Care of Old Documents, Bibles & More
Book Repairs and Supplies
Having repaired books and taught classes on
book repair, I assure you that you can mend your own book(s), IF you are
willing to take your time and be patient; repairing is a multi-step job, but
it is not hard!! Nor is it expensive. (Keep reading.)
As for binding
books, I have sent books to be bound and they do a super good job!! The book
comes back looking like new. I, personally, like my old books to look OLD.
IF the book has sentimental value, I never consider having it rebound. I
like my books to look as close to "original" condition as possible. Even
when the binding is in bad condition, I retain it using the clear book tape
and adhesive.
Use only professional library mending supplies. I never use
the cloth tapes with adhesive backing that are found in library supply
catalogs. My experience with it was that over time the adhesive oozed and
the books stuck together. It has improved, but I still have a "bad attitude"
toward it. I like the clear book tape because it is unobtrusive and you see
the book binding and title on the spine.
DO NOT USE any household, school
or multi-purpose glues. DO NOT USE scotch tape or duct tape. That's right!!
You wouldn't believe the books I have seen that were bound with duct tape.
Or the hundreds of pages that have yellowed under scotch tape plus the tape
gets old and peels off. Many glues are washable (water based) and others
attract silverfish which ruin a book--any book.
NOTE: I have no
connections with any store, supply house nor do I own stock in any company
or product. What I list here are products I have used over the years and am
very satisfied.
There are book repair kits, but I do not recommend
you buy one. Buy only the items you need.
- There are several Library
Supply Companies, such as Gaylord's, Bro-Dart, Highsmith, The Library Store
(1-800-548-7204; FAX: 800-320-7706), etc. I have used products from all
these companies and was completely satisfied with each of them.
- I now
buy all my supplies from The Library Store 1-800-548-7204. Call them and ask
for their catalog (I will list the catalog numbers and names of items I
use). On orders under $30.00 the shipping fee is $3.50. On regular orders of
$30.00 or more shipping is free. They have same day shipping, provide fast,
dependable and efficient service.
The cost for basic book repair supplies
from The Library Store is $9.10 (plus $3.50 shipping if your order is under
$30.00) IF you use the
- (#01-0100) Book Repair manual (28 pages with
pictures and instructions) $2.00
- (#60-0103) Clear Bond white poly liquid
adhesive in an 8-oz. plastic spout bottle (which dries to a "see-through "
clear finish when dry) $2.30
- (#31-0201) 3M 845 Book Tape 1 1/2" x 15
yards stretchable transparent tape for repairing, reinforcing, protecting
hinging or laminating (won't crack or dry out) $3.55
- (#30-0761) Bone folder $1.25. Wider tape is available but will add
to the total cost
- (#31-0202) 2" x 15 yards is $4.65; (#31-0203) 3" x 15 yards is
$6.85; (#31-0204) 4" x 15 yards is $9.05
You will also need supplies which you
probably already have on hand:
- wax paper
- toothpicks
- coat
hanger or knitting needle or long slender handle brush
- You need a
(cheap) brush approximately 1/2" wide x 1 1/2 to 2" long
I have several
cheap artist brushes which I bought in a package for a couple of bucks. I
use the one that best serves the purpose; I especially like a long slender
handle on a brush, because I use it to spread adhesive between book cover
and the end paper (the paper which covers the inside of the book binding)
instead of a coat hanger or knitting needle.
You don't need a book press
to repair books! It is sure handy, but using heavy dictionaries, etc on top
of the repaired book to compress it works well. I have even been known to
wrap my repaired book and place it in the vice grip my husband has in the
garage to hold it in place until it has dried completely.
You may use
Scotch #810 Magic Transparent Tape to mend torn pages {THIS IS NOT SCOTCH
TAPE THERE IS A DIFFERENCE}. Keep in mind each strip of tape adds to the
thickness of the page and it doesn't take many of these to "thicken" your
book. I still recommend using the book adhesive to repair pages.
I always
demonstrate how durable the book adhesive is by tearing a page in a fairly
heavy book (my favorite is an old church hymnal), repairing the torn page
with the book adhesive. When the class is over I take the wax paper from the
page and pick the book up by the single page which I repaired at the
beginning of class!!! The gasps and surprised looks "make my day." Of course
I explain that is for demonstration only!! I don't recommend a book ever be
picked up by its page(s)!
Never use anything between the pages except wax
paper. The wax paper turns loose when the adhesive dries; other things
don't.
I DO NOT repair books for a living. As much as I love to do book
repair, I do not have time to do yours for you. Sorry. However, I will be
happy to (or attempt to) answer any question(s) you may have.
Contributed
by Phyllis Rhodes wrhodes@zianet.com
Attaching the Cover to Contents
Check your book to determine if the cover was originally
- Glued to the spine of the book
- The cover was attached to the contents on the edges(ledges)
"Attached" covers have space between the spine of the book
and the cover. If only the spine part of the cover is unattached, use the
method appropriate for your book.
