glair ( glaire )
The preparation used to secure leaf metal to the
covering material or edges of a book. It consists
basically of egg white and vinegar, or, for the
edges of a book, egg white and water. It may also
be purchased in dry form (dry ALBUMEN ) and then
mixed with vinegar or water. Glair must have the
property (and be of the quality) of melting
immediately upon the application of heat and then
setting quickly upon the removal of heat, so that
the impression of the heated letter or finishing
tool will melt the glair to permit it to hold the
leaf solidly to the surface when the tool is
removed.
Two methods of applying glair are generally
employed. If the slight gloss produced by the
glair is not objectionable, the glair may be
sponged over the entire surface to be tooled, and
would in any case be applied over the entire edge
of the book; however, if the gloss is
objectionable, the design and/or lettering are
tooled in blind and the glair is then applied to
the blind impressions with a GILDER'S TIP . See
also: BLOCKING
POWDER ;SHELLAC
SIZE .
(335 , 339 )
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