How to Repair a Book Spine
Instructions for Performing a Spine Repair on a Damaged Book
Sep 17, 2009
Book spines frequently break on books because of improper shelving and handling. The following sections explain in detail the basic preservationally-sound technique for repairing a damaged spine on a book.
Remove Old Spine
First remove the old spine from the book. Place a ruler approximately two millimeters from the edge of the front and back cover boards. Then carefully cut the cover cloth or paper with a sharp scalpel. Lift the old spine from the book. Detach the original turn-ins from the head and tail of the spine with a small pair of scissors. Be careful not to damage the endsheets.
To insert the new spine under the old cover material, use a ruler and scalpel to make two incisions equal in length at the top and bottom of the board and delaminate the cover from the board. Also use a scalpel to make four incisions inside the covers at the head and tail of the spine and lift the endsheets with a microspatula.
Prepare New Spine
Next prepare the new spine. Cut a new piece of book cloth that extends one to two centimeters past the head and tail of the book and that is the appropriate width of the book for the new spine. Cut a new paper spine liner that is the width of the textblock and the height of the original boards. Finally apply the spine liner to the center of the back of the cloth with PVA glue.
Attach New Spine
Then attach the new spine to the book. First spread PVA glue on the top of the delaminated board and on the bottom of the delaminated cover as well as in the hinge of the book. Insert the new spine in the glue between the board and the cover. Use a bone folder to attach the new spine to the board and the cover to the new spine. Also use a bone folder to create a hinge. Turn the book over and attach the new spine to the other side of the book.
Finish New Spine
Next glue down the turn ins. Open the book and hold the text block vertically. Spread PVA on the remaining visible cloth at the head of the book. Fold the excess cloth under the two incisions at the head of the book. Flip the book over and glue down the turn ins on the tail of the book. Then insert PVA into the four incisions at the head and tail of the book with a microspatula. Finally define the hinges on the front and back covers of the book. Place the book in a book press and allow to dry completely.
By replacing the damaged spine of a book, book repair technicians can extend the life of the book with minimal cost.
Sources
- Kosur, Heather Marie. "Bookbinding through the Ages." Rock Pickle Publishing. 5 May. 2008. Rock Pickle Publishing. 17 Sep. 2009.
- Kosur, Heather Marie. "Understanding Book Repair Terminology: Basic Preservationally Sound Conservation Treatments and Techniques." Suite 101. 10 Aug. 2009. Suite 101. 17 Sep. 2009.
- Swartzburg, Susan. Preserving Library Materials: A Manual. 2nd ed. Metuchen, N.J.: The Scarecrow Press, 1995.
- Young, Laura S. Bookbinding & Conservation by Hand: A Working Guide. New Castle, DE: Oak Knoll Press, 1995.
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