Anyone do book repair and such?

Discussion in 'The Lounge Bar' started by Chris C, Feb 28, 2018.

  1. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    I was wondering if anyone here does book repair, puts covers on their dust jackets, or anything of the like.

    I know there are special sleeves one can buy for dust jackets but rather than order those online I've bought some sheets of duralar. I would definitely benefit if I could ask a few questions from someone more knowledgeable.

    Ultimately I want to fix a torn sticker on my copy of the 79th Armoured Division history and protect its dust jacket. For now I'm practicing by trying to make a duralar cover for the dust jacket of Bryan Perrett's The Churchill.
     
    CL1 likes this.
  2. papiermache

    papiermache Well-Known Member

    I used brown paper to cover some of old books, just a dust jacket, no folded corners, tapes or glues. Most people already have the materials to bind a book in their homes but a surgeon's scalpel and a cutting board are very useful, also a jumbo packet of first-aid patches ! You can make a glue for binding by watering down modern carpenter's white adhesive. There are many videos on You Tube: here is one from your neck of the woods.

     
    Orwell1984 likes this.
  3. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    Try looking on the magical ubiquitous youtube. I taught myself to make books both bound or glued hard and softback using videos posted by experts and idiots, take your pick which you like.
    Never sold a copy though, give them as Christmas presents.
     
  4. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    Thanks :) I did make covers for my two books. "Duralar" turned out to be too stiff for what I was doing, so I got some mylar. It does not look great because the mylar is translucent white, but at least it'll protect them.
     
  5. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    I use what my wife calls fablon its registered name is d.c.fix a transparent plastic self adhesive sheet comes on a roll.
    I stick it over my paperback book covers to protect them. Not sure how it will wear as I have only been using it for a year at the most.
    Apparently some libraries use it to protect books for lending.I get it from a craft shop.
    You have to make sure that you get it straight first time and remove all the air from under it a bit like wall paper.
    I apply it over size and trim it with a knife once its stuck down.
    Instructions are in several languages so it must be available in most countries.

    Of late I have laminated the book cover cardboard and trimmed it this makes a stiffer cover.
    I clamp and glue the spine with tacky pva glue then apply a slide on spine before the glue sets so that it cant be got off and pages run singly through a copier.
    This stops the book falling apart otherwise l drill the pages, sew the spine then add glue, fold the cardboard cover and glue it on.
    Choice depends largely on book size A4 is easier with slide spines. A5 is ok but if its thick i.e 200 pages sewing looks more professional but takes longer and definitely needs a jig and clamp to keep it aligned.
    I see we share the same name.
     

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