Have you ever been in a situation when you couldn’t complete reading a book because the pages were falling out? Or you might get interrupted by a loose spine due to a faulty binding issue? You got worried about what you could do to solve it. And then somebody advised you to take it to a professional binder.
However, bookbinding is not a difficult task that only professionals can perform. With a little effort and suitable book binding glue, you can bind your books. On the market, there are numerous glues to choose from. However, you can’t just use “any” adhesive to bind a book. But don’t worry. We’ll guide you through all you need to know to choose the best glue for book binding in this article.
BEST RUNNERUP   Elmer’s Craft Bond Glue
| BEST OVERALL   Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer
| BEST BUDGET   Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive
|
Different Types of Bookbinding Glue
Although there are many types of bookbinding glue available, you must choose the perfect one that will keep your book together while enabling it to open and shut easily. Let’s explore some of the types.
Epoxy
There are two different containers for the two-part epoxy, one containing the hardener and the other the resin. A chemical reaction occurs, and the epoxy hardens when it is blended. Some types contain a syringe that disperses the correct quantity of each component, making the application straightforward and waste-free. The standard mixing ratio is 1:1.
It sets transparent, has a lot of flexibility, and makes long-lasting, waterproof adhesion. This adhesive cures in five minutes. Epoxy Adhesives are compatible with materials like paper, glass, metals, plastics, wood, tiles, etc.
Contact Cement Glue
Thanks to the great grade of chemicals used in its manufacture, contact cement is an extremely versatile, strong, and flexible adhesive available at any hardware or craft shop. In addition to bookbinding, it can bond rubber, plastic, and wood.
However, this glue has a strong odor and may be harmful to your health if used improperly. Therefore, always use contact cement glue to bind books in a well-ventilated location or outside.
PVA Glue
The best glue for bookbinding is PVA glue, which is available in any craft or hardware store. There are two properties you want in a good bookbinding repair glue: flexibility and strength. PVA glue has both as it is also robust, long-lasting, reasonably priced, and won’t damage your paper.
Using PVA glue to make the right repairs to your books would not impact the paper or turn it yellow over time, so it’s a good choice. This is due to the glue’s acid-free, PH-neutral nature. When a PVA glue dries, the bond is permanent.
Superglue
You can use superglue for book binding. However, super glue could be the wrong choice because it dries hard without any flexibility. Remember, the liquid superglue can seep into the paper, causing the pages to cling together.
For a short time, the superglue may stick, but the book covers and the pages will ultimately come free as you open and reopen them. Due to this movement, the glue will eventually fracture and separate from the paper. To avoid issues, the best suggestion might be to use flexible glue instead.
Things to Look for in Bookbinding Glue
There are certain things to keep in mind while you want to avoid choosing the wrong adhesive.
Let’s surf through what those are.
Versatility
Try to pick a glue that is of versatile use like it will do the binding jobs as well as repairs and major fixings. An ideal adhesive will be applicable on both paperbacks and hardcovers. The fact is that a few adhesives can achieve both at the same time, and an ideal one will save you bucks.
Strength And Durability
Dry-flexible adhesives are viable options if you don’t want your book binding glue to fracture when you use it. Dry-flexible glue makes it easy to open a book or close a book and flip between the pages.
Strong ties are formed between various types of books. Light-duty glues or heavy-duty glues should be sought out depending on your desire.
Most books require a strong adhesive to keep them bound. In the absence of strong and long-lasting adhesive, there’s no purpose in trying to bind a book so firmly.
Toxicity and Acidity
Most of the branded glues are formulated in non-toxic varieties. Toxic materials emit harmful emissions that are bad for the environment as well as your health. So, you should opt for non-toxic adhesives for bookbinding.
When working with paper, you should prefer to use bookbinding glue with neutral pH values, which does not include any acids. The paper you’re working with won’t be damaged in any way.
Color
Bookbinder’s glue generally dries transparently. Instead of being able to see the adhesive as you flip the pages, you’d have an unappealing book. For that reason, you must always use clear-drying glue on your books.
Yellowing can occur with some bookbinding glue over time. This discoloration tarnishes the book’s appearance. Certain glues don’t do that. Adhesives that don’t turn yellow quickly or over a lengthy period of time will be your best choice.
Using wheat paste and methyl cellulose as bookbinding adhesive is a common practice. However, the making process is not that easy, and hence those are not available in all shops.
Best Glue for Book Safe: Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer
A well-known brand name, Mod Podge, is known for its high-quality, multifunctional glues. Mod Podge is the first thing that comes to mind when we need glue for mending or repairs.
The Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer Glue is another fantastic addition to their extensive glue collection. In addition to providing excellent adhesion, this water-based glue also serves as a sealant and finisher. Non-toxicity, non-yellowing formula, and sticky enough to avoid leaking through pages are just a few of the special features that bookbinding glue must have.
