how to repair a hardcover book

To Repair a Broken Cover

• Brace the book with weights so that the spine is horizontal to the table. (You want to be able to work on the length of the spine.)
• Cut a piece of tape the length of the book.
• Center your tape on the spine if your book and gently wrap it over the spine.
• For additional support, follow the above instructions for repairing a sagging book block above.

Full Answer

How to rebind a hardcover book?

Step 1: What You Will Need

• Decorative paper (for the end papers)
• Binders board (a compact sort of cardboard. ...
• Book-cloth (This is special cloth with a paper backing that prevents glue from coming up through the fibers. ...
• Glue (traditionally, bookbinders use wheat paste, a slow drying glue made from vegetable starch and water. ...
• Cheese cloth (used to reinforce the spine)

Do hardcover books really last longer than paperback?

In general, hardcovers should always outlast paperbacks. However there are cases of hardcover books that were produced with inferior bindings, or inferior paper, and which will fall apart as quickly as the cheapest mass-market paperback. Cheap mass-market paperbacks will typically last about 20-30 years under normal conditions.

How to unbind a hardcover book?

• Book (hardcover in this case) At this point I can only really guarantee how to do this with a loose spine, but with some patience you should be able to ...
• exacto knife
• extra blades
• small knitting needle or metal rod

How to open a new hardcover book?

• 70 Easy to edit PowerPoint Templates formatted for Hardcovers
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• PowerPoint Cover Template in 5 sizes with 3 sample page lengths
• PSD Cover Templates in 5 sizes with 3 sample page lengths
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How do you restore a hardcover book?

1: Place a piece of wax paper underneath the ripped page. 2: Using your fine brush and just a tiny amount of glue, paint the glue over the tear. 3: Place another piece of wax paper over the tear, and press the bone folder over the tear to make sure the glue gets good contact and to get rid of any bubbles.

What is the proper adhesive for repairing a damaged book spine?

Elmer's makes a glue called Elmer's Craft Bond, an acid-free, flexible-drying product. I absolutely recommend this glue for repairing every-day, well-loved books. This glue dries clear and flexible. That is why I use it to repair books.

How do you fix book binding that is coming apart?

0:002:22How to Repair a Book's Binding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe best way to repair a book's binding depends on what's wrong with it if pages have fallen out ofMoreThe 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 binding glue to reattach.

How do you fix hardcover books with pages falling out?

3:595:17Book Repair on a Budget: Tipping in Loose Pages - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDon't know if you can see in the video the shiny edge where I've got just a thin band of glue there.MoreDon't know if you can see in the video the shiny edge where I've got just a thin band of glue there. The trick though for this is you want to make sure that you're lining up your page. And I'm going

Does hot glue work on books?

basic glue. Sure Elmers will work in bookbinding, but hot glue will make your homemade books stay in tact longer. Hot melt allows for flexibility of the spine making opening and closing your book easier.

What is bookbinding glue?

Collall Bookbinding Glue is a transparent, elastic-drying PVA glue that is specially made for threadless bookbinding and board binding work. Quick binding, this adhesive creates a flexible and water-resistant glue film. It can also be used as a binding medium for paint and as a preparation medium for cloth.

What is the best glue for book binding?

PVA is a very popular glue in modern bookbinding practices and arguably the most popular adhesive that exists on the market today. PVA gains its strength when the water molecules evaporate from the liquid glue causing a repolymerization into a long chain molecule.

How do you fix a peeling book 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 I fix a book that has pages falling out?

How to Fix Book Binding: Loose Pages EditionGet the Right Products. For the best results with any type of DIY book repair, you need book or binding glue. ... 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 reattach a loose book page?

0:020:53Book Repair - Re-inserting loose pages - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPaper begin by trimming the tatty edge of the loose. Page. Place a small amount of glue on theMorePaper begin by trimming the tatty edge of the loose. Page. Place a small amount of glue on the silicone side of the backing. Paper. Then carefully run the spine edge of the page through the glue.

How do you fix a folded book page?