General Instructions
Assemble all
supplies needed for repair, including scissors, wax paper, newsprint or
newspapers (to protect work surface and to keep work surface clean by
removing sheets as needed) and heavy books as weights (clean bricks or
covered bricks work well, too.) Never use anything except wax paper for book
repair. Once the book adhesive dries wax paper will "turn loose" and come
out of a book crevice or off the page or cover with no problem.
- If the
cover is still partially attached ("hanging by threads"), remove it
completely.
- Carefully scrape away any loose particles from the spine of
the book, being careful not to break any of the stitching.
- From the
inside edges of the cover, cut away any reveling or frayed edges of paper.
- For spine cover: Trim raveling from edges of spine cover, but do not trim
cover itself.
Repairing Covers Using Book Adhesives
- Place a piece of
wax paper a little larger than your book (when lying on its side) on the
work surface.
- Cut 2 pieces of wax paper 4" long and crease them in
half, lengthwise, for later use.
- Always use the fold of the paper when
inserting in book.
- Lay the cover flat on top of the wax paper.
- Work contents edges (on spine area) with your hand until they are even.
- Spread the content edges and the spine of the book contents with a thin coat
of adhesive.
- Lower contents onto cover and position into place.
- Insert a piece of folded wax paper between the front cover and contents snug
right down to where they meet, so nothing else is glued except spine to
contents and cover edges.
- Close cover, being sure wax paper does not
slip.
- Repeat same procedure for back cover/contents.
- Be sure cover
is snug against spine; rub fingers against spine of book and along edges.
- Lay book flat on clean wax paper.
- Cover top of book with wax paper.
- Lay a heavy book ( or books) on top of repaired book and snug one up
against spine of book.
- Do not disturb book until dry.
- Overnight is
a good time frame.
- If it is humid, let dry longer.
- When dry remove
the wax paper.
Repairing Covers Using Binder/Book Tape
There are two
methods used to repair covers using binder/book tape:
- Double-stitched
Binder Tape (commercial product).
- Book Adhesive/Book Tape
"do-it-yourself" (my preference).
Before you begin, do the following:
- Read General Instructions and do preliminary preparation.
- Prepare
work surface with newsprint or newspaper.
Method #1 - Double-Stitched
Binder Tape
The double-stitched binder tape is made of two pieces of
gummed cloth stitched together so that the gummed sides are exposed. This
type tape is used when the case (cover) of a book has become separated from
the contents on one or both sides or when the cover is "hanging by threads".
This width of the tape (from ?-inch to 3") is determined by the space between
the two rows of stitching. For example, tape one inch wide would be used
with a book one inch thick, etc.
Unfortunately all our books are not one
inch thick or three inches thick. No problem!!! I simply buy one roll of
tape (I prefer the 2"), If the book I am repairing is not 2" thick, I cut
the length of tape I am using in half between the two rows of stitching and
continue with the repair job at hand.
Instructions:
- Pour a small
amount of book adhesive onto small glass lid or piece of wax paper.
- Check the (end) paper on the inside of the front and back cover.
- If it
is loose, it should be glued with book adhesive.
- Place a piece of wax
paper over glued surface, place a heavy book on top and let dry.
- Even
contents edges (on spine) and coat with a thin layer of book adhesive; this
reinforces the original glue and strengthens the stitching.
- Place book
on its side on a clean piece of wax paper.
- Cover with wax paper, place
a heavy book on top and let dry.
- When contents and cover are dry, you
are ready to put together with binder tape.
- Cut a piece of binder tape
?-inch shorter than the contents of the book.
- IF the book you are repairing
is not the exact measurement of your binder tape, cut the binder tape down
the middle between the two rows of stitching.
- Lay binder tape flat on
work surface, sticky side up.
- Apply a thin coat of adhesive to one
gummed side of the binder tape.
- Pick up the binder tape and center it
over contents (remember you cut it ?-inch shorter than contents), then place
in position so that the row of stitching fits onto the edge (ledge) of the
contents.
- Smooth the tape into place on the contents page using a bone
folder.
- Wipe any excess adhesive off the page.
- Cover with wax
paper.
- Fold the other half of the binder tape onto wax paper and apply
a thin coat of adhesive.
- Snug cover against stitching on binder tape.
- Smooth the tape into place on the inside cover.
- Wipe off any excess
adhesive and place a clean sheet of wax paper between the two sections of
binder tape.
- Close cover.
- Repeat steps 4 - 8 for other
cover/contents.
- Lay heavy book on top of repaired book, set aside and
let dry thoroughly.
You can leave the book "as is" or you can cover the
binder tape with a new end paper (inside book cover page) and a new contents
page, using purchased papers or a high quality rag-content paper. Cut
exactly as end paper/contents page in book. Use book adhesive to put in
place. Cover with wax paper and let dry thoroughly.
Method #2 - Book
Adhesive/Book Tape "Do-It-Yourself" -- Phyllis' Choice
Remember, the
adhesive dries clear, so no tell-tale signs are left. Pour a small amount of
book adhesive onto small glass lid or piece of wax paper.
