FAQ About Bookbinding

Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) Glue:

• Use: PVA glue is a versatile adhesive commonly used in bookbinding. It dries clear, remains flexible, and is acid-free, making it suitable for archival purposes.
• When to Use: PVA glue is suitable for binding the spine of a book, attaching endpapers, and general book repair. It is not recommended for attaching covers to the text block, as it may not provide enough flexibility.

Methyl Cellulose:

• Use: Methyl cellulose is a water-soluble adhesive that dries clear and remains reversible. It is often used for hinging and repairing delicate or valuable materials.
• When to Use: Methyl cellulose is suitable for attaching hinges, repairing torn pages, or working with fragile materials where reversibility is important.

Epoxy Resin:

• Use: Epoxy is a strong, durable adhesive that sets hard and is resistant to moisture and chemicals. It is suitable for certain book repair applications.
• When to Use: Epoxy can be used for repairing book covers or binding materials that require a very strong bond. However, it is less commonly used in traditional bookbinding due to its hardness and lack of flexibility.

Hot Melt Glue:

• Use: Hot melt glue is a thermoplastic adhesive that is melted and applied in a liquid state. It sets quickly and is often used in industrial or commercial binding machines.
• When to Use: Hot melt glue is suitable for binding certain types of paperback books, especially in high-speed production environments. It is not commonly used in hand-bound or artisanal bookbinding.

Animal Glue (Hide Glue):

• Use: Animal glue is derived from collagen and has been historically used in traditional bookbinding. It is reversible and can be heated for disassembly.
• When to Use: Animal glue is less common in modern bookbinding but may be used in restoration work or for replicating historical binding techniques.

Acrylic Adhesives:

• Use: Acrylic adhesives are often available as clear liquid or gel. They are versatile and can provide a strong bond while remaining flexible.
• When to Use: Acrylic adhesives are suitable for a variety of bookbinding applications, such as attaching book covers, laminating materials, or general repairs.