Homemade WoodGlue

2023.08.21. joetheboss Knowledge Store 0

homemade PVA gule

WoodGlue

Homemade WoodGlue – Casein Glue (Casein Adhesive)

Casein glue is a glue made from casein. Similar to hide glue, it is of animal origin, but unlike hide glue, it can be used cold and is more resistant to moisture, making it a versatile adhesive. In the woodworking industry, it was widely used before the spread of synthetic adhesives, primarily as a binder for paints, especially in art (e.g., tempera) applications.

Production and Use:

Casein is a phosphorus-containing protein that makes up the majority of milk proteins, where it is present as a suspension. Casein can be precipitated from milk using acid or biological souring. To produce 1 kg of dry casein, 60-70 liters of milk are needed.

Homemade casein glue can be produced from lean cottage cheese. The cottage cheese is mixed with “fatty” cultured buttermilk in a 5:1 ratio, resulting in a constant, viscous, sticky substance that slowly solidifies into a glassy, honey-like material during continuous and vigorous stirring. This mixture is then diluted with water if necessary.

Casein glue is also available in the commercial market in the form of dry powder, which needs to be dissolved in cold water. Enamel or wooden containers are used for this purpose. Initially, three-quarters of the weight of the glue powder is mixed with a corresponding amount of water, and then more water is added gradually while continuously stirring the solution. Mixing and water addition are continued with short breaks until the casein particles are completely dissolved. At this point, the water content of the solution is 1.2 to 1.8 times the weight of the glue powder. The adhesive is then allowed to rest for fifteen minutes and must be used within half an hour. Dried casein glue cannot be re-diluted with water.

In modeling, almost every case requires some type of adhesive, whether it’s CA (cyanoacrylate), epoxy, hot glue, or any kind of woodworking glue, such as plain white glue, which is a PVA adhesive.

When creating models using wood materials, you will likely use wood glue (white glue), especially if you’ve been modeling for some time. Recently, I found a description of how to make WoodGlue at home. It’s surprisingly simple and likely much cheaper than buying it from a store. For those who are inclined and have the opportunity, here are the following recipes to try out:

 

Non-Toxic Strong Milk-Based Homemade WoodGlue:

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup hot water
  • 2 tablespoons dry milk powder or 1/4 cup warm milk
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1/8 – 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • Additional water to achieve desired consistency

Preparation:

  1. Dissolve the milk powder in hot water. If using regular warm milk, start with that.
  2. Mix in the vinegar. You’ll notice a chemical reaction occurring as the milk separates into curds and whey. Continue stirring until the milk is completely separated.
  3. Strain the mixture through a coffee filter or paper towel. Discard the liquid (whey) and keep the solid curds.
  4. Mix the curds with a small amount of baking soda (about 1/8 teaspoon) and 1 teaspoon of hot water. The reaction between the baking soda and leftover vinegar will cause some fizzing and bubbling.
  5. Adjust the glue’s consistency as needed. If the glue is lumpy, add a bit more baking soda. If it’s too thick, mix in more water.
  6. Store the glue in a covered container. It can be kept on the countertop for 1-2 days or refrigerated for up to 1-2 weeks.

Cornstarch-Based Homemade WoodGlue:

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3/4 cup cold water

Preparation:

  1. In a saucepan, mix water, corn syrup, and vinegar.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water to form a smooth mixture.
  4. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the boiling corn syrup solution.
  5. Bring the glue mixture back to a boil and continue cooking for 1 minute.
  6. Remove the glue from heat and let it cool. Store in a sealed container.

No-Cook Strong Homemade WoodGlue:

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup flour
  • Water
  • Pinch of salt

Preparation:

  1. Mix water into the flour until you achieve the desired sticky consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, add a bit more flour.
  2. Mix in a pinch of salt. This helps prevent mold growth.
  3. Store the glue in a sealed container.

Flour and Water-Based WoodGlue:

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2-1 cup cold water

Preparation:

  1. Mix flour and cold water in a saucepan. Use equal amounts of flour and water to make a thick paste, and add more water for a strong glue consistency.
  2. Heat the mixture until it boils and thickens. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more water. Remember that the mixture will thicken as it cools.
  3. Remove from heat. Add colorant if desired. Store the glue in a sealed container.

Paper-Based WoodGlue:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 5 cups hot water

Preparation:

  1. Mix the flour into the water until it’s smooth and lump-free.
  2. Mix this mixture into the hot water to create a thick glue solution.
  3. Allow the paper mache glue to cool before use. If not using immediately, add a pinch of salt to prevent mold and store in a sealed container.