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Repairing a page of a book.

Accidents happen and things get torn, and book pages are no exception. These are some ways of fixing those torn book pages without tears.

PAPERBACKS

The quality of paper in most paperbacks is very similar to a wallpaper lining paper. It actually has a grain and by taking a close look at the tear you can decide which way the two sides of the tear need to be stuck back together. Assuming these are books with very little value, and that your repair is just to make the book look better, you will need the following:

1.Wallpaper adhesive (small quantity)
2.A small pallet knife
3.Two tea towels
4.Damp soapy cloth

Having established which way the tear needs to go back together, apply a small amount of paper glue with the edge of the pallet knife. The reason that wallpaper paste is better than PVA is that it doesn't stain as much and excess can easily be removed. Place a tea towel under the page being repaired so that glue does not seep onto other pages.

Wipe the excess glue on both sides of the page very carefully with the damp soapy cloth in a dabbing motion. Dabbing is better than force because force can make the damage more extensive. Put the second tea towel on top of the page treated, and then close the book. Putting the book somewhere where heat is not excessive, wait the drying time of approximately 12 hours, and your page will look as good as new.

CHILDREN'S BOOKS.

Sometimes tears in children's books are more serious and need more work. There may be areas missing, and here you can with a little bit of patient patch in pieces to bring the book back to a new lease of life. It isn't the most professional way to mend a kiddy's book, though for books with commercially very little value, you can do the repairs with the child, and teach them the value of books and taking care of things all at the same time.

Here do use PVA glue as it is more child friendly than wallpaper paste. Place pieces of paper of the same thickness against the missing parts. The repair will show, though with inventive method, you and the child can draw in the missing features, add a missing word, and when the whole thing is dried, using the above method (similar to the wallpapering method), you can trim off excess paper when everything is dry.

CLASSIC BOOKS

While I would always advise someone to seek the help of professionals for those books of value, home repairs to pages in these books can be achieved, either using the wallpaper method above, for easy tears, or if you want a more professional finish by buying archive repair tape. It doesn't always stick all that well, although here, using blotting paper and an iron, you really can make an efficient repair.

CLASSIC BOOKS OF HISTORICAL VALUE

Never touch these books. Leave them to the professionals as amateur repairs can detract from the value of the book.

Keeping your books tear free doesn't have to be hard work. In fact, encouraging children to do repairs, and instructing them in a clear manner can make their respect of books part of their growing up process, instilling values that will follow them into their adult lives.

Books are precious. Care for them and they will give you years of enjoyment.

Learn more about this author, Rachelle de Bretagne.
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