How do most people usually clean up hide glue on projects, immediately with damp cloth, or let it set up for a wile, and then roll it off?
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Double Bass Cleaning up hide glue
- Thread starter ctregan
- Start date
Yes. 
I clean as much as possible immediately, with a damp cloth, or sometimes a brush with hot water, but invariably some is left, which I hope to get off while it is still gel, instead of a rock-hard mess.
And if it is a rock-hard mess?
I try to use a sharp chisel, if the project is in the white, and hopefully, if it was a varnished instrument, the glue will not stick to the varnish too badly.
I clean as much as possible immediately, with a damp cloth, or sometimes a brush with hot water, but invariably some is left, which I hope to get off while it is still gel, instead of a rock-hard mess.
And if it is a rock-hard mess?
I try to use a sharp chisel, if the project is in the white, and hopefully, if it was a varnished instrument, the glue will not stick to the varnish too badly.
+1
i get busy cleaning the corners and tight spots first, damp rag wrapped on thin flexible narrow rule, whatever it takes to get behind the stem in the spool clamps etc. seems like when it gels it gets to be a real mess..it says to me i didn't work fast enough
i get busy cleaning the corners and tight spots first, damp rag wrapped on thin flexible narrow rule, whatever it takes to get behind the stem in the spool clamps etc. seems like when it gels it gets to be a real mess..it says to me i didn't work fast enough
Jake deVilliers
Commercial User
- May 24, 2006
- 6,349
- 607
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- Owner of The Bass Spa, String Repairman at Long & McQuade Vancouver
As far as I'm concerned, hide has to come off right away. It pulls so hard as it dries that it will pull the finish off older instruments...
Hide glue is also used in art to intentionally shatter glass into patterns. A thin layer is applied and as it dries, it shrinks and buckles the glass. If too much is left on any varnished surface, you'll have the same effect. Clean it off of any varnished surface immediately with hot water and pat dry with a cloth or paper towel. As far as removing it from unfinished wood, you can use hot water for most, but sometimes a little white vinegar mixed in can help loosen stubborn old glue that won't readily dissolve.
I use a hot water brush that is not overly wet followed by a paper towel if it is gelled, I might start with the towel if it is still liquid. I like to use a shard of plate glass to scrape off old glue from unvarnished surfaces and save the real scrapers and chisels for wood.
Pardon a couple dumb questions, but I need to get some hide glue to put bumpers on my bass, and maybe a few other minor repairs.
Where do I buy it?
Is there a particular brand name I should look for?
Am I correct in assuming that Gorilla Glue or Elmer's would be injurious to my bass?
Why? Too strong? Too permanent?
Thanks. . .I warned you that they would be dumb questions.
Where do I buy it?
Is there a particular brand name I should look for?
Am I correct in assuming that Gorilla Glue or Elmer's would be injurious to my bass?
Why? Too strong? Too permanent?
Thanks. . .I warned you that they would be dumb questions.
Thanks. Funny how things here seem to have led back to where I started with the bumper/hide glue questions: our friend Paul Warburton!
