Why I finally gave up on using PVA for all my repairs

I used to think PVA glue was the only way to go for book repairs. Dries clear, strong bond, easy to use. But I kept having issues with my spine repairs cracking after a year or two. Last month I tried a wheat paste mix on an old 1920s textbook I was fixing. The difference was night and day. The wheat paste soaked into the paper instead of sitting on top, and the spine flexed way better. I still use PVA for some jobs, but that textbook opened my eyes. Has anyone else had better luck with paste over glue on older books?

2 comments

2 Comments

barnes.brian7d ago

Nah, PVA holds up way better long term in my experience.

wilson.emma7d ago

Had a buddy try PVA on his restoration project and it peeled right off on him, @barnes.brian.