Found a stat that changed how I think about glue (and I'm still torn on it)

I was reading this old bookbinding forum archive (like from 2008 or something) and found a post where a guy tested 20 different glues on the same paper. The stat that got me was that PVA glue loses 40% of its bond strength after 3 years. But the main alternative, animal glue, can actually get stronger over time. Some people swore by the animal glue for durability, but others said it's way too risky with humidity changes. It made me wonder if we're all just using PVA because it's easier, not because it's better long-term. What do you folks think - should I try switching to animal glue for my next project or stick with what works?

2 comments

2 Comments

willowroberts1mo ago

40% bond loss after 3 years, seriously?

ruby_lane1mo ago

40% is definitely a rough number but those losses are usually tied to a specific fund that took on more risk than people realized. Regular government bonds haven't dropped anywhere near that much in most cases so it sounds like someone got into something with longer duration or corporate exposure. Always good to double check the actual fund details before panic sets in.