Best Glue for Bookbinding - The Top Brands of Book Binding Glue

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When considering the aspect of bookbinding, we might think that this is a job that only professional bookbinders can do. this is not true, as you can bind your own books if you have the right glue for the job. All the books you handle are held together with some type of glue, so if you have a book that has some loose pages or if you just want to make your own notebook, you need to get the best binding glue that will be perfect for your particular project. In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire process to help you choose and use the best binding glue.

You are reading: Binding glue for books

exploring the different types of bookbinding glue

the different types of glue you can use for binding are many; however, you need to find the right type of binding glue that will work to hold the book together, yet allow it to be flexible enough to open and close without difficulty. even bookbinders understand the importance of finding a glue that works and won’t damage your book in any way.

The binding repair glue is a product that has been used for more than 2000 years, and in those days, the only glue that was used was animal glue. As its name implies, the glue was formed from collagen that comes from an animal product. Today, this type of process is frowned upon, especially because of the inhumane treatment to which the animals were subjected. however, this type of glue is still used today, but only when it is necessary to restore old books, since the result must be identical to the glue used in the past.

The glue used for bookbinding today is a synthetic glue that is flexible, more durable, and of course better than the old animal glues of the past. Today’s glue products are also stronger, the glue dries quickly and becomes transparent, it is much cheaper and it does not damage the paper. Below are a few different types of glue you can use.

polyvinyl acetate (pva) glue

for bookbinding or book repair, the best binding glue is a good pva glue, not only is it very effective, but it can also be found at any art or craft supply store. pva glue is also very flexible and resistant, two qualities you look for in a good binding repair glue; It’s also durable and inexpensive and won’t damage your paper. Your book paper is very delicate, and using PVA glue for repairs will not damage the paper or cause it to yellow over time. This is because the glue is pH neutral, acid free, and is also ideal for repairing book spines. PVA glues are permanent and the bond cannot be reversed after the glue has dried.

If you are using household or craft pva glue, you may need some water to thin it out a bit. Also, you should check the label to make sure it is acid-free, pH neutral, and non-toxic. what are some of the common or household pva glues that are available for bookbinding?

pva glue sticks, but these are not suitable for book spine repair
most wood glues, however , some of them do not dry transparent
all white pva school glues

the only problem with pva glue is that it has a slow drying time, which means you have to clamp the pages and wait a while, allowing the glue to dry properly. you may also need to apply a second layer of glue to the book block before attaching the cover.

Below are some interesting facts about pva glue.

they need pressure to adhere properly
only works on porous surfaces
glues pva are water based so it is very easy to clean them afterwards with a little soapy water
these glues are not waterproof
provides a better bond at room temperature

bicomponent epoxy

Two-part epoxy comes in two separate containers, one containing the hardener and the other containing the resin. when mixed, a chemical reaction occurs and the epoxy cures. the usual mixing ratio is 1:1, and some of the brands include a syringe that doses the exact amount of each component, so its application is very simple and no product is wasted.

Two part epoxy forms a very strong and durable bond, it dries, is very flexible and forms a permanent bond that is also water resistant. Compared to PVA glue, this glue dries in five minutes. This fast setting time makes it very easy to use, without much waiting for the glue to set, and it also fills all the gaps. This product is very versatile and can be used on surfaces such as aluminum, glass, paper, wood, plastics, ceramics, metal, tiles and much more.

once set, no dust particles or other matter can be deposited, leaving it impeccable after drying.

contact cement

Contact cement is a very versatile, strong and flexible glue due to the high quality of the chemicals used in its manufacture, and you can get it at any craft or hardware store. this is a very versatile glue as it can be used not only for bookbinding but also for gluing plastic, wood and rubber. One drawback to using this glue is that it has a very strong odor due to the chemicals and can be harmful to your health, so we recommend using it in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.

wheat pasta

People have been using wheat pulp to bind paper for over three hundred years. This glue is used for boards and leather, and has been the main type of glue used for book binding and restoration throughout the world. wheat paste is a popular choice for pasting flyers on billboards and buildings. Many bookbinders add a bit of wheat paste to their PVA glue to increase its strength, or to methyl cellulose to slow down the setting time, especially when working on very large projects. Here are some of the reasons why it’s so popular:

versatile
reversibility
ease of use
high adhesive properties
toxic free
economical
file stability

how to make wheat pasta

so where do you get the wheat pasta? This glue is very easy and simple to make, and there are many different recipes, but they all require flour and water.