All of these qualities are present in Mod Podge Waterbase Glue. It dries matte, and unlike other water-based glues, its formula prevents it from yellowing with time. It is non-toxic, and no dangerous chemical substances were found in it. This glue is a perfect bookbinding glue for all of these amazing properties.
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Last update on 2022-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Specifications
- Compatibility: Wood, paper, plastic, fabric
- Volume: 8 oz (236 mL)
- Brand: Mod Podge
- Package: Bottle
- Color: Matte
- Type: Wet Adhesive
- Country of Origin: US
Features
- Instant Drying: This adhesive dries within 15-20 minutes. When you want faster drying, use a hairdryer.
- Stunning Finish: This bookbinding glue dries with a clear, matt finish, preserving the elegance of your books, exercise books, and other papercrafts.
- Mess-Free Clean: Cleanup is a breeze when you use Mod Podge. Simply use soap and water to remove any remaining debris once you’ve completed working on your project.
Cautions
- Not great on the ceramic surface. It peels off ceramic.
- It has a mild odor.
Best Glue for Book Binding Repair: Elmer’s Craft Bond Glue
Elmer’s Craft Bond paper and fabric glue are thin, strong adhesive. It creates a long-lasting adhesion that is impervious to water.
It creates perfect adhesion with both paper and fabric, and it’s ideal for bookbinders and book repairers that utilize muslin cloth or another open weave fabric as their binding or repair material.
You get 4 oz of clear glue, which dries transparent and hides errors in the application. Thanks to its pointed tip, this glue application is simplified and less messy.
Additionally, Elmers’ glue is safe and acid-free. The connection may also be flexed relatively easily. A book that bends back more is what you’ll get with this glue for the spine.
- They are ideal for home decor projects, holiday ornaments and decorations, or handmade gifts that will add charm
- Good item for making many types of arts and crafts projects
- Manufactured in united states
Last update on 2022-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Specifications
- Compatibility: Paper, Fabric
- Volume: 1 Fluid Ounces (4 oz)
- Brand: Elmer’s
- Package: Bottle
- Color: Multicolor
- Type: Wet Adhesives
- Country of Origin: US
Features
- Fast Dry: This glue dries in 15-20 minutes. (If it is hard, then it has dried. If it is opaque and wet, then give 5 to 10 minutes more)
- Non-Toxic: There were no traces of harmful chemicals in this glue. Moreover, it is entirely acid-free and pH neutral.
- Kid-Friendly: This glue does not contain any harmful substance. So if you have kids in your family who love to chew books and covers, this glue is an ideal choice for you.
Cautions
- This adhesive has a strong ammonia smell. So work in a well-ventilated area.
Best Glue for Paper Book: Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive
As you can find good ratings from the buyers, Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive is surely has a well-designed formula. Note that archival quality glue means it’s perfect for restoring old books.
It has no expiration date, so if you don’t open it and keep it intact, you can keep it for a long time. You should, however, check for bacterial growths and a spoiled-like awful smell if you open it and leave it out for a lengthy amount of time.
This substance is water-soluble and dries quickly. The scent of this glue is mild and not irritating.
When dry, this acid-free PVA glue leaves behind a satiny surface. It also dries more quickly if you apply a thin coat.
- Country Of Origin: United States
- Model Number: 901-1008
- Item Package Dimensions: 7.49999999235" L x 1.99999999796" W x 1.99999999796" H
Last update on 2022-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Specifications
- Compatibility: Paper
- Volume: 8 oz
- Brand: Lineco
- Package: Bottle
- Color: Clear
- Type: Wet Adhesives
- Country of Origin: US
Features
- Neutral pH: This bookbinding glue is acid-free and completely pH neutral. So it is also photo safe, in addition to bookbinding.
- Durable Adhesion: It creates a robust permanent adhesion, yet it is very durable and flexible.
- Repositionable: If you want to adjust the binding after the glue has been put in. You can move it. But do it fast.
Cautions
- Avoid Freezing and contact with direct sunlight.
- Sometimes it may get so tacky you may need a brush to spread it.
Best Glue to Use for Book Binder: Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue
Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue comes with multiple-sized tips. They included these kits for better accuracy and control when gluing. Precise gluing is also cost-effective since no additional glue is wasted.
Some glues are difficult to spread, while others are thin enough to soak through pages. Keeping this in mind, the manufacturer kept the viscosity of this glue to be suitable for bookbinding.
Since the book will open and close repeatedly, the bookbinding adhesive must be flexible. Bearly Art Precision Glue is so flexible that it won’t break the binding between the pages or wrinkle them. It was built with clump and wrinkle resistance in mind.
