Old bookbinder at a shop in Portland changed my mind about using PVA glue

I was dead set on using hot glue for everything because it dries so fast... then I met this guy named Hank at a bindery downtown. He showed me a book he'd repaired with PVA 15 years ago that still looked perfect, spine intact. That one example made me rethink my whole approach... now I switch between them based on the job. You guys ever have someone show you a simple fix that totally flipped your process?

2 comments

2 Comments

torres.jason19d ago

Wait, you're telling me Hank used PVA 15 years ago and the spine is STILL intact? That's wild. I figured PVA would dry out and crack after a few years but I guess not. I honestly thought hot glue was the only way to go for a strong hold, especially with how quick it sets.

taylor8219d ago

lol I still have books I PVA'd a decade ago that are falling apart way faster than Hank's stuff, but at this point I think it's a skill issue on my end not the glue's fault.