I hit 50 books bound with only PVA glue and I'm not switching

Everyone says you need animal glue for a proper rounded spine, but I just finished my 50th book using only PVA. I started this project three years ago, and every single one of them still opens flat and feels solid. I see people online saying PVA is too stiff, but I think it's about how you apply it and let it set. I use a specific brand, Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive, and I work the spine carefully before it dries. Has anyone else stuck with PVA for a long run of books and had them hold up?

3 comments

3 Comments

jenny_coleman14d agoMost Upvoted

PVA purists unite, honestly.

felixfisher14d ago

Glue is for kids. Real work needs the grab of a good PVA, especially on porous stuff. Anything else just lets go when it gets damp.

the_logan14d ago

Man, this whole glue debate takes me back. I had this old paperback copy of Dune that completely fell apart, pages everywhere. I was broke at the time and just used some cheap white glue I had to stick it all back together. That was like ten years ago and the thing is still holding, it's just this weird stiff block now lol. Makes me wonder if half the battle is just the care you put into the fix, not the fancy stuff in the bottle.