Casein glue

Casein glue is a binder and adhesive of organic origin (cheese, milk egg white) The Egyptians used it to glue their wooden chests, and later it was widely used as a color binder. Casein is extracted from milk, which is an emulsion consisting of water, fat, milk sugar and various salts. After recovery, the casein is "washed" thoroughly with water to remove any water-soluble substances. The casein is pressed, dried and crushed into a powder form.

Casein is used for the production of distemper paint, lime casein paint or tempera.

Casein is in itself completely insoluble in water. The actual casein glue is only formed when the casein is added to alkalis, such as, deer antler salt, ammonia water, borax or slaked lime and mixed with water. By adding color to such a solution, a casein glue color is obtained. Casein color is transparent immediately after application, but dries beautifully, matte evenly.

Casein can also be added lime color, thereby increasing the bonding strength of the lime and a stronger surface is obtained. Lime casein is therefore usable on surfaces where the lime does not bind as well as, for example, concrete, trusses, on cement plaster or on plinths. By adding casein, however, the lime is transformed from mineral color to glue color and some of the lime's antiseptic, moisturizing and self-cleaning properties are lost and are therefore recommended primarily for areas where the lime has difficulty binding.