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I used to swear by PVA glue for bookbinding until a restorer set me straight
An old book restorer named Harold at a shop in Portland told me to stop using PVA glue on vintage cloth bindings. He said it would stiffen the spines and cause cracking in 5 years flat. I didn't believe him at first because PVA dries fast and stays flexible. But after trying his suggested wheat paste on a 1920s journal last month, I saw the difference - the spine moved naturally and kept its original feel. Has anyone else switched from PVA to wheat paste for older books?
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owens.anthony1mo agoMost Upvoted
Slapped some PVA on a 1930s novel not too long ago and the spine now crackles like a campfire when I open it. Guess I learned the hard way that Harold was onto something. Maybe my heavy handed application technique didnt help either, I tend to lay it on like I am frosting a cake. Wheat paste feels more forgiving for sure, like it lets the book breathe instead of locking it in a plastic shell.
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hollywhite1mo ago
Oh man, I hear you but I gotta push back a little on this. I've used PVA on plenty of older books from the 50s and 60s and I'm 10 years in with zero cracking so far. Maybe it depends on the climate you're in or how thick you lay it on. Not saying Harold is wrong but in my experience a lot of restorers get super strict about stuff that doesn't always matter for regular hobbyists. Your mileage may vary of course.
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