How to Repair a Book's Binding

Co-authored by Lois Wade

Last Updated: November 21, 2023 Fact Checked

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Is your favorite book falling apart or shedding pages or its cover? It easier than you think to repair your book! Using a book or binding glue can help you reattach pages that have come loose from the book. You can also use that glue to tighten up any space that has appeared between the text block – the chunk of pages that make up your book – and the spine of the book. Binder tape is a great way to reattach a cover that’s started to fall off.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Reattaching Loose Pages

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Most craft or hobby stores carry book or binding glue. It usually comes in a tall, thin tube. Make sure you purchase an acid-free glue: if you use a glue with acid in it, it can cause the pages of your book to disintegrate or eat away at the spine of the book.
Set them aside so you don’t get any glue on them. Make sure you set them aside in the right order. You don’t want to accidentally glue them back into your book out of order!

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Open the book and squeeze some glue onto the inside of the book’s spine, where the pages have pulled away. Using a popsicle stick, spread the glue so that it covers the spine evenly.
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Set the pages back on the spine. Make sure you have them in the right order first! Then carefully line up the top and bottom of each set of pages so they’re even with the pages still attached to the spine of the book. Firmly press the edge of the set of pages to the spine so that the edge evenly attached to the spine.
- You might need to wiggle the pages a bit to get them to line up exactly with the rest of the book. That’s okay, but work quickly so the pages don’t end up sticking where they’re not supposed to!
This helps keep all the pages evenly in place while the glue dries. You can also stack other, heavier books on top of the book you’ve repaired.
After the 24 hours are up, carefully remove the rubber band (or other books) and gently flip through the pages of the book. They should all feel secure. If they don’t, you may need to repeat the gluing process.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Tightening a Gap Between the Pages and Spine

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You’ll need book adhesive, knitting needles or plastic rods (for applying the adhesive), wax paper, and a piece of flat plastic. It’s best if your adhesive is in a tall bottle, since this will allow you to cover the needles or plastic rods for application to the spine.^{[1]
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Then very gently, use one hand to open the gap between the pages and the hinge as far as possible without causing more damage.^{[2]
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Dip the needle or rod in adhesive. Then gently insert the needle or rod into the gap between the pages and spine and twirl it against both the text block and the spine. This should ensure an even coat of adhesive to both parts, which will help it adhere better.^{[3]
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- If there is a gap all along the entire spine of the book, you’ll need to flip the book over so it’s resting on its top and repeat the process.
Firmly and evenly press the text block so that it is flat against the spine. Then use your piece of flat plastic to press the endpaper (the blank pages at the beginning of the book) into the hinge. This helps make sure that all of the pages stick to the spine and none of them tear.^{[4]
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You should press it back as far into the hinge as it will go. This prevents any adhesive from leaking out onto the cover of the book and will make sure your book opens properly when it’s dry.^{[5]
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This is the little indent between the edge of the spine and the cover of the book. Apply even pressure as you run your plastic along this ridge.^{[6]
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Set the book on top of a flat board, with a knitting needle slightly thicker than the cover of the book resting on top of the bottom board. Place the book on the bottom board, lining up the knitting needle with the hinge of the book. Repeat this process with a knitting needle resting on the top hinge and another board on top. Set about 10 lbs (4.5 kg) of weight on top of the book and leave it overnight.^{[7]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Repairing a Broken Hinge

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It’s harder to repair a hinge that’s still clinging to the book by threads, so removing it actually makes your life easier. Cut away any threads or loose paper so that the text block is even and clean.^{[8]
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You can find this type of tape in most craft stores. Cut the tape so that it’s the same height as the text block. Don’t use the height of the cover for measuring the tape since the text block is usually shorter than the cover and you’ll end up with too much tape.^{[9]
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It’s best to use a brush for this application since it lets you apply the adhesive evenly.^{[10]
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Hold the tape by the dry tabs and line up the stitching with the edge of the text block. Stick one tab with adhesive to the first page of the text block and the other to the spine of the text block. Use a flat piece of plastic to rub the tape, ensuring that it sticks to the text block.^{[11]
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This can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight. You should be able to tell if the adhesive is dry by running your finger over the top – you’ll be able to feel if there’s any wetness under the tape.^{[12]
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You should lay it on top of the binder tape that is already glued to the text block and under the binder tape that hasn’t been glued yet.^{[13]
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Then gently bring the cover up so the edge of the cover fits along the seam of the binder tape.^{[14]
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This should be the tab sitting parallel to the spine, between the spine and the text block. When you pull the cover up, the spine should lay flat against this tab.^{[15]
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Smooth it with a flat piece of plastic so that it lays flat against the cover. Close the book and run your flat plastic piece along the spine so that the tab sticks to the spine.^{[16]
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The rubber bands will help all of the adhesive dry evenly and make sure that the tabs all lay flat against the spine and text block. Let it all dry overnight so that it doesn’t fall apart when you pick it up.^{[17]
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Open your book carefully and flip through the pages so the book can adjust to the repair.^{[18]
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Community Q&A

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Question

Where is the best place to find binding supplies?

Community Answer

Specialty on-line stores, including Amazon, will sell book binding supplies. Artist's supply or scapbook stores may also carry these supplies. Keep in mind that you may not always get everything in one place, and may have to shop around.

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Question

Many of our church hymnal covers are starting to tear along the binding. Is tape the best way to repair this?

Community Answer

I do not recommend using everyday Scotch tape for repairing tears in pages. Look for archival tape made specifically for this. It has a paper-like feel to it, isn't shiny and is acid-free or pH-neutral. At a glance it may look like thin, see-through white tape, but it goes on clear and will last a long time.

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What can I use instead of binder tape for a book that has separated from its cover?

Community Answer

Tyvek is great for this. Cut up a Tyvek envelope, and use the flexible, neutral PVA glue from the craft store. This makes a strong, permanent and attractive hinge. Use parchment paper to isolate the repair.

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Tips

When mending a book, start with the worst damaged areas to the least damaged areas. If your spine repair does not stick or take, there is no sense in reinforcing any corners or gluing in loose pages.

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A board (larger than the book) and two to four bricks for weight makes a very good book press and is much better at keeping everything straight than wrapping with rubber bands.

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Warnings

Never use packing tape or duct tape on a book. The first will peel loose in about three years. The second will turn to goo in the same amount of time and will ruin your book. Do not use scotch tape either: the adhesive layer will fail after a few years.

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Don't attempt to repair a valuable or rare book, as attempts to repair might inadvertently damage or reduce the value of the book significantly. Use the "Find a Conservator" feature on the American Institute for Conservation's website to find a conservator to help fix your book.

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