Do you want to prevent the cardboard cover of your new favorite book from getting damaged and worn? Do you have some old books that need additional care? Keep your purchases intact for many years to come by creating protection that keeps them perfectly. A transparent adhesive film will keep them in like-new condition, while still leaving you the opportunity to admire the covers without problems.
Steps
Step 1. Cut a piece of film to the size of the book cover, adding 5 centimeters in each direction
Also be sure to use acid-free plastic.
Step 2. Fold the film in half and press to mark the center line well
Step 3. Cut the paper backing along the crease highlighted earlier
Be very careful not to cut the film underneath as well!
Step 4. Fold out the backing paper starting from the center cut
Proceed just enough to uncover a width equal to the spine (or spine) of the book to be covered.
Step 5. Spread the film on a flat surface, with the paper-covered side facing up
Keep the adhesive center strip well exposed.
Step 6. Place the spine of the book on the center of the film and apply good pressure so that the adhesive adheres to the cover
Step 7. Pick up the book (with the film glued) and press the film discreetly onto the back of the cover
This will eliminate any air bubbles, ensuring perfect adhesion.
Step 8. Gently press the film over the edges of the book spine
Remember to proceed from the center outwards, avoiding the formation of bubbles.
Step 9. Use a stiff, straight object, such as a ruler, to spread the film over the two remaining faces
Proceed by slowly removing the paper, exposing only a couple of inches of adhesive at a time, to prevent it from sticking too early or unevenly.
Step 10. Cut the corners of the film at 45 degrees up to the book cover
Be very careful: you will have to cut the film as close as possible to the corners of the book, but without touching them.
Step 11. Carefully fold the film over the sides of the cover and press it firmly onto the inside face
Be very careful not to leave air tunnels at the ends: you will need to keep the film constantly in tension as you fold it over the edge and adhere it to the inside of the cover. This moment is very important, especially when you cover the cardboard covers, because any intrusion of air will prevent the film from carefully protecting the edges and will cause the latter to lose their compactness over time, delaminating and opening with the use of the book. You can also puncture any small bubbles with a pin or a sharp object to release the trapped air
Step 12. Repeat the last two steps for the back of the book
Step 13. The top and bottom edges can be covered with the same process as just seen
The spine of the book, however, represents an impediment, which we will now see how to overcome.
Step 14. Cut the film above and below the edges of the book spine into a trapezoid shape
By doing this you can glue the plastic onto the inner faces of the film without any problem.
Step 15. Trim the excess film, keeping as close to the spine of the book as possible
Step 16. Fold the protective plastic over the four remaining edges of the cover
Here, too, the same warnings seen above on tunnels and air bubbles apply.
Advice
- Remember that in this way you will reduce (or completely eliminate) any collectible value of the book, without the possibility of recovery. Think carefully about whether this process is worth it.
- If you sheath a new book and give it to someone, you will surely give them an appreciated gift.
- The transparent film is very useful for books that often risk getting wet or dirty (for example recipe books).
- The book will always be in perfect condition, without losing the convenience of being able to see the cover! Try dressing some by following these instructions!
