My Top Bookbinding Glue Recommendations & Tips | Sea Lemon

[@charlesfeist5010]

Try a silicon brush, like a basting brush for your glues. Dried on glue will peel off effortlessly.

[@veronicarossini3841]

I appreciate your time explaining about these glues. I have gone about asking, reading, as well as online, regarding best bookbinding glues and NO ONE has clarified things like you have. Again, thank you.

[@pokeharvest]

A glue substitute I use is called Yes Paste. It works well (dries flexible and clear, acid free, non-toxic), and I recently used it on a kettle stitched text block. Yes Paste comes in a container and you have to scoop it out to apply it (it has a similar consistency to Vaseline). Although it recommends using a brush to apply it, I like to use a butter knife to help get even coverage on my surface. Hope this helps!

[@amandavhb1630]

I agree! I also use Nori Paste

[@connie8356]

I love YES paste!

[@melissaanderson2612]

Do not use Yes in conjunction with photographs - we have some in our archives that have been glued into a scrapbook using Yes a few decades ago and it has destroyed the photographs.

[@Jane_Ricciardi]

My fave since my college days is Yes glue. I use it all the time. It lasts for-ev-er! I’ve only had to buy 2 pots of it in the last 30 years. Even if it looks dried out in the pot, just add a few drops of water, swirl your brush in it, and you’re good to go!

[@shelleynobleart]

I love yes paste for delicate tissue overlaying but it will grab moisture in the air if left bare. It becomes very sticky even after drying if left bare! I've had a real mess on my hands with a journal. Has to have a paper covering. And find it crazes and becomes brittle rather than flexible.

[@Tuzyae]

This video is awesome! I make my own bullet journals using several of your binding techniques! I do actually use one of your “not recommended” glues, however. I dilute Elmer’s Glue-All 1:1 with water to brush on thin layers (usually 3-4 on my text block spines). I use it for the covers as well as the text blocks and end pages. I dry my books using a food dehydrator since I live in a humid environment and I don’t want to wait for it to dry naturally (or warped!). I use hot glue to adhere my pen holders and Elmer’s Craft Bond glue stick for the expanding pocket in the back. The only glue failure I’ve had was with my ribbon bookmarks on a bullet journal I used for 5 mo. (rather than my standard 4). I solved that problem by stitching it in place on the spine of the text block before gluing it to further secure it in the next book I made.

[@aparnaartbyas_smile8023]

Ur channel is an encyclopaedia.. thanku for the efforts.. it's an Inspiration for aspiring artists like me.. though these products aren't available here, i could learn about the technicalities.. thank you.. love from India😊😊😊

[@TheGingerkid2]

I’m studying graphic design and in my 492 course we love to use the 3M Positionable Mounting Adhesive! You don’t have to worry about glue drying and/or warping! However, it runs around $50 per roll. I super recommend investing in a roll!

[@arsenicCataria]

I personally use Nori paste for covers! It's a rice paste that's acid free and dries clear. When I first started bookbinding, I learned Japanese methods, which recommended a rice paste for backing your book cloth/paper with mulberry paper It wouldn't be well suited for spines at all, but it's great for covers! You can water it down to control the thickness of it too, something I like about it Alternatively, you can make wheat paste easily for cheap, but i'm not sure about it's archival properties. I've only used it for gluing stuff to walls

[@barbarahallowell2613]

Hey, on the Alene's tacky glue, I did my first books using this because it's what I had around. Thing is, mix it down 2 parts tacky glue to 1 part water. This works great on my signature bindings. On my hard cover bindings I make my own paste in the microwave with rice starch/flour if it is large and needs a slower dry time. Smaller projects are fine with what you said Elmers glue stick. With casing in I just REALLY want something that is very low moisture and slow drying so I can reposition. ***Hey, Sea Lemon!!! I found your channel just over a year ago and it gave me the confidence to just run and roll with it and try out this bookbinding thing. Since then my technique has truly improved. My creative license on what a book should be has changed. I've made so many books, some epic c failures that I learned from, some AMAZING gifts I was shocked I actually created. So THANK YOU!!! You started me on a brilliant new road. :) :) :)

[@dreamelatte]

Oh my gosh... I had no idea there were so many glue options. I’ve just been using Elmer’s lol

[@phillrushmere]

Great tips, I've used your 'make you own book cloth' using wonder web and tissue paper. - it worked a treat! When I've make leather bound books before I've used wallpaper paste to stick paper to the leather to give a nice inside to the book and it make the leather a bit stiffer.

[@Kewpiepie]

Glue is the single hardest item to choose for crafts. I love that you a made this video, wish I had it when I was experimenting!

[@amandine6319]

8:05 if it's any help to anyone, classic white liquid glue takes between 1 and 2 hours to dry in the Alps

[@suzesiviter6083]

Those living in the Alps will be glad for that information).

[@SweetTodd]

But why would I be in the mountains in the first place?

[@USConstitutionRocks]

@@SweetTodd Why not, I am.

[@ThePhantazmya]

The one and only time I made my own book I used textile glue to adhere my fabric to my board. It worked like a dream. Not sure about it being "archival safe" though. I loved doing that project and I would like to make more books in the future. Thank you for your excellent tutorials!

[@DanceswithDustBunnies]

A little hint about the Lineco PVA glue: keep it in the fridge if you're not using it up at a fast rate. It gets black mold in it otherwise. Jerry's now carries a good bit of the Lineco line of products.

