Research Guides: Book Repair: Home

Basic Book Repair Videos

Syracuse University has a YouTube channel that provides videos for basic book repairs, among other videos. The channel is called "SULPreservation." A full list of repair videos can be found here.

Torn page repair
Short video on how to tape torn page(s).
Tip-ins
Video that shows how to reattach, or glue in, loose pages.
Corner reinforcements
This video shows how to use corner reinforcements in order to prevent or stop corners of high-use books from fraying.
Spine reinforcement
This video shows how to reinforce the top and bottom areas of the spine of high-use books.
Hinge tightening
How to tighten "shaken" or loose hinges on circulating hard-cover items.
Water damage
Shows the steps needed to begin the drying out and salvaging of books that have been damaged by water.
Taped reback
This spine repair is used when spines are loose, but the boards are still firmly attached to the end papers.
Glued cloth reback
Similar to a taped reback, but instead of tape this repair makes use of a type of boockcloth.
Full reback
Use this type of repair when a spine is loose AND the boards are detaching from the textblock.

Tools

Heavy-duty shears or sewing scissors	Bone folder (2)
Olfa cutter snap-off blade	Glue brush (2)
Micro-spatula	Metal-edged ruler
Lifting knife	Wax or parchment paper
Acrylic rods or knitting needles	Self-healing cutting mat with grid

Tools not shown

Tweezers	Pencil
Book press	Small weights

Expendable Materials

General Supplies

Polyvinyl acetate [PVA] (pH-neutral adhesive)
Methyl cellulose (alternative adhesive)
Wheat starch paste (alternative adhesive)
Spun polyester sheeting
Blotter paper
Polyester film (Mylar type D)

Cleaning Supplies

White vinyl or kneadable eraser
Smoke sponge
Document cleaning pad
Natural bristle dust brush
Cotton gloves

Adhesive Tape (reversible mending)

Archival document repair tape
Filmoplast P and P90 tape
Kapco EZ Bind tape

Hinge Tightening

Knitting needles or plexiglass rods
Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)

Endsheet Replacement

End papers (70-80 lb weight acid-free/alkaline text paper)
Sandpaper
Acid-free lens tissue paper
Wheat starch paste
Cotton swabs [wooden]

Spine Replacement (Re-back)

Inlay (70-80 lb weight acid-free/alkaline text paper)
Book cloth (LBS conservation cloth 3 or 4 inch wide roll)

Re-case in Original Cover

Inlay (70-80 lb weight acid-free/alkaline text paper)
Acid-free lens tissue paper
Super cloth or white cambric
Paper lining