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- WRINKLE & CLUMP RESISTANT: Specially formulated to stay smooth and minimize warping or wrinkling. When highly...
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Specifications
- Compatibility: Paper
- Volume: 4 Fluid Ounces
- Brand: Bearly Art
- Package: Tube
- Color: Clear
- Type: Wet Adhesives
- Country of Origin: US
Features
- Wrinkle-free, Clump-less: The glue stays smooth. It turns dried without wrinkles. Thanks to its specialized formulation. When you want to avoid warping as much as possible, use a small amount of adhesive.
- Dries Clear: Without having acid, it will never turn yellow over time.
- Repositionable: It also leaves some room for repositioning.
- No Toxicity: Entirely complied with VOC standards; Bearly precision is safe to use.
Cautions
- This bookbinding glue is not water-resistant. It gets soluted in water upon contact. So do not use it on fabric or anything that requires contact with water.
Best Glue for Vinyl to Book Cover: Loctite Vinyl Fab Plastic Adhesive
Loctite’s Vinyl Fab Plastic Adhesive (1360694) is an Amazon’s Choice in Adhesive Category by Loctite. It has 1,300+ reviews with a 4.4/5 rating. These parameters are sufficient to conclude that it has earned the public’s confidence by offering good adhesion.
It comes in a convenient 1 fluid-ounce tube. We included it as a book binding glue because of its incredible flexibility, despite making a strong, long-lasting bond. Since readers open and close a book numerous times, book glue must be flexible enough to prevent crumbling or wrinkling of pages. This is when the adhesive shines. It has a unique formulation that allows it to be highly flexible.
Furthermore, this adhesive dries rapidly and transparently, allowing discreet repairs.
- This product is manufactured in canada
- Flexible adhesive for vinyl, fabric & plastic
- Repair household items such as, shoes, toys, tools and weather stripping
Last update on 2022-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Specifications
- Compatibility: Glass, Paper, Plastic, Rubber, Fabric
- Volume: 1.44 ounces (29 mL)
- Brand: Loctite
- Package: Tube
- Color: Multicolor
- Type: Wet Adhesives
- Country of Origin: US
Features
- Waterproof and Weather-resistant: Loctite Plastic Adhesive is resistant to water and can withstand different weather conditions like moisture, heat, etc.
- Versatile: Paper, glass, leather, wood, cloth, rubber, and certain plastics—this bookbinding glue is compatible with almost all substances. Plus, it’s ideal for mending vinyl inflatable mattresses, wading pools, seat coverings, and beach balls.
- Safe and Secure Adhesion: It is manufactured to maintain VOC standards. So this glue for bookbinding is safe and secure.
Cautions
- Do not inhale vapor emitted by it. Otherwise, you will feel mild dizziness and nausea.
Best Glue for Book: Aleene’s Tacky Glue
Hobbyists and artisans are familiar with Aleene’s Always Ready Tacky Glue. This multipurpose glue adheres to various surfaces, such as paper, feeling, wood, foam, nonwashable fabrics, and ceramics, and holds things in place.
This glue is packaged in a 4 oz container with a cap stand. The bottle’s shape and tip allow for a more precise, steady flow. Bookbinding glue must have to be sticky and not too thin. Because of its tackiness, Aleene’s glue will stay in place. As a result, you may have a mess-free book binding.
Furthermore, it will not yellow with time, unlike other white glues. It’s also picture and paper friendly. As a result, this bookbinding glue will not harm your book.
- Dries clear and flexible
- Water cleanup
- Available in 4fl oz. bottle with cap stand
Last update on 2022-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Specifications
- Compatibility: Paper, Wood, Foam, Plastic, fabrics, Ceramics, etc.
- Volume: 5.1 Ounces
- Brand: Aleene’s
- Package: Bottle
- Color: Clear
- Type: Wet Adhesive
- Country of Origin: US
Features
- Flexible And Permanent Adhesion: This bookbinding glue is flexible and creates permanent adhesion. So it will not become brittle over time.
- Washable: Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue is washable. You can wash the glue and residue with water and soap.
- Dries Clear: You will feel that you have not glued an area because this glue dries transparently.
Cautions
- Sometimes it is difficult to squeeze the glue.
Best Glue for Book Cover: Books by Hand pH Neutral PVA Adhesive
Lineco Books by Hand is undoubtedly one of the best glues for bookbinding due to the glue’s outstanding performance and the brand’s excellent quality.
It’s made with safe components and a pH balance that keeps your pages looking new for a long time without fading or degradation.
The solution dries clear and is flexible enough to easy page flipping. Within the first 3-4 hours, it is usable. As a result, you have plenty of time to properly reposition and align the edges. It takes around 48 hours to completely dry.