Instructions:
- Check the (end) paper on the inside of the front and back cover.
- If
the outer edges are loose, they should be glued with book adhesive.
- Place a piece of wax paper over glued surface, lay a heavy book on top and
let dry.
- Tear off a piece of wax paper about four inches long and
crease in half (lengthwise).
- Lay aside for later use.
- Apply a thin
coat of book adhesive to the edge (ledge) of the contents and to the cover
ledge.
- Holding cover (on each end) in upright position, center it onto
ledge of contents.
- Holding cover in place with one hand, work the
inside cover/contents area, using a toothpick: Work the contents paper up to
meet the end paper, applying more adhesive (with a toothpick) if necessary.
- Make sure it meets perfectly and is smooth.
- Take your time and
exercise patience when doing this and the repair will hardly be noticeable
when dry!! Place one of the creased pieces of wax paper between contents and
cover.
- Close cover.
- On outside of cover, using a toothpick and
additional adhesive, if necessary, bring ledges together so they meet
perfectly and work them together until they are smooth Cover with wax paper,
lay a couple of heavy books on top and let dry for a minimum of 12 hours,
longer if humid.
- Repeat steps 2 - 4 to attach other side of
cover/contents.
Once entire book is repaired, it is time to reinforce the
adhesive repair
- Cut a piece of clear book tape 1/4th-inch shorter than
contents.
- On inside cover of book, center tape over repaired area.
- Let the edge of tape over contents page come into contact at the outer edge.
- Using the bone folder, slowly smooth tape toward inside fold.
- Smooth
tape into and over fold onto cover of book.
- IF you don't work tape into
fold, the book will not open or close correctly!!!
Repeat the tape
procedure for other cover/contents area.
When the Spine Area is Worn and
Needs "HELP".
- Cut a piece of clear book tape 1 " longer than the cover
and 1" wider than the spine.
- Make two ?-inch long cuts in the tape at top
and bottom. These cuts should align with the fold of the cover.
- Lower
book spine onto tape, being sure it is centered.
- Gently roll spine from
side to side for a good tape-to-spine bond. Do Not roll the spine over so
far that it adheres to the rest of the book tape!! Using the edge of the
bone folder, lift the tape up over the edge (ledge) of the book and into the
crease (run bone folder up and down the crease--where the cover folds back
when book is opened--a couple or three times) before smoothing onto book
cover. Otherwise, the book will not close properly!!
- Open cover and
contents away from the cover which is lying flat on the work surface so that
the inside of the cover is exposed.
- Fold the corresponding strip of
tape over and onto the inside back cover.
- Using a bone folder, smooth
onto cover surface.
- Fold the other end of tape to the inside in the
same manner.
- Close book.
- Repeat procedure for other
cover/contents.
- The last step is to hold the book in one hand and,
using a bone folder, fold down the top and bottom center flaps into the
inside against the back of the book cover (in open area between book cover
and spine).
I have had a few books that had such a small space between
back cover and contents it was to insert the center flaps inside. In that
case, I simply folded the flaps even with the cuts in the tape over onto
itself and proceeded with folding the tape over onto cover/contents of the
book.
Contributed by Phyllis Rhodes wrhodes@zianet.com
Bible
Preservation
Purchase ACID FREE zip lock bags large enough to accommodate
each Bible individually. Photography stores should be able to find you a
source for acid free archival plastic sleeves. You should also consider
placing one of those little bags of desiccant (dehumidifier) that comes with
every piece of electronic equipment you buy these days, into the bag. Remove
any papers, photos or clippings that may be stored in the Bible to store
separately - newspapers have a high acidity. You can also buy acid-free
tissue paper in which Bibles may be wrapped. A good source for archival
materials is Light Impressions, Rochester, NY. For a catalog, to place an
order, or ask a question, call 1-800-828-6216. For technical questions, call
1-716-271-8960.
Preserving Newspaper Articles Remedy
The following tip
was published in the November/December 1997, issue of Louisiana Roots:
There is a home-style "bleaching" process that will help counteract the acid
in the newspaper. It's the acid that causes the paper to yellow over time.
When done correctly, the simple "bath" should keep your newspaper articles
from turning that old, yellow color. It is supposed to work for up to 50
years.
Make the magic solution by mixing two tablespoons of milk of
magnesia with one quart of club soda. Then refrigerate it for eight hours.
Next, put the mixture in a shallow pan wide enough to hold the largest
clipping. Lay one clipping at a time in the liquid and let it soak for an
hour. When the time is up, remove the clipping and place it between several
layers of paper towels to remove the excess moisture. Then dry on a clean
flat surface, such as a piece of fiberglass screen (door/window screen)
under the clipping so it will not stick.
Professional Restoration
- The Book Craftsman
http://www.bookcraftsman.com/ - hand bookbinding and the rebuilding of old and valuable books is their specialty (including old Bibles)
- Sage Old Books
http://www.sageold.com.au/ - restoration, book binding and repairs
- Albums & Bookbinding
http://www.albumsandbookbinding.com/ - binding, restoration and repair
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