catswhiskers Posted August 14, 2021 Share Posted August 14, 2021 Hi all. I'm planning to put new bellows papers on a Lachenal 20 key anglo and I'm wondering if some of the experienced restorers here could advise which would be best glue to use. I'm thinking likely candidates would be PVA craft glue, wallpaper glue or even simple flour and water glue. I'm aware that repairs to vintage instuments should ideally be reversible. Can anybody advise which of these glues is best for the job, or if there is a better alternative. Thanks in advance. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d.elliott Posted August 14, 2021 Share Posted August 14, 2021 I use gum Arabic. I make it up myself with fine granules as sold for glazing cake decorations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catswhiskers Posted August 14, 2021 Author Share Posted August 14, 2021 Thanks Dave. Would that be what the original makers used? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d.elliott Posted August 15, 2021 Share Posted August 15, 2021 I guess something similar or a fish glue? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LateToTheGame Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 I would wonder if using a PVA archival grade glue would be good if you are going PVA, the price difference between the craft stuff and the archival grade is not that significant. It is formulated to have a neutral PH. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d.elliott Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 I think it's about ease of glue release to permit any future bellows repairs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Taylor Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 Lee Valley sell an easy to use fish glue, available by mail order in North America. https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/supplies/adhesives/glue/20019-high-tack-fish-glue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genepinefield Posted August 27, 2021 Share Posted August 27, 2021 Is fish glue so popular that it's easy to get? In Japan, it was only sold at art supplies stores. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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