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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 have 3 days, dried fish swim bladders, and a double boiler, you'll be able to make your own isinglass.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Soaking the Bladders

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  1. 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.
    • Hake, cod, or other fish with swim bladders can work as an alternative. Sturgeon bladders are, however, most commonly used.[1]
  2. 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.
    • A glass container is ideal so you can keep an eye on the swim bladders while they soak.
    • 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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  3. 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.[2]
    • Cutting the swim bladders into smaller pieces can help the isinglass soak up water.
  4. 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.
    • Leave the swim bladders in the container while you knead them.
    • 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.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Simmering the Paste

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  1. 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.
    • 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.[3]
    • Keep a glass of cold water on hand to cool the water in the bottom part of the double boiler if necessary.
  4. 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.
    • You should stir the swim bladder paste consistently for the entire 45 minutes.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Filtering and Drying Isinglass

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  1. 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.
    • If you do not have a nylon stocking, you can use a cheesecloth or a coffee filter as an alternative.
  2. 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.
    • 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.
    • Although a mylar sheet is traditional, you can also spread the isinglass over a polyester plastic sheet as an alternative.
  3. 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.[4]
    • Set up a plastic cover over the isinglass to keep it away from dust and impurities.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.[5]
    • Isinglass is traditionally used for clarifying alcoholic drinks, restoring art, and conserving parchment.
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Tips

  • Preparing isinglass should take approximately 3 days. Plan ahead to make sure you have isinglass when you need it.[6]
  • If you don't have the time to prepare isinglass, you can also buy it in a prepared form.[7]
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Warnings

  • Because isinglass is made from fish swim bladders, it is not vegetarian. Do not use isinglass to change your wine's consistency if you're a vegetarian.[8]
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Things You'll Need

  • Sturgeon, hake, or cod swim bladder
  • Water
  • Glass beaker
  • Double boiler
  • Thermometer
  • Spoon
  • Nylon stocking
  • Non-stick mylar sheet
  • Plastic cover
  • Sharp knife or scissors

About This Article

wikiHow Staff
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 31,086 times.
14 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: February 17, 2024
Views: 31,086
Categories: Artwork
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 31,086 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Melanie Melancon

    Melanie Melancon

    Jan 21, 2021

    "For years, I had been thinking that Isinglass was a mineral substance, like Mica. Way off! Thanks for the..." more
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