0:282:06Fix Dog-eared pages: Save Your Books - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou don't want to just crack them open because they've been in this position for a while moisten theMoreYou don't want to just crack them open because they've been in this position for a while moisten the area of the break of the fold. You are helping the paper to relax.

What is the best book binding glue?

PVA glue appears to be the best book glue, as it is non-toxic and acid-free. However, epoxy glue is also very popular for restoring books. You need to be sure that the glue you use is flexible enough and will not crack when the book is opened and closed multiple times.

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.

How do you fix a book spine in paperback?

Apply a thin coat of archival glue along the spine of the cover. Using your paintbrush, evenly apply glue along the spine of the cover's inside. Place the textblock back into the cover. Aligning the textblock spine and cover spine with one another, place the textblock back into the cover of the book.

How do you replace a spine on a book?

0:5130:01Book Repair on a Budget: Spine Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then I'm just using my knife for my thumbnail. I'm going to peel it up. And half of my spine isMoreAnd then I'm just using my knife for my thumbnail. I'm going to peel it up. And half of my spine is already removed so I'll repeat that on the other side.

What is the spine of a hardbound book made of?

In a hardbound book the covers are generally made up of a strong cardboard covered on the outside with cloth or paper and covered on the inside by the end sheet. The spine area of the cover is usually reinforced with a lightweight cardboard which is covered with the same material as the cover boards.

What do folders do to a book?

Folders help determine the length of the tape and help center the book.

Why are the hinges on books so weak?

Since the hinge areas must be flexible in order for the covers to open, they have no reinforcing cardboard. This results in hinges being relatively weak and subject to wear from repeated flexing when the book is used. Over time one or both hinges are likely to fail and leave the spine area of the cover loose from the book.

Do corners need to be repaired?

Corners and headcaps will quickly require more extensive treatment if they are not repaired at the first signs of wear. View Instructions on repairing corners and headcaps.

How to fix a spine on a book?

When fixing a spine, use glue and a knitting needle. The knitting needle will easily slide all the way from end to end of the book. It helps to spread the glue carefully. Use a cotton ball to clean up any excess. Use a large square of scrap wood or heavy books to hold it tight until dry. Make sure the books or board are larger and heavier than the repaired book.

How to keep books from falling apart?

Use hinge tape! Put it in books that will circulate heavily before they fall apart and they will last much longer.

How to make a paperback book with a missing corner?

Many of us have paperbacks that are still in good condition but have a missing corner. Take a piece of cardstock, and cut it to the size of the inside cover. Attach it to the inside of the cover with Demco glue. Adhere it to the edges with tape or laminate. You have just added a couple of years or more to that paperback for very little cost or time.

What tape to use to cover a Demco book?

Use strapping tape to adhere Demco book jacket covers. The reinforced tape lasts longer and is cost effective for those books that won’t be replaced regularly or are checked out frequently (and especially “loved”).

How to keep books from fraying?

My best book care tip is prevention. Run a piece of Demco book tape along the outside of the book spines on paperbacks, or at least the outside top of the spine, to prevent cracking and fraying.

What is Demco book cleaner?

Demco Book Cleaner has transform ed grimy, unattractive front and back covers into clean books that are much more likely to be checked out and the barcode more easily read.

What to use to clean up goo on book?

For goo and spills on the top of the book when it is closed, very fine sandpaper will clean it up! Just sand it away!

How to fold a book cover?

Fold the corners of the top margin to meet the top edge of the book covers. Press on the corners with your fingers until secure. Fold the top margin over the covers and spine. Repeat these steps on the bottom margin.

Why are old books thrown away?

Old books are often recycled or thrown away because of wear that causes the binding to fall apart. This guide will show you how to repair your old books and extend their shelf life. For this fix, you'll need book cloth, chipboard, and endpaper.

Why do you keep dust jackets on books?

Your book is now rebound and for reading! Keep the dust jacket on the book to protect the new book cover from harm.

Where to put new bookcloth?

Put the new bookcloth on the worksurface with the back side (paper side) up.

How to cut endpaper along crease?

