Book Binding Tutorial: Glues
Many bookbinders use PVA as a “one-glue-fits-all” solution for gluing books together. In this tutorial, we examine the various types of adhesives and glues used in the bookbinding industry, as well as their characteristics, suitability for various aspects of the binding process, and application techniques.
Animal Glue (also known as Hide Glue and Animal Protein Glue)
Animal glue, or more specifically, hide glue, is a truly reversible adhesive made from horses, rabbits, and fish. A search for ‘Hide Glue’ on Amazon.com yields some interesting results, including granule, powder, and flake form.
Hide Glue – Produced using the same process as animal glue but using only the skin of animals
Hide Glue has been used as a form of furniture glue by the Egyptians since around 2000 BC, and it is still used today by woodworkers, furniture restorers, and in the production of musical instruments because of its quick setting times and reworkability.
Isinglass – a pure, transparent or translucent form of gelatin
Isinglass is made from the swim/air bladders of fish (such as sturgeons). The fish parts are extracted, dried, and ground up. Gum tragacanth, dissolved in water, can be added to the strained isinglass solution to act as an emulsifier.
Wheat Paste
Wheat paste is one of the most common types of glue used in bookbinding, having been used for over 300 years to bind materials to paper, binding board, and even leather. Because wheat paste has such strong adhesion properties, many book binders choose to add PVA glue to boost its strength.
PVA Glue
PVA stands for Polyvinyl Acetate, a polymer emulsified in water, and was discovered in Germany in 1912 by Fritz Klatteis. PVA is popular with bookbinders because of its quick drying time, long shelf life, and lack of toxicity.
PH Neutral / Acid-Free PVA Glue
The acid-free ‘ranges’ of PVA glue, developed specifically for the Book Binding, Conservation, and Book Repair Industries, are popular among bookbinders. pH neutral PVA glues are pH neutral chemical make-up ideal for bookbinding or restoration projects.
Methyl Cellulose
Methyl Cellulose is a cellulose (plant fiber) derived chemical compound used in bookbinding as a mild glue for delicate works such as affixing silk to boards/paper. It can also be mixed with PVA glue to give more’slip’ and prolong drying time.
History of Adhesive infographic
The NTI Data Products u2013 The History of Adhesive from Horse Glue to Elmer’s to Nano-tech explains the history of adhesives in greater depth. To see the full info graphic, click the image to the right, or go to the NTI website.
Hot Melt Adhesives
I’m not sure, but this video might be useful if you’re looking for information on how to use them.
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What type of glue is used for bookbinding?
PVA is a widely used glue in modern bookbinding, and it is arguably the most widely used adhesive on the market today. PVA gains its strength when water molecules in the liquid glue evaporate, causing repolymerization into a long chain molecule.
What glue is best for binding?
Simply put, PUR is the most durable binding adhesive available, and it works well for ALL perfect bound book projects…regardless of usage, paper stock, or ink type. If quality and durability are important to you, PUR binding is the way to go.
What is book binding glue made of?
Books by Hand pH Neutral PVA Adhesive is a water soluble, solvent-free, acid-free, archival polyvinyl acetate adhesive that adheres to most porous surfaces and can be thinned with water to extend drying time if desired. It should not become brittle with age and adheres to most porous surfaces.
How do you glue book binding?
In a saucepan, dissolve the gelatin in boiling water, stirring constantly until completely dissolved. Stir in the vinegar and glycerin until well combined. Makes 1/3 cup
What is the best glue to fix books?
In a nutshell, the best glue for bookbinding is either Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive or Perfect Paper Adhesive, both of which are flexible and strong enough to easily glue book covers and backs. Perfect Paper Adhesive is a little less expensive, while Lineco Neutral is a higher-end glue.
Is PVA glue the same as white glue?
PVA glue is the most versatile and widely used glue in the store. It is a viscous white liquid u2013 most of us probably knew it as White Glue in school u2013 that is used for papers, cards, fabrics (non-washable), wood, plaster, and much more. It is milky white in the bottle but dries clear.
Can I use tacky glue for book binding?
PVA glue is a liquid, but not all of them are the same. Eileen’s Tacky glue is thick and, as the name implies, tacky. It’s difficult to reposition paper with this glue, but I’ve found that thick glues like this work well on book cover repairs. I prefer to use one of Brodart’s book repair glues when repairing pages.
Which type of acid free adhesive is best for book binding?
Professional quality adhesive is solvent-free, acid-free, water soluble, and dries clear and fast. School Specialty pH Neutral PVA Adhesive of 8 oz capacity is made of archival polyvinyl acetate and is great for bookbinding and paper projects. It should not become brittle with age and adheres to most porous surfaces.
Is wood glue good for book binding?
PVA Glue Sticks (Not suitable for book spines) Regular White/PVA/School glue Most Wood Glues (Although some of them don’t dry clear)
Is PVA a glue?
PVA is a water-based emulsion of a widely used type of glue, referred to variously as wood glue, white glue, carpenter’s glue, school glue, or PVA glue. It was discovered in 1912 by Dr. PVA is made up of a water-based emulsion of a widely used type of glue, referred to variously as wood glue, white glue, carpenter’s glue, school glue, or PVA glue.
What is padding glue?
Padding glue is a type of adhesive commonly used in the graphic arts industry to bind various forms and notepads. It is most commonly used in the manufacture of writing pads or any ‘tear away’ style paper product.
Is Gorilla a glue?
Gorilla Glue is an American brand of polyurethane adhesives best known for their original Gorilla Glue, which was first sold in 1994, but the company has since expanded to include tapes, epoxies, and other adhesives. It is headquartered in Sharonville, Ohio.
How do you bind a book without sewing?
HOW TO SEW A BOOK TOGETHER WITHOUT SEWING
- Rings – use two or three scrapbook rings that can be threaded into the papers, punch holes in your pages, and bind them all with the rings.
- Wire spines – use a wire spine to bind your book.
- Washi tape binding – use washi tape to bind the pages instead of sewing.