Finally switched from PVA to wheat paste for book hinges

For years I used regular PVA glue on all my book hinges. Last month I had this old 1890s bible come in for repair and the customer was really worried about reversibility. I decided to try wheat paste for the first time. It was slower to work with and I had to watch out for the humidity in my basement shop. But honestly the results were amazing, the paper moved so much nicer and it felt more forgiving. The book has been sitting for 3 weeks now and the hinges are holding perfectly. Has anyone else switched from PVA for older books or am I overthinking this?

3 comments

3 Comments

harper_wright1d ago

Wheat paste is the real deal for old paper.

clairer791d ago

Wheat paste saved a 1700s ledger for me. Worth the extra time.

victor_carr251d ago

Found wheat paste way easier on the spine too...