TIL most bookbinders use the wrong type of glue for spines

I read in a 2019 restoration journal that PVA glue, which is what almost everyone uses, actually makes spines crack over time. They recommended a starch-based paste mix instead. Has anyone else switched to that and noticed a difference with old books?

3 comments

3 Comments

drew_bennett2418d ago

Wait, is that really the case though? @benclark I gotta push back a little here. Ive been using PVA for years on all kinds of books, even old paperbacks from the 70s, and none of those spines cracked on me. I think the real issue is people using that cheap school glue or just laying it on too thick like you said. The starch paste thing sounds good in theory, but its a pain to mix and it takes forever to dry. Plus Ive seen paste jobs get moldy in humid basements, so thats a whole other problem. If youre careful with a quality PVA, you can avoid the cracking without switching to a more fussy method.

stellachen18d ago

Think that's a bit of an oversimplification. PVA actually works fine for most modern books and rebinds, but the problem is people use the wrong type of PVA or apply it too thick. The starch paste mix is better for older, fragile paper because it's reversible and doesn't stress the spine as much. Did you try the paste on any specific era of books yet?

benclark18d ago

hold up, wait. @stellachen are you telling me people actually use the wrong PVA and just slather it on thick? that's wild. i figured everyone just grabbed whatever glue was on the shelf at the craft store.