Pro tip: Don't use cheap PVA glue on leather hinges

I tried a $5 bottle from the craft store instead of spending $18 on proper bookbinder's PVA. After 3 weeks, the hinges pulled apart and I had to redo the whole spine.

3 comments

3 Comments

kim.xena2mo ago

Did you try using wood glue instead?

carr.brooke2mo ago

Oh man, I learned that the hard way too - Elmer's just doesn't cut it for bookbinding.

reesemiller28d ago

Did the wood glue actually hold up better long-term, or was it just as stiff and prone to cracking after a few months? @carr.brooke mentioned Elmer's failing, but even cheap PVA can work fine for paper if you add a little water to thin it out. Just wondering if y'all ever messed with the consistency or just went straight for a different brand.