Repair Paperback Corners – 2 Ways
It is easy to repair paperback corners that have become split or torn. This course shows you 2 archival methods. Japanese tissue with adhesive, and archival document repair tape with adhesive. This course also covers removing library corner protectors and why you may want to do that. The key to repairing these corners is to understand the way paperback covers are created. While it appears they are simply one sheet of paper wrapped around a text-block, there are actually at least two layers of paper, the outer layer, which for modern books is frequently plasticized, and the base layer, which is some sort of card stock. This card stock may also be able to be split depending on how the paper was manufactured. In any case, adding some adhesive and pressing the layers together is only part of the story. This course address opening the split further, squeeze out, and how to avoid a breaking line.
You will be able to do these book repairs with the contents of the Book Repair Kit plus a few other common tools and materials as listed in the general Tools and Materials List. If you don’t have a kit, that’s ok, the lesson includes a list of what you will need. Consider taking the Save Your Books Foundation Courses before working on your books. The courses: Book Anatomy and Book Repair Terminology are a good place to start.
Click the “Lecture” tab below for the complete lesson.
Included in This Lesson:
- Type of Book: Three Paperbacks
- These Particular Books: The Care of Fine Books by Jane Greenfield, The Secret Life of Pets, Queen of Cats by Random House, and The Climate Change Playbook by Dennis Meadows et al.
- Issue: Corners are split and torn.
- Treatment: Adhering layers and strengthening
- Minutes of Video: ?
- Step by Step Instructions
PERPETUAL CAVEAT: Never repair rare and/or scarce books. When in doubt only do preservation treatments and consult an accredited professional.
Repair Paperback Corners: Simplified Steps
- Gather materials and tools
- Adhere layers
- Strengthen as necessary
Suggested Next Course: If you have paperbacks to repair, try 5-104 Repair a Paperback: Boy Scout Handbook.
5-104 is an extensive course for intermediate level book repairers. It covers strengthening a paperback text-block and keeping the original cover. You do not need a lot of fancy equipment.
