As a common material used for the restoration of murals, animal glue has the advantages of being non-toxic, pollution-free and compatible well with murals, but it also has the disadvantages such as poor water resistance and vulnerability to microbial erosion. In order to explore the performances of animal glue used for the restoration of murals, oxhide gelatin and gelatin (chemically pure) were selected and characterized as experimental objects in the laboratory. The results show that oxhide gelatin with a mass fraction greater than or equal to 1% and less than or equal to 3% has a high moisture vapor transmission rate, moderate adhesive strength and good permeability as well as little influence on the glossiness and chroma of murals, so it is more suitable for the restoration practice of murals in Mogao Grottoes.