How to Find the Best Glues for Book Repair
When a book’s spine breaks, it’s simple to repair with the right glue. Mickie Gee is a retired librarian and grandmother who knows a little bit about everything from her childhood to her current life experiences.
How I Found the Correct Glue to Repair a Book
When mending books, I prefer to use glue rather than tape, as long as it is acid-free and flexible; my personal motto has become “saving the world one book at a time.” Please Note: For antiquarian or old, collectible books, you will need specialist advice.
What to Look for in Book Repair Adhesives
PVA (polyvinyl acetate) is used for bookbinding. I am not a professional book restorer; instead, I share my research and book-restoration experiences with friends and family.
My favorite adhesive for repairing books:
I’m using Brodart glue to repair books and damaged pages, and I’m gluing the separated signatures of a paperback cookbook.
My Personal Choices for Book Repair Glue
For book repairs, I prefer to use a PVA (polyvinyl acetate) white glue, as non-acid-free glues will eventually eat away at the paper. Eileen’s Tacky glue is thick and tacky, but difficult to reposition.
A Non-Toxic, Non-Allergen Glue Option
If you have allergies or want to be environmentally friendly, you can use methylcellulose glue, which is typically used with Japanese paper when repairing a torn page. Anna Embree of the University of Alabama developed a nontoxic glue recipe.
Questions & Answers
Elmer’s Craft Bond is a good choice for repairing the spine of a Bible, according to Mickie Gee. Gorilla spray adhesive is not a good glue to use for repairing books, according to Mickie Gee.
Did you discover what you need for your BOOK repair?
Elmer’s Craft Bond glue worked great on my Bible that was falling apart, but if the Bible is an heirloom or very valuable, take it to a professional book restorer. Some of these new found products will be fun to try, because changing your practices always leads to new adventures. Mickie Gee (author) on January 17, 2014:
Make sure you visit my main book repair page at http://www.squidoo.com/BookRepair for more information. Kimberly Schimmel from Greensboro, NC on April 25, 2013:. Mickie Gee (author) on March 06, 2013:.
How do you glue a book back together?
Put a heavy book on it and hold it together with a rubber band for at least 24 hours, then use book tape if necessary; if you tape first, the glue will not dry.
Does Gorilla Glue work on books?
This Gorilla glue book binding is a two-part epoxy adhesive that works well on a variety of materials, including paper and cardboard, and can be used to bind a new book or repair an existing one. It has a strong, fast bond that is permanent and effectively fills gaps.
How do you fix a book that’s falling apart?
Loose Pages Edition: How to Fix Book Binding
- Gather Supplies.
- Cut Your Binder Tape.
- Brush One Side of the Tape with Adhesive and Attach the Tape to the Text Block.
- Set the Loose Pages Aside.
- Apply Your Glue.
- Stick Your Pages Back on the Spine.
- Add Some Heavy Stuff and Let the Book Dry.
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 kind of glue is used for binding books?
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.
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 glue is used in perfect binding?
The choice of adhesive used in the process distinguishes the two types of perfect binding: perfect binding uses ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) adhesives, whereas PUR uses polyurethane reactive (PUR) adhesives.
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.
How much does book repair cost?
With the exception of family Bibles, which typically include an additional cost due to their large size and complexity, most book repair projects cost between $165 and $235.
How much does it cost to get a book Rebound?
How much does it cost to have my Bible rebound in leather? Most Bibles cost between $125 and $175, depending on the type of leather and the amount of text repair required. If you want to repair an existing cover, the cost is usually between $40 and $100.
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.
Can you use hot glue for book binding?
Elmers will work in bookbinding, but hot glue will keep your homemade books in better shape for longer, as it allows the spine to be more flexible, making it easier to open and close.