You only need to make the amount you are going to use, as it will only last you two to four days.

To get started, here are a few things you’ll need.

five parts distilled water
one part acid-free cake flour
whisk or fork
non-stick, non-metallic skillet

If you are going to use wheat pasta for your books, we recommend that you do not use bread flour or cake flour, as they all contain high levels of gluten, which can attract insects that can destroy the paper.

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We recommend that you use baking or pastry flour that has a low level of gluten. follow these instructions carefully.

add 1/3 of the distilled water to the saucepan, then add the cake flour and mix with a fork or whisk.
continue mixing until all lumps disappear, then slowly add the rest of the distilled water. keep mixing the ingredients until it becomes a paste and resembles milk.

now place the saucepan on the stove and heat the mixture until it boils, make sure to use fire medium.

As soon as it boils, mix again and reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for about 30 to 90 seconds or until the mixture becomes a thick paste.

Remove from heat and stir once more, then let cool.

If you notice there are still some lumps in the mixture, reheat and stir, be sure to do this while the mixture is still hot.

once the mixture has cooled properly, you should have your semi-translucent wheat flour paste ready to use in your books.

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methylcellulose

Methyl Cellulose is a non-toxic, neutral pH level, non-digestible chemical compound that also dries clear and is made from cellulose plant fibers. The substance will provide a very flexible bond to your book and is used primarily for gluing silk to cardboard or paper, as well as for restoring old books. Since it’s unaffected by extreme temperatures and reversible, it’s ideal for restoring old books and archival documents.

Although it can withstand high temperatures, it is not suitable when used in high humidity conditions.

It is also not as strong as pva glue and is in very limited availability. The substance normally comes in the form of a white granular powder that can be mixed with water, and when mixed with PVA glue, it helps to prolong its drying time with no chance of reducing its strength.

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super glue

can superglue be used as a glue to repair bindings? It is not recommended to use super glue on your books as it is a hard drying glue and will become brittle when it dries, causing major cracks and making your repairs unsuccessful. liquid super glue can also soak through the paper, which could cause the pages to stick together and damage the book.

The super glue may last for a short time, but it will eventually come loose as you open and close the book covers as well as the pages. Over time, this movement will cause the glue to crack and separate from the paper. it is recommended to use flexible glue instead to avoid this type of problem.

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factors to consider when buying book binding repair glue

When you want to restore or repair your books, you have to be very careful not to cause further damage, and the right adhesive is important for the job. If you are new to the art of bookbinding, you need to understand that not all glues are created equal, some adhesives are specially designed for bookbinding, while others can cause major damage.

So, we’ve listed a few things to keep in mind.

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toxicity

There are many types of glue on the market that contain toxic chemicals, and you should make sure you buy non-toxic glue, as it is better for you as a user and for the environment. If you have toxic glue and you want to use it, wear a respirator or work outside, but we strongly recommend that you don’t use that type of glue.

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strength

When it comes to binding, the strength of the glue is very important. All glues come in different concentrations, some are heavy duty, some are medium duty, light duty, school grade, industrial grade, permanent, and craft grade.

You should consider a medium or heavy grade glue for your binding, as the glue must support the entire weight of the book.

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glue color

To avoid staining the pages or cover, we recommend that you purchase glue that dries clear or transparent because you don’t want to leave visible marks on your book. Most glues dry clear, yellow, or white, and while the color doesn’t affect the glue’s performance, the finish is unattractive and can make your project look amateurish.

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versatility

glues have certain properties, some glues are more suitable for paperbacks, while others are for hardcover books. other glues are suitable for paper only, while other glues are suitable for book covers and spines.

so when you buy your glue, you want to make sure you buy a glue that is versatile and can be used for the entire book.

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acidity

Buying an acid-free or ph-neutral glue is vital when binding to prevent yellowing of the paper or even destroying the book’s spine entirely. using acid-free glue will prevent damage to the paper or cover, and if you can buy glue that’s also waterproof and UV-resistant, even better.

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flexibility

Not only do you want a strong bond with your binding, but the bond also needs to be flexible when dry, which will allow the book to open and close without tearing, drag, or wrinkling.

