Just realized my PVA glue might not last for lifetimes

I fix old books in my spare time. PVA glue is quick and simple. But I read that animal glue flexes with age. Some say PVA cracks after years. Others think animal glue is too fussy. I care about durability but hate complicated steps. What glue do you pick for books meant to be passed down?

2 comments

2 Comments

henderson.amy10h ago

Hold up, animal glue isn't some magic fix that stays flexible forever. It can actually get brittle and crumble over time, just like bad PVA might crack. I've repaired plenty of old books where the original animal glue gave out. For stuff you want to pass down, I mix a good quality PVA with a little methyl cellulose. It keeps things from getting too stiff and the steps are still simple. Just don't buy the cheapest PVA you find. That mix has held up really well in my projects for years now.

wrenc688h ago

Those old book repairs you mentioned are a perfect example. I've had to fix similar issues with animal glue failing.