That talk with the library conservator really got to me

I was at the Boston Public Library last week and their conservator told me they never use any kind of glue that isn't reversible. She said 'if you can't undo it in 50 years, you're not a bookbinder, you're just a destroyer.' Honestly, it hit different because I've been using PVA for everything without thinking about long term. Has anyone else switched to mostly reversible adhesives after talking to a real pro?

3 comments

3 Comments

phoenix33126d ago

My buddy who restores old maps told me he once had to undo a whole project because the conservator before him used PVA on a 1700s atlas. Took him three months with a spatula and a prayer to get it off without tearing the paper. He uses straight wheat paste now and says he sleeps better at night.

drew96523d ago

Holy crap, three months with a spatula and a prayer? That's insane, I can't even imagine the patience that takes. That atlas must have been a nightmare to fix, I'd have probably just cried and given up on the first day. It's crazy how one bad glue choice can cause that much trouble down the road.

betty_palmer26d ago

Oh wow, that spatula and prayer line cracked me up lmao. But seriously, how do you even tell if your regular craft glue is one of the "bad" ones without accidentally ruining something first? I'm not a pro by any means, just trying not to be a destroyer in my own little projects lol.