Gelatin
glue is used to size papers to make them
suitable for painting or to decrease
fragility. Unsized papers are very absorbant
and prevent paints and inks from being
manipulated upon the surface. Traditionally
paper was sized with ox-hide glue or
other animal hide solutions, which can
still be found in Chinese and Japanese
handmade papers. Most common sizes are
made of gelatin or polymers and the ratios
depend on what kind of paper is desired.
To much sizing and the paper will repell
paint and appear blochy. Not enough sizing
will dull the paint and diffuse areas
of color.
Ingredients:
1.5 leaves leaf gelatin
1 gallon water
OR
1/2 oz. powdered gelatin
1 gallon water
Directions:
First soak the leaf gelatin in one pint
of water until the gelatin swells to
three times its original thickness. Warm
the gelatin and water in a double boiler
until gelatin dissolves. Pour this solution
into remaining water.
To use the gelatin sizing, pour into
a tray large enough to lay the paper
flat. Immerse the paper for two hours.
After removing paper from tray, blot
carefully and hang up to dry. As an alternative,
brush the solution onto the paper. To
further protect and harden the size,
you may spray with a 4% formaldehyde
solution.
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