Tools and Materials for Bookbinding
Bookbinding primarily requires precise cutting, gluing, and measuring. In most cases, you can perform these tasks at home, although valuable books should be entrusted to a professional bookbinder.
Essential Tools:
- Bone or plastic folder
- Craft knife or blade
- Square
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Awl
- Spatula
Necessary Materials:
- Flannel cloth
- Cardboard
- Manila paper
- Tissue paper
- Needle and thread
- Adhesive
- Book presses
Gluing Techniques
Two types of adhesives are commonly used for book repair:
1. Specialized Bookbinding Adhesive
- Fast-drying
- Provides permanent flexibility
- Can be substituted with white glue
- Dilute with water before use
2. Paste
- Slower drying time
- Used when flexibility is not required
- Recipe: 1 1/2 tablespoons of water with 1/2 tablespoon of wheat flour
- Cook until it reaches a fine cream consistency
Application Technique:
Use an appropriately sized brush and apply the adhesive from the center outwards.
Book Care
Basic Cleaning:
- Shake the book to remove dust
- Clean with a silicon-impregnated duster
- Wipe from the spine towards the fore-edge
- For stains, use a soft, clean pencil eraser
- Remove residual dust with a soft brush
Mold Treatment:
- Mold may not be visible but can be detected by its characteristic odor
- Do not attempt to remove it yourself
- Consult a professional bookbinder
Leather Book Care:
- Condition every five years
- Use animal oil or a mixture with lanolin
- Apply the oil with your fingers or a soft cloth
- Avoid staining the pages
- Let it rest overnight
- Clean excess oil and polish the following day
Proper Opening of New Books:
- Rest the book on its spine
- Hold it by the front cover
- Allow the covers to fall open
- Gradually turn the pages