Loadingā¦
18
My first try at a full leather binding taught me something about glue
I just finished my first proper leather bound book, a copy of The Hobbit for my nephew. I was so proud until I opened it and heard that awful crackling sound from the spine. I realized I'd been putting glue on the whole spine piece, not just the edges. A binder I follow online said that's a common mistake that makes the book stiff and loud. She said you only need a thin line of paste on the very edges of the spine liner to let the leather move. I tried it again on a small notebook, and the difference is huge. It opens so quietly now. Has anyone else had to unlearn that habit of over-gluing?
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
tylerbutler6mo ago
Remember that glue is just there to hold things, not to do all the work. The leather and paper need to flex on their own to make a good binding. It's a small change that makes the whole book feel way more professional.
2
pat3606mo ago
Ever tried to use glue as a structural element? I once made a book that felt like a brick because I went overboard. Now I know it's just the quiet helper in the background.
8
stella_lee3mo ago
I gotta push back on "just there to hold things" though. Glue can absolutely be a structural element if you use the right type and apply it properly. A good PVA or epoxy can be just as strong as stitching or rivets in the right situation, especially if you're working with porous materials that really bond together.
5