how to repair a broken book spine

^{To Reattach a Book Spine}

• Brace the book with weights on either side so that the spine is horizontal to the table.
• Measure a piece of tape and cut it to be just slightly shorter than the length of your book.
• Fold the piece of tape in half lengthwise (hotdog, not hamburger).
• Before peeling off the backing, use a bit of your PVA glue to glue the tape together so that you’ve made archival-quality double-sided tape.
• Once the glue has dried, remove the backing from your tape and lay it down the length of your spine.
• Lay the broken piece of spine down over the tape and use a bone folder to smooth.
• Wrap the book with a T-shirt or bandage to make sure the tape holds. The book should be ready to be used in a few hours.

How to break a book spine?

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife or razor blade
• Tweezers
• Needle nose pliers

What is the best glue for a book repair?

Top 7 Best Glue for Book Binding 2021

1. Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy. You can’t tell me that you haven’t heard of this brand name before. ...
2. Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive. Lineco is surely a brand that most people do not hear much about. ...
3. Gane Yes Paste All-Purpose Stik Flat Glue. ...
4. Books by Hand pH Neutral PVA Adhesive. ...
5. Mont Marte PVA Glue Craft Glue. ...
6. Mash Bookbinding Tape. ...
7. Patco Archival Book Repair Tape. ...

How to glue a book spine?

• Glue your reinforcing pages first and finish the job by gluing the actual split line. ...
• If you are simply using the nozzle to bead the glue into the joint, finish by wedging a piece of wax paper lightly into the joint over the glue. ...
• Turn to the next page and smooth over the glue with a straight edge tool for an even and flat dried surface. ...

More items...

How to repair old books?

Li has been restoring books for the past 13 years, starting in her now-closed bookstore called The Book Attic. These days, her home in Discovery Bay is where she repairs everything from teenagers’ mouldy books to ancient manuscripts and even Qing dynasty paintings. From a young age, Li has always been an avid reader.

How do you fix a split spine in a book?

0:342:32How to Repair Broken Book Hinges - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext cut a piece of single stitch binder tape to the length of the books contents. Apply theMoreNext cut a piece of single stitch binder tape to the length of the books contents. Apply the adhesive to one surface of the tape or two adjacent flaps.

How do you glue the back of a book spine?

0:002:22How to Repair a Book's Binding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThem remove the loose pages and spread a thin layer of glue over the spine using a popsicle stick.MoreThem remove the loose pages and spread a thin layer of glue over the spine using a popsicle stick. Then align the loose pages over the glue. And press them into the spine.

What is the best glue for repairing books?

Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) Glue For bookbinding or repairing books, the best glue for bookbinding is good PVA glue, not only is it very effective, but it can also be found in any craft or art supply store.

How do you fix a broken book spine in paperback?

Extend the life of a paperback book by making simple repairs with glue and tape.Repair paper tears with clear document-repair tape. ... Reattach pages that have separated from the inner spine. ... Mend tears in the book cover with linen book-binding tape. ... Reattach the cover if it has separated from the spine.

Can I superglue a book spine?

Apply Your Glue Open your book and squeeze a thin layer of glue inside the spine of the book where the pages have loosened. Then use your bone folder/popsicle stick/knitting needle to spread the glue. The goal is to have an even, thin layer of glue on the spine.

What is spine glue?

This spine glue is an EVA hot melt designed for use as a one-shot book binding adhesive. It binds well to a variety of difficult bind covers and coated stocks.

What kind of glue is used in books?

PVA AdhesiveBooks by Hand pH Neutral PVA Adhesive is water soluble, solvent-free, acid-free, quality adhesive made of archival polyvinyl acetate. It can be thinned with water to extend drying time if desired. It should not become brittle with age and adheres to most porous surfaces. Ideal for bookbinding and paper projects.

Can I use wood glue to repair a book?

Here are some of the better versions of PVA glue that you can use for repairing a book: Wood glue, but it might turn a yellow color when dried. Any white PVA glue that you will find in a school.

What type of glue is used for bookbinding?

PVAPVA is a very popular glue in modern bookbinding practices and arguably the most popular adhesive that exists on the market today.

Can you rebind a paperback book?

0:5418:22Paperback Book Repair: Save Your Books - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you get past the pulp fiction era novels these modern paperbacks are bound with petroleum-basedMoreOnce you get past the pulp fiction era novels these modern paperbacks are bound with petroleum-based glues which can often be reactivated with heat.

How do you use book repair tape?

