Q&A for How to Repair a Paperback Book

Place heavy things on top of the book for a while; the crease should come out or lessen in severity.

Repairing loose or torn pages will be the same for hardcover books. You should also be able repair a loose hardback cover in the same way. However, hardback books present other issues that need repairing, such as spine replacements, that are not common with paperback books.

You should not ever use rubber cement, so Elmer's glue will be a better choice. However, if you're working with particularly brittle pages use an archival glue for best results.

You should be able to find plastic book covers at any of several different retail stores. Try a local Target, Walmart, or bookstore. You can also try shopping for them online.

Use an acid-free glue like Elmer's, those glues dry clear. In other words, most school glues work best. To ensure best results, use archival glue.

Use archival fabric tape to reattach a torn cover. Using archival fabric tape will be easier.

Glue the front and back pages together with a fabric, card, or paper cover over the spine (don't glue this to the spine - just to the rear quarter of each of the front and back pages). Then secure thick pieces of cardboard to the front and back pages and, if you like, add another covering over the spine, this time connecting the two pieces of cardboard (again, do not glue this to the spine, or the first piece of paper/fabric covering the spine).

To fix a dent in a book cover, place a thin cloth or sheet of paper over the dent to protect the surface. Lightly press the dented area with a warm (not hot) iron on the lowest setting. Apply gentle, even pressure for a few seconds, then check the progress and repeat if needed, ensuring not to overheat or damage the cover. If the dent persists, place the book under a heavy object for a few days to help flatten it.

To fix a paperback cover where the graphic has separated, apply a thin layer of PVA glue to the back of the graphic. Press it onto the cardstock, align it carefully, smooth out any bubbles, place wax paper over it, and weigh it down with heavy books for 24 hours to dry.

Clean the spine and cover edges to remove old glue or debris. Apply a thin layer of PVA bookbinding glue to the spine and torn edges of the cover. Carefully align the cover with the spine, pressing it into place. Use clamps, binder clips, or heavy books to hold the cover while the glue dries for 24 hours. If the cover is torn, reinforce it with clear tape or bookbinding tape for added durability.

If you don't have acid-free glue, you can use strong double-sided tape, a glue stick for light repairs, or bookbinding tape to reinforce the spine. As a last resort, you can make a paste with flour and water for temporary fixes. Acid-free glue is best for long-term repairs.

Gently press the spine back into shape with your fingers. Place the book under heavy weights for a few days to help flatten it. If needed, lightly apply a warm iron over a cloth on the spine to reshape it carefully. If the dent is severe, these methods can reduce the damage but may not fully fix it.

Yes. Make sure the pages are properly aligned and the book lies flat before applying weight. Use a clean cloth or sheet between the book and the weights to avoid further damage. This method works well for minor dents.

Yes. Align the pages carefully to make sure they are straight, then press them back into shape together. Place the book under heavy weights with a clean cloth in between to avoid additional damage.

To replace a paperback cover, use sturdy cardstock. Glue it to the spine with acid-free glue and trim it to size. Protect it with clear contact paper for durability. If you want the original design, scan and print it onto the new cover before attaching it.

Clean the spine, apply acid-free glue to it and the cover’s edge, then press the cover back onto the spine. Clamp it or place it under a heavy object to dry for 24 hours. Use repair tape for extra strength if needed. For valuable books, consult a professional.

To fix a paperback with loose pages and a detached cover, gather the pages in order and align them. Apply PVA bookbinding glue along the spine, press the pages into place, and let it dry for 24 hours with clamps or heavy objects. Apply glue to the cover's spine and reattach it, pressing firmly. You can use bookbinding tape to reinforce the spine if needed.

You can use packing or scotch tape to fix a tear, but they may yellow or lose stickiness over time. Instead, use acid-free book repair tape or archival-quality transparent tape for a longer-lasting and safer fix.

Wipe them gently with isopropyl alcohol or sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or baby powder to reduce stickiness. If it persists, cover the book with clear contact paper or book laminate. Avoid silicone or oil-based products to prevent damage.

Clean the spine, apply acid-free glue, and press the cover back in place. Clamp or weigh it down to dry for 24 hours. Use book repair tape inside for extra strength if needed.

Clean the spine to remove loose glue. Apply a thin layer of PVA bookbinding glue to the spine and the edge of the cover. Align the cover carefully with the spine and press it into place. Use clamps or heavy books to hold it while the glue dries for 24 hours. If needed, reinforce the spine with clear tape or bookbinding tape for extra strength.

Felt or fabric glue is not ideal for book repairs. These glues may not dry clear, remain flexible, or be acid-free, which can damage the book over time. For lasting and safe repairs, it’s best to use archival-quality, acid-free bookbinding glue, which is designed specifically for books and won't harm the paper or binding.

That's difficult since yellowing is caused by oxidation and acid breakdown. You can try placing the book in a well-ventilated, low-humidity area to prevent further yellowing, using an eraser or soft brush to gently remove surface dirt, or consulting a professional book conservator for severe yellowing. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleaching agents, as they may damage the paper.

Flatten the bent cover under a heavy object. Repair tears with acid-free book repair tape or glue, allow it to dry, and then protect the cover with clear contact paper to prevent future damage.

To reattach the front cover of a paperback, clean both the spine and the edge of the detached cover to remove any loose glue. Apply a thin layer of PVA bookbinding glue along the spine and the cover's edge, align them carefully, and press the cover into place. Use clamps, binder clips, or heavy books to hold it steady while the glue dries for 24 hours. For added strength, apply a strip of clear or bookbinding tape along the spine.

You can use hot glue, double-sided tape, or another adhesive to repair the binding.

You probably could, but it would require a lot more work, make future repair more difficult, and it would be likely to yield sub-par results without a specialized book-binding machine. I'd strongly recommend sticking to PVA; try to find a brand that is acid-free if you want to avoid the pages deteriorating.

The easiest way to do that is probably to follow the instructions on attaching a new cover. Naturally, if its a rare or valuable book, it's better to just leave it alone or have it repaired by an expert.

It depends––most of the time, yes. However, you may want to do only a few pages at a time so as not to get the book too wet. If there are more loose pages than there are pages that are staying in the book, you may wish to consider rebinding (or just buy a new copy).

Use a soft cloth or brush to remove dirt or dust. For scratches on plastic, try using a commercial plastic polish. You can rub a bit of polish onto scratches with a soft cloth.