This glue is everything you want in a bookbinder: flexible, archival, invisible, strong, and waterproof when dry, plus it’s made in the US to the most exemplary standards.
Because a little goes a long way and works like a charm, Lineco bookbinding glue is well worth the money. You receive 16 oz of glue, which needs to be applied very thinly for the most robust adhesion, enough for a mountain of books.
- Ph neutral acid free
- Will not become brittle over time
- It is Reversible
Last update on 2022-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Specifications
- Compatibility: Paper
- Volume: 8 Fluid Ounces
- Brand: Books by Hand
- Package: Tube
- Color: Clear
- Type: Wet Adhesive
- Country of Origin: US
Features
- Acid-Free pH Neutral: You can be sure that it won’t yellow or discolor with time because it is made with non-toxic components and has a stable PH.
- Repositionable: It has a drying time of 3 to 4 hours. So you will have ample time to reposition if anything goes wrong.
- Dries Clear: This book glue dries clear with a smooth finish.
Cautions
- You should avoid purchasing this during the winter months when there is a risk that the product will freeze during transportation.
Best PVA Glue for Book Binding: Mont Marte PVA Glue Craft Glue
Mont Marte PVA Adhesive Craft Glue is one of the best book binding glue in the PVA glue category. This multifunctional adhesive works fantastically on a variety of arts and crafts projects. Besides, it is great for various purposes, including school projects, handcrafted art crafts, offices, and so on.
You don’t want to leave a mark or color where you’ve just applied glue for book binding. It dries translucent, making it seem more elegant and nice. To keep the glue from pouring out, the cap of this container is secured with a foam stick.
- The glue goes transparent after drying, would not affect overall appearance of artistic work
- The bottleneck is sealed with foam stick, to prevent the glue spilling out
- The fine tip enclosed with transparent cap, replace it after use to prevent the glue dry- out and blocking
Last update on 2022-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Specifications
- Compatibility: Wood, Paper, Fabric.
- Volume: 1.85 pounds (250 Milliliters)
- Brand: MONT MARTE
- Package: Bottle
- Color: Clear
- Type: Wet Adhesive
- Country of Origin: US
Features
- Affordable Price: This bookbinding glue is relatively cheaper than other glue, but still, it does not compromise on quality.
- Safe And Strong: Acid-free and non-toxic, the Mont Marte PVA Craft Glue creates a strong adhesion.
- Easy Wash: Washing this glue does not need any solvent. It simply cleans up with water.
Cautions
- This glue is thin and runny, so be careful while using it.
- It is not waterproof.
Best Glue for Leather Book Binding: Weldwood Non-Flammable Contact Cement
Leather and leather items do not attach with ordinary water glue or PVA adhesive. So when you are using leather for bookbinding, general book binding glue will not work. As a result, our team of experts has found a solution for you: Weldwood Non-Flammable Contact Cement.
This contact cement is the best glue for bookbinding with leather products. WeldWood Contact Cement is made with high-quality ingredients and generates strong adhesion. However, its strength does not jeopardize the bonding flexibility essential for bookbinding.
Furthermore, Weldwood Non-Flammable Contact Cement is free of combustible compounds, unlike other contact cement. This water-resistant and weather-resistant contact cement is ideal for a variety of applications. As a result, it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Interior/exterior use.
- Dries in 60-70 minutes, allowing for extra bonding time.
- Water resistant when dry.
Last update on 2022-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Specifications
- Compatibility: Leather, Fabric, Wood, Foam, Paper
- Size/ Volume: 2.61 pounds (1 Quart)
- Brand: DAP
- Package: Can
- Type: Contact Cement
Features
- Flexible Bond: Dap Welwood Contact Cement creates a long-lasting, super strong adhesion, yet it is flexible.
- Repositionable: You can reposition or adjust things if you need to.
- Versatile Use: This contact cement is not just an excellent glue for book binding; it is also compatible with both porous and non-porous surfaces and materials.
Cautions
- It works fine for flat surfaces; however, it might not work well with vertical objects that face constant stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best glue for book binding?
PVA glue is an ideal book binding glue. It is pH neutral and toxic-free. On the other hand, epoxy glue is often used for book restoration.
Can I use Super Glue for book binding?
Superglue is not the ideal glue for bookbinding since it dries stiff, hard, and brittle, cracking when the book is opened. You’ll need a flexible glue for this.
Final Words
Strong bookbinding glue is an essential tool to repair and bind your books. You may even apply adhesives to new books so as not to let them be harmed in the long run.
There are many different bookbinding glues available in the market. Our team of experts just tried to find out the best book binding glue for you.
We hope you won’t be disappointed if you give one of these glues a try.