Place the tape face down (sticky side up) on a flat surface, then carefully lay the closed book on the tape so that there is an overhang at both top of and bottom. If the book spine is very wide it may be easier to apply the tape directly to the spine, again keeping the overhang at top and bottom and at both sides.

How do I get my book restored?

5:347:42How 100-Year-Old Books Are Professionally Restored | RefurbishedYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to be gluing all of those materials you're going to glue that mull and that littleMoreYou're going to be gluing all of those materials you're going to glue that mull and that little hinge and you're gluing that decorative end sheet back and then you're going to close the cover.

How do you reattach a paperback cover?

0:332:22How to Fix Paperback Covers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace wax paper inside the front and back covers. Then use the paste brush to apply adhesive to theMorePlace wax paper inside the front and back covers. Then use the paste brush to apply adhesive to the spine of the book and replace the signatures. Wrap the book with an age band.

How do you glue book pages together?

2:319:10Altered Books-Gluing Pages - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo try to choose a glue that stays flexible any of the white glues works well put a little bit ofMoreSo try to choose a glue that stays flexible any of the white glues works well put a little bit of water with. It. So that you can get it a little bit easier to brush on okay.

How do you bind a book?

0:231:51How to Bind a Book - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne on either side of the center dot each about halfway between the center dot and the edge of theMoreOne on either side of the center dot each about halfway between the center dot and the edge of the page. Step 4 punch a hole with the awl through all of the sheets of paper at each dot.

How to repair a book that has separated from the spine?

If the pages of a hardcover book have separated from the spine, first use glue to reattach them. Let the glue dry for about a day, and then seal the repair with an outer layer of tape.

How to protect a book spine?

If you know a book will get a lot of use, such as a bestselling novel at a library or a children's textbook, take time to protect the spine from damage. Heavy duty label protectors and book-protection tape can be adhered to book spines before they go into circulation. Using hinge tape extends the life of the spine by providing extra support each time the book is opened or closed. You can even apply book repair tape to the inside corners where the cover meets the first pages for added security.

How many words are in a book if it's ripped?

Most novels today run between 280-320 pages. That usually means about 75,000 to 110,000 words, depending on font, page spacing, and the page size.

Can a book spine be salvageable?

Eventually, a cracked book spine will begin to lose pages. If the issue isn't handled quickly and carefully, the book may not be salvageable.

Can you repair a book with tape?

Proper repair methods can help prevent further wear. In general, book repair tape can seal any cracks that might have appeared on the spine.

Take Preventative Measures

Before we get into the different tips and tools for repairing book spines, you should make sure you take some preventative measures, so you never let a book get too deep in a hole with damage.

Try To Catch Damage Early

Another tip to maintain a collection of books is to try and detect damage as early as possible, so the book repair process is easier to handle. The best way to catch book damage is for there to be regular inspection and communication with the patrons who are using the books, so you can take the necessary steps and do so correctly.

Gather the Necessary Materials

When you do spot any damage to a book and repair is required, the first thing you should do is gather all the materials you will need. Especially for book spine repair, you will need to take care of the book’s hinge with the following supplies:

Book Spine Repair Steps

Now that you have all the supplies to repair a book’s spine, you can move onto the actual repair process. Follow these steps for book hinge repair:

Update from April 2021

This book repair tape can also protect new books that you know will be getting used every day, such as school books or books in your office. We have several articles and videos on the the best book repair process, but if you have specific questions give us a call at (800) 256-0435 and we will help you pick the best product for you!

How to fix a book that is stuck to the spine?

Grab your larger rubber bands, use them to secure the book, and let the whole thing dry overnight. The bands can help ensure that the adhesive is drying evenly and that the tabs are laying flat against both the text block and the spine. Once it is dry, take off the rubber bands, remove the waxed paper, and open your book carefully so that it has time to acclimate to the repair.

How to repair a hinge on a book?

Then grab your scissors and trim away any loose paper or threads. Now you’re ready to get started. 1.

How to put wax paper on a book?

Take your waxed paper and place it on top of the text block while also in the spine. It should be on top of the binder tape you’ve glued into the book and under the binder tape that has not yet been glued. Then apply adhesive to the two tabs, gently bring up the cover so the edge of it fits along the seam of the tape, and press the spine against one tab. You can tell you have done this correctly if you pull the cover up and the spine lays flat against the tab.

How to make a book cover with wax paper?

Take your waxed paper and place it on top of the text block while also in the spine. It should be on top of the binder tape you’ve glued into the book and under the binder tape that has not yet been glued. Then apply adhesive to the two tabs, gently bring up the cover so the edge of it fits along the seam of the tape, and press the spine against one tab. You can tell you have done this correctly if you pull the cover up and the spine lays flat against the tab.

