Buzz
Is your cherished book falling apart, with pages or the cover coming loose? Repairing a book isn’t as hard as you might imagine! Bookbinding glue or spine adhesive can help you reattach pages that have separated from the book. You can also use this type of glue to fix gaps between the spine and the book block. Spine repair tape is an excellent material for reattaching a cover that’s starting to come loose.
Steps
Reattach Loose Pages
Purchase acid-free bookbinding glue or spine adhesive. Almost any craft store sells bookbinding glue, usually in small tubes. Make sure to buy acid-free glue: glue containing acid can cause pages to loosen or damage the spine over time.
Remove the loose pages. Set the detached pages aside to avoid getting glue on them. Ensure they are kept in the correct order. You wouldn’t want the pages to end up misplaced due to accidentally gluing them out of sequence!
Apply a thin layer of glue. Open the book and squeeze a small amount of glue onto the inner spine where the pages have come loose. Use a popsicle stick to spread a thin, even layer of glue across the spine.
Reattach the pages to the spine. Double-check to ensure the pages are in the correct order! Carefully align the top and bottom edges of each signature so they are flush with the pages still attached to the book. Press the edges firmly into the spine to ensure they lie flat.
- You may need to adjust the pages slightly to align them perfectly with the rest of the book. This is fine, but work quickly to avoid the pages sticking where they shouldn’t!
Close the book and secure it with rubber bands to hold it in place. This step ensures all the pages stay aligned while the glue dries. You can also place heavy books on top of the one being repaired for added pressure.
Wait 24 hours for the book to dry. After 24 hours, carefully remove the rubber bands (or the other books) and gently flip through the pages. All pages should be firmly attached. If not, you may need to repeat the gluing process.
Seal the gap between the spine and the pages
Gather your materials and tools. You’ll need bookbinding glue, a knitting needle or plastic stick (for applying the glue), wax paper, and a flat piece of plastic. If the glue comes in a tall container, even better, as it allows the glue to fully coat the needle or stick for easier application to the spine.
Stand the book upright. Use one hand to gently open the gap between the pages and the hinge as wide as possible without causing further damage.
- If the gap runs the entire length of the spine, you’ll need to flip the book over and repeat this step.
Lay the book flat. Press firmly and evenly to ensure the book block adheres tightly to the spine. Next, use the flat piece of plastic to press the endpaper (the first white page of the book block) into the hinge. This step ensures all pages are securely attached to the spine and prevents any tearing.
Place wax paper between the cover and the book block. Push the wax paper as close to the hinge as possible. This step prevents glue from seeping onto the cover, which could hinder the book from opening properly once the glue dries.
Run the plastic piece along the hinge. There’s a small groove running along the edge of the spine and cover. Apply even pressure as you move the plastic piece along this groove.
Press the book overnight. Place the book on a flat board with a knitting needle slightly thicker than the book’s cover positioned on the board. Align the knitting needle along the book’s hinge and place the book on top. Repeat this process with another knitting needle placed above the hinge and another board on top. Place a weight of about 4.5 kg on the book and leave it overnight.
Repair a Detached Book Hinge
Separate the hinge. A hinge still attached by threads or loose pages can be harder to repair, so it’s best to detach it for easier handling. Trim any loose threads or pages to ensure the book block is neat and tidy.
Prepare a single-threaded bookbinding tape strip. This type of tape is available at most craft supply stores. Ensure the strip matches the length of the book's pages, not the cover, as the inner pages are typically shorter. Cutting the tape to the cover's length would result in an overly long strip.
Apply adhesive to one side of the tape. Using a brush is recommended for even application, ensuring the glue spreads uniformly across the surface.
Attach the tape to the book's spine and inner pages. Hold the dry end of the tape, aligning the thread with the edge of the pages. Press the glued portion onto the first page and the other end onto the spine. Use a plastic tool to smooth the tape, ensuring it adheres firmly to the pages.
Allow the glue to dry. Drying time may take several hours or overnight. Test if the glue is dry by lightly running a finger over the tape – you'll feel any remaining moisture beneath it.
Place wax paper over the inner pages and spine. Position the wax paper above the taped section adhered to the pages and below the untaped portion.
Apply glue to the remaining two sections of the tape. Once the adhesive is spread, gently lift the book cover, aligning its edge precisely with the seam of the spine tape.
Press the spine onto one section of the tape. This portion of the tape will run parallel to the spine, nestled between the spine and the inner pages. As you lift the cover, the spine will snugly fit against this taped area.
Attach the final section of the tape to the book cover. Use a plastic tool to smooth it flat against the cover. Close the book and run the tool along the spine to ensure the tape adheres firmly.
Wrap rubber bands around the book and let it dry overnight. The bands ensure the glue dries evenly and that all tape sections bond tightly to the spine and pages. Allow it to dry overnight to prevent the book from loosening when handled.
Remove the rubber bands and take out the wax paper. Carefully open the book and flip through the pages to adjust and settle the book into its repaired form.
Advice
- A flat board (wider than the book) and 2-4 bricks can provide better pressure and flattening compared to using rubber bands.
- When repairing a book, start with the most damaged section before addressing minor issues. If the spine isn’t secure, reinforcing corners or reattaching loose pages will be ineffective.
Warning
- Avoid using packaging tape or fabric tape for book repairs. Packaging tape will peel off within 3 years, while fabric tape can melt and damage the book. Similarly, avoid using clear tape: its adhesive will degrade over time.
- Do not attempt to repair rare or valuable books, as improper handling can cause permanent damage and reduce their worth. Seek professional book restoration services for such items.
What You’ll Need
- Bookbinding glue
- Single-threaded bookbinding tape
- Sharp scissors
- Bone folder or a similar hard, smooth tool, such as a ruler
- Rubber bands or weights for pressing the book
- Knitting needle
- Plastic stick
- Wax paper
