Can we talk about using old school hide glue on a modern cabinet door?

I had this client in Boise who wanted a repair on a 1920s built-in, so I figured I'd match the original and use hide glue. Mixed it up in my shop last Tuesday, applied it like normal wood glue. The joint held fine, but the next day the whole panel had this weird wavy look under the finish, like the wood fibers swelled differently. I guess the old timers must have sized the wood first or something. Anyone run into this before and know a good fix?

3 comments

3 Comments

phoenix_carter1mo ago

You might have cooked the glue a bit too hot. Hide glue gets weird if it's over 140 degrees, it can set up brittle and not soak in right. That wavy look sounds like the glue skin formed on top instead of sinking in. Next time try a cooler mix and maybe a light wash coat of dilute glue first to seal the grain.

simonl111mo ago

Glue skin on top" is basically my woodworking brand at this point. I've made so many weird crunchy finishes by rushing the heat.

alicew681mo ago

Try a cooler mix and a light wash coat first, @simonl11, to stop that skin from forming.