How to keep a book tight?

Keep the Book Tight with Rubber Bands and Let it Dry Overnight. Grab your larger rubber bands, use them to secure the book, and let the whole thing dry overnight. The bands can help ensure that the adhesive is drying evenly and that the tabs are laying flat against both the text block and the spine.

Why not use the height of the book cover?

Why not use the height of the book cover? Because the text block is almost always shorter and if you base your measurement on the book cover, you are likely to end up with way too much tape.

How to make a book with loose pages?

You will need to remove the loose pages carefully. Then set them aside in a safe space where they will not come into contact with the glue. Keep them in the correct order so that you do not glue them back in out of order. 3. Apply Your Glue. Now, apply the glue.

What happens to old hardcover books?

The book cloth becomes frayed, torn, or cracked and the spine piece may separate completely from the boards. This damage necessitates a repair which will conserve and recreate the original binding structure as much as possible.

Where were the head and tail ends of the new spine piece wrapped?

The head and tail ends of the new spine piece construction were wrapped and secured to the interior edges of the boards and the cloth near the spine was pressed and smoothed down.

What material was used to make the spine cover?

Materials were selected to build a new, durable, spine covering. Using PVA, Pre-toned Japanese paper that nearly matched the color of the original green cloth was adhered to a swatch of linen; followed by the new spine piece board.

Step 1: The Stuff

You can repair books with gaffer's tape, packing tape, white glue and denim, whatever but if you want your repair to look like a "book" you'll need book binding cloth and PVA glue. You can order those online or find them at most any scrap-booking store. The PVA glue is designed to bond paper like no other glue I have ever encountered and book binders cloth is designed to take a lot of abuse from handling and bending as well as having a paper backing that lends itself to working with PVA. You'll also need a broken book to repair.

Step 2: Measure and Cut

The only thing to remember is that since the book will bend in a coupe places you need to account for this when you measure and cut your cloth. You'll also want to leave just a little extra to fold over for a more finished look.

Step 3: Glue in the Spine

I chose to glue the spine to the book binders cloth first. This could have been done differently. The only critical thing to remember is to not glue the spine to the book itself.

Step 4: Repair the Binding

After attaching the spine simply line up the cloth and glue first one side and then the other to the cover. You might want to use a bone burnisher to smooth things out but it isn't really necessary on such a simple repair. I wrapped my cloth fairly snug to help hold the book together.

Step 5: Back in Business

Return the beloved book back to your child's library and see them smile. My little girl was very happy to have her book back. She'd been looking for it for a couple days while I was mending it.

What to do if there is a gap in the spine of a book?

If there is a gap all along the entire spine of the book, you’ll need to flip the book over so it’s resting on its top and repeat the process.

How to fix a book that is falling apart?

Is your favorite book falling apart or shedding pages or its cover? It easier than you think to repair your book! Using a book or binding glue can help you reattach pages that have come loose from the book. You can also use that glue to tighten up any space that has appeared between the text block – the chunk of pages that make up your book – and the spine of the book. Binder tape is a great way to reattach a cover that’s started to fall off.

How to make a book cover with glue?

Apply a thin layer of the glue. Open the book and squeeze some glue onto the inside of the book’s spine, where the pages have pulled away. Using a popsicle stick, spread the glue so that it covers the spine evenly.

How to make a book with acid?

1. Purchase an acid-free book or binding glue. Most craft or hobby stores carry book or binding glue. It usually comes in a tall, thin tube. Make sure you purchase an acid-free glue: if you use a glue with acid in it, it can cause the pages of your book to disintegrate or eat away at the spine of the book. 2.

How to fix a book binding?

The best way to repair a book’s binding depends on what’s wrong with it. If pages have fallen out of your book, you can use an acid-free book or binding glue to reattach them. Remove the loose pages and spread a thin layer of glue over the spine using a popsicle stick.

How to put pages back on a book?

Make sure you have them in the right order first! Then carefully line up the top and bottom of each set of pages so they’re even with the pages still attached to the spine of the book. Firmly press the edge of the set of pages to the spine so that the edge evenly attached to the spine.

What do you need to make a spine?

1. Gather your equipment. You’ll need book adhesive, knitting needles or plastic rods (for applying the adhesive), wax paper, and a piece of flat plastic. It’s best if your adhesive is in a tall bottle, since this will allow you to cover the needles or plastic rods for application to the spine. 2.