Do you have a paperback book that has seen better times? Are there any loose pages? Did the cover come off? Bringing the book back to life for a few more years of good reading is pretty simple. To make it look like new, all you need might be a little glue.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: In Case One or Two Pages Are Missing
Step 1. Open the book where the page is missing
Step 2. Place a drop of glue along the edge split
Step 3. Carefully replace the torn page, taking care to align its edges with those of the adjacent page
To prevent glue from leaking, which could make it difficult to open the book, place a strip of wax paper on each side of the glued part, along the edge.
Step 4. Close the book
Step 5. Remove excess glue
Step 6. Place the book under several heavier volumes to compress it as the glue dries
Step 7. Wait three or more hours before opening the book to allow the glue to dry
Method 2 of 4: In Case The Entire Cover Is Detached
Step 1. Open the cover and lay it on a flat surface
Step 2. Use plastic glue to moisten the back area
Step 3. Carefully place the pages of the book in the edge of the cover, on the glue
Step 4. Close the cover
Step 5. Remove any excess glue that comes out of the ends of the spine
Remember to clean it ONLY starting from the pages towards the spine, to prevent the pages from sticking together. After each pass, always use a clean part of the rag or paper towel to prevent the glue from rubbing into the book and between the pages.
Step 6. Place rubber bands around the book and compress it with several heavier volumes, so that it stays compact as the glue dries
Step 7. Wait at least three hours for the glue to dry
The ideal is to let it pass all night.
Method 3 of 4: In Case the Cover Is Torn
Step 1. Use masking tape to re-attach the cover
Step 2. Place the tape parallel to the spine, so that half of the tape sticks to the first page of the book
Step 3. Fold the masking tape back on itself
Step 4. Carefully align the cover to the edge of the spine
Step 5. Press the cover onto the sticky side of the tape
Step 6. To reinforce the spine, cover the book with a clear plastic film
Alternatively, you could cover the back with particularly strong clear tape. The best is the one used by librarians, but the wrapping one will be enough for a year or two (after this time, the tape will yellow, dry out and cause other problems)
Method 4 of 4: If the Cover Is Crumpled or Torn
Step 1. Secure all loose flaps and tears with plastic glue
Step 2. After the glue has dried, cover the book with plastic wrap
Follow the instructions in the article Making a Hard Cover for a Paperback Book to reinforce and protect the cover from further damage.
Advice
- No plastic glue is needed to fix your fallen literary friends. Simple Vinavil is enough to repair torn and peeling covers. The only difference is flexibility, which is greater in the case of plastic glue.
- Patience is a virtue: don't be in a hurry! Take your time and do a thorough job. Haste will only increase the chances of getting an unsatisfactory result.
