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BHA Chinese Art Supplies

Mingjiao Gelatin Glue for Chinese Painting

Mingjiao Gelatin Glue for Chinese Painting

Regular price $5.99 USD
Regular price $7.99 USD Sale price $5.99 USD
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Mingjiao Chinese painting glue is a professional-grade medium specifically designed for color mixing in traditional Chinese painting. Unlike Western watercolors that use gum Arabic, Chinese colors are formulated with gelatin, and Mingjiao Gelatin Glue offers the highest quality available. This water-based glue is made from refined bone gelatin, crystal clear and bright, with virtually all impurities removed. Its superior transparency preserves the chroma and value of colors during mixing, making it an essential medium for painting on Chinese rice paper, especially for thick applications.

Usage Instructions: To liquify the glue:

  1. Soak one part of glue crystals in four parts of cold water until it fully expands (usually overnight).

  2. Add six parts of hot water at 176°F (80°C) and stir until dissolved. (Tip: For small quantities, place the container in hot water to maintain the temperature but do NOT boil it.)

Once the glue has dissolved, it is ready to use. You can adjust the consistency by adding water as needed for mixing with pigment. Store any leftover glue in a bottle and re-melt it by heating when needed.

Paper Sizing for Gongbi Painting: Mingjiao Gelatin Glue can also be used as a paper sizing solution when mixed with alum and water to prepare rice paper for Gongbi (meticulous) painting. Below is a common formula for creating alum-glue water:

  • Mingjiao Glue: 7 parts

  • Alum: 3 parts

  • Water: 30 to 40 parts

Example Mixture:

  • 1-1/2 teaspoons of glue

  • 3/4 teaspoon of alum

  • 1 cup of water

Please test the mixture on a small piece of paper before applying to your artwork.

Additional Uses:

  1. Pigment Binder: Mix with pigment powders as a traditional binding glue for Chinese colors. 

  2. Ink Marbling: add gelatin glue water into liquid ink (ratio 1:3) to control ink flow, or marbling effect with water. 
  3. Prevent Bleeding During Wet Mounting: To prevent watercolor or ink from bleeding during wet mounting, apply gelatin glue water to the back of the painting (place the artwork face down on felt) and let it dry before wet mounting.

Weight: 10g/bag

Note: Mingjiao Gelatin Glue is ideal for preserving the vibrancy of colors and ensuring they maintain their integrity when applied to rice paper, making it a preferred choice for professional and aspiring artists alike.

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