This is why we do not recommend using super glue for binding, as it hardens and becomes stiff and cracks after opening and closing the book several times, causing it to fall apart .

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our recommendations on the best binding glue

bookbinding is an old tradition, people have been doing it for many years until recently. The onset of the digital age has profoundly affected the way people read and communicate. however, the art has not been completely lost, and many still love the feel of a real book and the tradition continues. So, if you have a book that needs repair and you need a good book glue, the following tips may help.

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best pva glue for book binding: lineco ph neutral adhesive

neutral ph adhesive is one of the best binding glues on the market as it is acid free and has a neutral ph level which is a vital feature to keep your paper in good condition. The pH Neutral Adhesive is made from archival polyvinyl acetate, it is free from all solvents and is also water soluble with a flat property and will not yellow over time.

This glue dries quite quickly and is fully cured in 48 hours, and if you need to increase the drying time, all you have to do is add a little water. The glue can be used on any type of paper, it is transparent when dry and it is also reversible. the glue gives you a flexible bond, allowing you to use the book in three to four hours. the glue forms a waterproof bond, ensuring durability.

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best two-part epoxy glue for books: gorilla two-part epoxy

We’re all familiar with the gorilla brand, and gorilla 2-part epoxy is a great bookbinding glue and has had amazing reviews on amazon. The glue consists of two barrels, one containing the hardener and the other the resin, and each barrel has its own syringe. the syringes dissipate the same amount of content together, making it very easy to mix and then apply, leaving no residue.

The glue dries in five minutes, giving you plenty of time to line up your paper or correct any mistakes you’ve made. The glue will not leave any residue on the paper once it is dry, and it becomes transparent with a strong, permanent, long-lasting bond that is waterproof. This glue is also very versatile, not only for use on paper and cardboard, but can also be used on surfaces such as glass, metal, plastic, wood, ceramics and much more.

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best glue for paper and craft book binding: elmer’s craft bond fabric and paper glue

elmer’s craft bond glue can be used for bookbinding as it is acid free and will give your paper the protection it needs. It dries clear and is also very flexible after drying, allowing you to open and close your book without fear of the glue cracking or breaking. the glue also gives you a strong, permanent bond. The glue comes with a precise applicator tip that helps to apply the right amount of glue you need without making a mess. the glue dries quickly and does not leave any residue on the paper once it has dried.

Book glue is thick and sticky and is recommended for repairing book covers and spines rather than pages. when it dries, it is also waterproof. elmer’s craft glue is suitable for fabric as well as paper, making it ideal to use when using muslin or open-weave fabric for binding and repairs. glue is also a very versatile product that can be used for binding and any other type of paper repair.

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types of glue used for binding

many things around the home need to be repaired at one time or another and more often than not we find ourselves using the same bottle of glue for all those jobs and expecting the desired results.

However, there are certain types of bookbinding glue that are only suitable for certain types of materials, so to help you with this, we’ve put together a table to give you an idea of what type of glue is best for you. Use it when you’re repairing your books.

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tutorial: how to fix a book with binding glue

Using binding repair glue, you will be able to fix your favorite book that seems to be falling apart. This situation can be the result of pages coming loose from the book, a gap developing between the cover and most of the book, or the spine of the book separating from most of the book. a detailed tutorial covering all these topics will follow.

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rejoin loose pages

The first thing you should do is buy acid-free bookbinding glue. make sure it’s acid-free for book spine and paper protection, which you can find at any craft or hobby store. You’ll also need a knitting needle or popsicle stick, some heavy books, and three strong rubber bands. then you need to carefully remove the loose pages and set them aside, somewhere where they won’t come into contact with any glue. you should also make sure that they are kept together in the correct order to avoid sticking pages in the book that are not in order.

You can now apply a thin layer of acid-free bookbinding glue. Open your book and apply glue to the inside of the spine where the pages came loose. You can use your knitting needle or popsicle stick to do this, making sure to apply the glue evenly to the spine.

paste the loose pages back onto the spine, making sure they are still in the correct order. now you need to line up the pages at the top and bottom, making sure they line up with the other pages of your book. then press the pages down firmly onto the spine, you may need to adjust them slightly, aligning them with the other pages, but be careful as the glue will start to dry and you’ll need to work quickly.

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