The day I figured out I was gluing my book spines all wrong

I was binding a 300 page journal for a customer and the spine kept cracking after a week. I thought it was just bad paper or maybe the thread was too tight. Then I watched a video from a binder in Chicago and he pointed out I was using way too much PVA glue on the hinge areas. I had been slathering it on thick like I was making a paper mache project. Turns out you only need a thin layer and let it tack up before pressing. Now I measure out my glue with a small brush and it holds way better. Anyone else have a basic step they messed up for months before catching it?

2 comments

2 Comments

verar2121d ago

Yeah, I thought slathering it on was the right way too till I saw this.

julia_patel20d ago

Bought the cheapest brush at the craft store and now I keep it just for spine work. Used to glob it on with a popsicle stick and wonder why my books felt like bricks.