How to Prepare Isinglass

Isinglass is a gelatin-based glue used as an adhesive in art conservation, for preserving parchment, or as a clarifying agent in alcoholic drinks. Although you can purchase prepared isinglass, you can also make it yourself. As long as you...

Part 1 of 3:

Soaking the Bladders

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Purchase dried and unclotted sturgeon swim bladders. You can purchase sturgeon bladders online or from some artist supply stores. Before using the bladders, inspect them to make sure they're free of blood clots and other large blemishes.^{[1] X Research source}
1. Hake, cod, or other fish with swim bladders can work as an alternative. Sturgeon bladders are, however, most commonly used.^{[2] X Research source}
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Put the swim bladders in a container filled with room temperature water. The amount of water should be in an approximate 1:10 swim bladder-to-water ratio. Place the container somewhere that it can sit undisturbed while the water softens the swim bladders.
1. A glass container is ideal so you can keep an eye on the swim bladders while they soak.
2. Pour the water and swim bladders into a container with mL markings on the side. This will help you pour the water more accurately.
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Soak the swim bladders for 24 hours. Let the swim bladders soak for approximately 1 day. After 24 hours, the swim bladders should be easily pulled apart and spongy to the touch.^{[3] X Research source}
1. Cutting the swim bladders into smaller pieces can help the isinglass soak up water.
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Knead the swim bladders into a thick paste. Using your hands, work the swim bladders into a paste. Continue kneading until the paste is a consistent, doughy texture and contains no larger chunks.^{[4] X Research source}
1. Leave the swim bladders in the container while you knead them.
2. If you have smaller flakes in the paste that you can't work out with your hands, don't worry. These inconsistencies will be filtered out after boiling.

Part 2 of 3:

Simmering the Paste

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Set up a double boiler. Fill the bottom part halfway with water, then set it on a stovetop burner. Place the top part of the double boiler onto the bottom part.^{[5] X Research source}
1. If you don't have a double boiler, you can make one as an alternative. To make your own double boiler, fill a pot with water and put it over your stovetop. Place a thick wooden block in the water. Set a glass beaker on top of the wooden block to keep it afloat while you boil the swim bladder paste.
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Fill the glass beaker or double boiler with the swim bladder paste and water. This water should be the same water you used to fill the container while the swim bladders soaked. Do not add more water, as too much can dilute the paste.
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Let the swim bladder paste simmer at 140 °F (60 °C). Turn on the stovetop to begin heating the paste. Keep the temperature consistent, as overheating the paste can damage its consistency. Use a thermometer to monitor the water temperature, checking it every few minutes as needed.^{[6] X Research source}
1. Keep a glass of cold water on hand to cool the water in the bottom part of the double boiler if necessary.^{[7] X Research source}
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Stir the swim bladder paste for 45 minutes. Use your thermometer or a spoon to stir the paste for about 45 minutes. Continue stirring until the paste completely dissolves and turns the water a milky white color.^{[8] X Research source}
1. You should stir the swim bladder paste consistently for the entire 45 minutes.

Part 3 of 3:

Filtering and Drying Isinglass

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Filter the isinglass glue through a nylon stocking. Place a nylon stocking over the top of a glass container and pour the isinglass glue into it. The stocking should catch any residual inconsistencies and help make the glue smooth.^{[9] X Research source}
1. If you do not have a nylon stocking, you can use a cheesecloth or a coffee filter as an alternative.
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Pour the glue onto a non-stick mylar sheet. Place the mylar sheet on a flat surface where it can stay for 1-2 days undisturbed. Spread the glue over the mylar sheet with a spoon or spatula to prevent areas of pooling that will take longer to dry.^{[10] X Research source}
1. As an alternative, you can also pour the isinglass glue in small, even dots. This will remove the need to cut the sheet later on.^{[11] X Research source}
2. Although a mylar sheet is traditional, you can also spread the isinglass over a polyester plastic sheet as an alternative.
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Let the isinglass dry for 12-24 hours. Depending on the room's temperature, drying the isinglass should take between 12-24 hours. Leave the isinglass undisturbed while it dries to prevent damaging or contaminating it.^{[12] X Research source}
1. Set up a plastic cover over the isinglass to keep it away from dust and impurities.
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Cut the dried isinglass into pieces. Isinglass is easier to store if you cut it in pieces instead of a large sheet. The isinglass pieces should be a size small enough for all of them to fit in your storage container.^{[13] X Research source}
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Store the isinglass in an airtight container. Isinglass will keep best if tightly sealed in a cool, dry atmosphere like a pantry or cupboard. Leave the isinglass in storage until you're ready to use it. If stored correctly, isinglass can keep for up to several years.^{[14] X Research source}
1. Isinglass is traditionally used for clarifying alcoholic drinks, restoring art, and conserving parchment.

Marvin Fry

Update 24 March 2020

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