How to Repair a Book Binding

https://www.wikihow.it/Riparare-la-Rilegatura-di-un-Libro

26-08-2024 |
italia |
fai da te |
Colla per plastica |
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Forbici taglienti |
Un piegatore per carta |
Filo cerato resistente |
Un ago ben appuntito. |
Elastici di gomma da falegname o una pressa per libri |

Is your favorite book falling apart, losing pages, or has the cover separated from the rest of the volume?Instead of getting rid of that old book, we'll show you some tricks to get it back into usable condition, so you can still enjoy it without the thought of damaging it every time you flip through it.Read on!

Steps

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1
Gather everything you will need. Go to the “Things You'll Need” section to take note of a variety of tools and items you'll need to repair a book.
- Set up in a well-lit work area with all the things you'll need within reach.
- Objects ready for use and a book to be repaired, while another wrapped with rubber bands is waiting for the glue to dry.
2
First of all, repair the files and pages. Sew up the booklets, or re-glue the loose pages before regluing the cover.
- The "loose" pages must be reglued or resewn before repairing the spine or cover.
- The booklets are the set of folded sheets that make up the pages of the book;the various sheets that make up the file are sewn together on the fold.Sew up the files using double waxed thread or whatever you have decided to use, making sure to also use knots to better secure the stitches.
- If the issue you need to stitch has damaged paper along the stitching, you can use tape to repair or reinforce it before stitching it together.
- Apply a generous layer of plastic glue along the entire spine of the booklets bound together.Once dry, the glue will retain some elasticity, which will prevent future damage to your book.
3
Prepare and apply the tape.
- Cut a strip of your “single stitch canvas tape” equal to the height of the book.
- Use one side of “single stitch canvas tape” to match the seam on the corner of the spine of the files.Press firmly on both spine and first page with bone or Teflon folder.
- Attach the remaining layer of cloth adhesive tape to the inside sides of the cover and spine.
- Press and hold the canvas tape tightly to eliminate any air bubbles and ensure good adhesion.
4
Repeat the operation as necessary.
- In this example the tape was applied to the front.
- The figure shows the lower part (the sticky part) of the single-stitched cloth tape applied on the front page and on half of the spine of the issues...with the top half slightly bent for better viewing.The upper part (the canvas part) of the ribbon, however, will be glued respectively to the inside of the spine and to the front of the cover.
5
Apply tape to the back. Use clear tape, leaving 1 or 2 centimeters of excess to adhere to the cover.
- Hold the tape firmly against the spine of the book.
- Keep the tape pressed on the edge of the spine (the one where the title and author of the book are) and also between its grooves for better adhesion and future mobility.
- Make sure you adhere each piece of transparent adhesive tape well across the entire cover, eliminating air bubbles and applying the right amount of pressure to ensure better adhesion.
6
Position the rubber bands. It's important to hold everything together securely with rubber bands or a book press while the glue is drying.
7
Remove the book from the press or the rubber bands. Now your cover is properly reattached.
- While not recommended, the reattached cover should be strong enough not to break again if held upside down!
8
Finishes. Proceed with minor repairs, further reinforcing the spine and corners, or regluing or taping loose pages, for example.

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Advice

When repairing a book, proceed with the areas in worst condition first, then moving on to the least damaged ones.If you can't properly repair the spine of the book itself first, there would be no point in reinforcing the corners or gluing down the missing pages.
Try searching for specific editions on the topic.
Clear book tape works best on exteriors.
Double-stitched canvas tape is a double-layer tape, placed "back to back", and then stitched in the center.The sewing line then replaces the torn hinge of your book.

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Warnings

Never use packing tape or common tape on a book.The former will begin to peel off within three years, while the latter will turn to mush within the same time frame, ruining your book.
Try to use a tape that is not too large.There is no reason to use 6cm wide tape for repairs where 3cm wide would suffice.
Do not attempt to repair a rare or valuable book, as an attempt at repair could inadvertently result in damage to the book itself, or otherwise significantly decrease its value.There are many restorers or bookbinders who are experts in vintage books, and for a valuable book, they are definitely worth the expense.If you have an antique or valuable book that needs repairing, try contacting a university bookstore or a shop specializing in antique books:they may be able to point you to a trusted restorer.

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Things you will need

Glue for plastic (available in stationery shops, hobby shops or large distribution chains, such as supermarkets).Plastic glue is generally white in color, like Vinavil, and dries while retaining a lot of elasticity and durability.All vinyl glues (such as Vinavil) are ideal, and are sold in hardware stores or modeling shops.
Single-seam canvas tape – use one strip for each corner of the spine to be repaired.In the examples we used single-stitched canvas tape, but you can also use double-stitched tape.
Sharp scissors
A paper folder (bone or Teflon will both work) or any other similar item, to remove creases and help the tape stick better by removing air bubbles.A ruler with rounded edges, or a wooden clay tool will also work fine, although with a paper folder it will be much more difficult to cause tears.
Resistant waxed thread (normal dressmaker's thread or dental floss if nothing else is available).A waxed linen thread is strong but flexible, while a cotton thread or dental floss could break if subjected to too much tension.
A sharp needle.
Carpenter's rubber bands or a book press (to hold the book together while the glue dries).

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