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Old binder told me to stop using PVA glue. I pushed back. Now I get it.
Guy named Hank at a workshop in Portland. He said PVA makes the spine too stiff for certain rebinds. I argued. Said it's the industry standard. He just shrugged.
Tried his way on a 1930s novel last month. Used a starch paste instead. Spine flexes way better. Book opens flat now. No cracking.
Anyone else have a trade secret they ignored for too long?
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mary_patel5913d ago
Starch paste can attract mold and bugs over time, especially in humid climates. PVA is still the safer bet for longevity in my shop.
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angela_allen5313d ago
Honestly, I was the same way for years. I thought PVA was the only reliable option for any kind of rebind work. But after fighting with a few old paperbacks that felt like boards, I finally listened and switched to paste for older books, and man, it makes all the difference.
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