Dammar Gum A

Dammar gum is a natural gum obtained from the Dipterocarpaceae family, native to India and East Asia. It is harvested directly from trees when it still has a resinous consistency or when it is already solidified. It is used to improve paints and adhesives, and is also used in the conservation of works of art.

Properties of dammar gum

Dammar gum is marketed in the form of hardened resin beads or in solid translucent pieces. It is fragile, brittle and ranges in color from light yellow to amber. It has a relatively low melting point (120-150 °C) and is insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol, ether and benzene.

Dissolved with the appropriate components, it can form resistant and glossy films capable of protecting and enhancing various materials. Because of this ability, it is used as a coating for works of art and wooden objects.

Dammar gum is also a powerful natural adhesive, which has historically been used in the manufacture of glues and paints, as it improves the consistency, gloss and adhesion of pigments.

Uses of dammar gum

This natural gum has various industrial applications. These include the following:

• It is often used as a consistency booster for oil paints.
• It is used to glue wood, papers and textiles.
• Preservation and restoration of works of art. When applied on oil paints and paintings on wood, it not only protects them, but also gives them a glossy finish.
• Its soft and pleasant aroma is appreciated in the incense and perfume industry. It is combined with other ingredients to create original fragrances.
• Binding. Thanks to its adhesive power, it is used to reinforce seams and glue pages.
• Ceramics. It is used both to fix decorative elements and to give a shiny finish and increase the resistance of the pieces.