Use the Xacto knife to cut the existing endpaper along the crease.

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 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 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.

What glue to use for Tyvek hinges?

Tyvek is great for this. Cut up a Tyvek envelope, and use the flexible, neutral PVA glue from the craft store. This makes a strong, permanent and attractive hinge. Use parchment paper to isolate the repair.

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 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.

What to do if your trade paperback has fallen on hard times?

Depending on what you're looking to fix, you can get your book up and running again with some glue or tape, an eraser, patience, and a steady hand.

How to fix a loose page in a book?

To repair a loose page in a paperback book, apply a line of archival glue along the binder and stick the page in place. Then, weigh the book down with a heavy object so the page stays flat, and leave it to dry for 24-48 hours. If you’re repairing a torn page, cut a piece of archival tape that’s slightly longer than the tear, then flatten it out over the tear with your fingers so it reaches past the ends of the tear in both directions. For a detached cover, apply glue to the spine of the cover and the pages, stick them together, and weigh the book down while it dries for 24 hours. For tips on how to fix a break in a binding, read on!

How to keep glue from oozing out?

To prevent any glue from oozing out, you can put a piece of wax paper along the page to soak up any escaping glue. This way your pages won't glue together.

How to smooth a tear in a folder?

Place the tape along the tear. Center the tape over the tear so the tape will extend beyond the tear in both directions. Then place the tape along the tear and smooth it down with your hands or a stiff folder. If using a stiff folder, use the folder's edge to smooth the tape down.

How to repair a tear in a drywall wall?

On the torn page, identify if the tear has a single direction. If it doesn't, you'll want to repair only one direction of the tear at a time. 2. Cut a strip of tape a 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) longer than the tear.

Why do you put wax paper on the cover of a book?

You can place wax paper between the cover and the first and last pages of the book to prevent any oozing of glue.

What to do if a book doesn't stay open?

If the book doesn't stay open on its own, make sure to weigh down the pages with a paperweight. This way the book won't start closing before you're done inserting the loose page.

What is a bind on demand book?

Bind on Demand: (aka Vanity Press or Edition Work). Write and bind your own book to self publish on your own without the restraints or fees of a publisher. Our professional binding adds distinction to all your literary projects. We will print & hardcover bind your personally written book of family history, poetry, stories for a special child or whatever the imagination can come up with! Create the perfect gift for special occasions like birthdays, retirements, weddings, holidays, etc. Just send your individual pages or your .pdf file and we’ll do the rest. Many colors and styles to choose from. Call or email today for more information or a quote.

Why do you trim pages?

Trimming is available if you would like the old pages trimmed slightly to remove old dirt and marks. You may also choose to leave the pages as they are if there are poor margins or if you just prefer its original look.

What is professional journal binding?

Professional Journal Binding: Add a touch of class to your home, business or office libraries with professionally bound journals. You will keep your magazines organized, convenient and accessible. No more digging through boxes or closets to find that holiday recipe. Bound volumes are also a valued research tool for doctors and other professionals who need quick access to informational articles. Great for hobbyists as well. Bound in durable buckram, imitation or genuine leather with the title, volume and year printed on the spine. Once bound, we will keep the record on file so bindings will match from year to year creating an impressive set of books. For easy ordering, fill out our Magazine/Journals Order Form online and then print to send in with your order.

Can you put foil stamping on a book cover?

Hot foil stamping is available anywhere on the cover, so you can put whatever you desire on it. This could include the original title and author, your name or even a new title such as “Grandma Beyler’s Favorite Cookbook” to actually describe the book’s use – you decide it, we print it!

Can you rebind a book in a new cover?

Rebind in entirely new cover, adding “peel & glues” of the old cover – If you want the best of both worlds – new and old. We can rebind in a strong new binding, but then peel the old front, back or spine (or all three) off the old binding and glue that onto the new. You get the strength of a new cover, but the look of what you remember your treasured book to be. Good idea for Mom’s old cookbook or Grandpa’s old dictionary. That have sentimental value in how they looked.