social media for more tips and videos about restoration! Find us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and watch our restorations in action on our YouTube channel.
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