How to make Wheat Starch Paste for bookbinding

[@merce414]

Thank you!

[@Leaffordes]

Can I use whatever wheat starch I've already got in the kitchen, or do I need to go and buy special stuff? I'm not going to bind books, just glue some loose paper flaps back onto the hard cover.

[@bigriverbindery]

I'm sure that food grade wheat starch would be fine. I use the conservation grade materials because I work on projects for clients, but if it works fine for you, that should be ok. Happy mending.

[@Leaffordes]

@@bigriverbindery Thank you so much for the help. I'll experiment a little.

[@marynamdar]

Hi and many thanks for your perfect tutorial. I didn't understant something: you said cook the starch for 20 minutes, but when does this time start? from the biginning or after water starts boiling? Thank you again

[@bigriverbindery]

Hi. Usually once it's cooking. I keep it below the boiling point and watch the consistency as it thickens. It might run a bit short or long depending on how much I'm making.

[@codenamesplash]

Is it possible to over-strain it?

[@bigriverbindery]

I don't think you gain much from overstraining. Mostly it's to break up clumps in the paste, a few times takes care of it.

[@tompaste387]

Easier to buy a bottle of the stuff!

[@bigriverbindery]

It may be easier, but it's harder to buy adhesive with the qualities I want over the counter. Paste is reversible, holds moisture for a long time, and isn't glossy when dry. But if you don't need things, buying adhesive works fine.