Non-toxic Pigments, Mica Powders and Mediums
PrintArtist's Glue Paints
Glues used for paints can be divided into three categories, plant based, animal based or polymer based. Here we
provide a recipe for making Hide Glue Paint, as well as a simple glue based craft paint.
Ingredients
- 1 part Hide Glue or Rabbit Skin Glue Granules
- 10 parts water
- Clove Oil (optional)
- Pigment
This produces a very tough, quick drying paint as well as a glue solution for gesso grounds. Soak the glue granules
in water at least ½ hour. Warm in a double boiler until the glue dissolves. The temperature should be 140ºF but should
not exceed 180ºF. Hide glue can be reheated, but will lose strength with subsequent reheatings. Keep the solution
warm while using it, and lengthen with warm water. For use as a paint to mix with pigments, add pigments directly to
the glue solution until desired color is achieved. A drop of Clove Oil in prepared paints helps to preserve and
impart a pleasant smell. Refer to our Buckskin and Leather section for using hide glue for Native American
Arts.
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Ingredients
- 1 part bottled white glue
- 1 to 2 parts water
- Pigment from 1-20%
An easy but highly effective craft paint can be created using Elmer's™ glue or any PVA based white glue. Mix water and glue,
adding pigments until desired color is achieved, not exceeding a ratio of 20% by volume. Although glue is white when wet, glue
and pigment colors will clarify when dry.
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