[@haileylinenbroker7339]

Can you do a video on how you use the first page of your notebook? I never know what to put on it

[@projectanonymous9366]

That's a good idea!!

[@dipas0029]

One thing I've discovered while researching this is that not all PVA glues are acid-free (archival). There's actually a lot of variety in properties among PVA glues. So if it doesn't specify that it's acid-free, I assume it isn't. Maybe that's why some Elmer's glue works and some doesn't? Someone else tested and found that the Multipurpose one is acidic but they might have another formulation that isn't.

[@GingahSnapsArt]

Very helpful! Rubber cement I use to make tear-off notepads. They're handy when you technically want the papers to detach easily (:

[@MantisObscura]

Thank you for the video! If you want to try a professional bookbinding glue, I suggest Planatol BB (BB for Buchbinden/bookbinding); I'm from Germany, so I'm not sure about US availability, though. But I learned bookbinding from a really old and experienced Master and this is the only type of glue he would use. It's a PVA glue, archival quality, everything you listed, and it's a fantastic product!

[@freewithnature]

Wow I feel like I took a scrapbooking class! You covered every little detail, loveeeee it!!

[@ninalily3217]

Thanks for the video! When I first followed your tutorial to make Tom Riddle's diary, the only glue I had was wood glue, so I used that! Adn it worked so well that I've just kept using regular wood glue from the hardware store ever since! I'm not completely sure, but it looks as though the one I use might be some sort of PVA glue. However, it works great, dries flexible, but is still quite strong!

[@geministargazer9830]

Nina Lily Wood glue pretty much is just PVA

[@ellerikke3948]

Woodglue is usually pva, unless anything is stated.

[@theMoporter]

The non-toxic thing doesn't necessarily matter in every case. Some glues dry safe. It's probably easier just to use PVA either way though :P

[@showlottathings]

For book eating non-toxic is important.

[@paperinashes]

@@showlottathings 👀

[@cindytrimblr]

This was super helpful! Thank you so much for going in depth on all the different pros and cons of each type! I was going to use hot glue, but I'm going to look for one of the ones your recommended instead. My fiance wants to just buy me books or notebooks but I am so interested in making them, and I think I'll have fun doing it.

[@joannagg9707]

Absolutely love watching your videos as you always do bullet points that are easy to make notes on. Thankyou for being so concise and clear, very helpful.

[@johnmitchelljr]

“Nerd out”, I’m old and never heard that term before so I had to watch your video. Basically I learned to “stick” with my Lineco and not use my tacky glue or Elmers. Thank you for your excellent video.

[@AnnieNorthman89]

I am so glad you made this video, this is super helpful. I could really use the iron-on adhesive for the many future books and notepads I want to make.

[@ASmith-hb4ed]

Excellent video and the best of the bunch on this topic! I was about to repair a leather bound Bible with a glue gun. I just placed my order for the right glue. Thank-you!

[@stevet5087]

Great, helpful tutorial! I just bought a vintage book which has a very slight tear on the binding and I wasn’t sure what to do but now I think I have a better idea now and I know which glue to use… thank you!

[@DanSlaughter85]

Thanks for this had a graphic novel fall apart and I was devastated. This will help me fix it.

[@bbrachman]

Jennifer: I have many tubs of 'The Masters Brush Cleaner' around my studio. This stuff is absolutely the best cleaner for art brushes. It will clean everything off a brush from oil paints, watercolor and acrylic paints. I mean even dried acrylic paints. Takes a little massaging but it works. It is safe for the most expensive sable brushes. I wonder if it will clean off PVA glue from a brush. It would be worth a try.

[@enzorocha2977]

This might be an idea from left field, but wood glue ticks a lot of boxes: water/moisture resistant, flexible, cheap, safe, etc. Titebond Original or Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy brands cover a lot of bases. Also, silicone brushes are awesome sauce; no rust worries and since it's silicone, any glue that dries and "sticks" on the bristles just washes off easily.

[@kirataylor5199]

I was wondering about this! I'm planning on bookbinding with some gorilla 2 part epoxy, but haven't been able to find a proper tutorial using that type of glue. Would you use it the same as pva glue, or are there other specific techniques?

[@2woofs784]

I'm new to bookbinding and this video is just what I needed.

[@BinatiSheth]

For the Indian viewers, her book binding tutorials are completely doable and durable... I have tried almost all the projects using Fevicol and they work!!!

[@prachigalange]

Binati Sheth thanks Binati, gives me hope to try the projects :)

[@TheEnglishbeyblader2]

Thanks a lot

[@juverianausheen7420]

Omg thanks so can we use fevicol to bind the book?

[@wayneessar7489]

Glue nerds unite! ......bond? ..........crosslink???

[@lenalawlipop]

you could even say we should.... stick together

[@CidtheVicious3]

Lol I had no idea anyone else was a glue nerd! My husband thinks I'm crazy for the amount of glues I have until he goes to use one and it literally will not work for what he is trying to glue and then its GLUE NERD to the rescue! "Oh wait honey you need this kind to make the plastics bond together! That kind you tried wont actually hold to the plastic so it will just pop off." Huaband rolls eyes "it's just glue!"

[@AluminumDragonRawr]

This was really helpful. There are so many different kinds of glues and, depending on the project, it can get kind of intimidating.

[@suzesiviter6083]

Evostick wood glue worked for me. When touching up covers, I recommend a large set of oil pastels and matt varnish, for rips just use a sticky label, not sellotape as book collecters like the option of removing them and the typical glossy surface on the cover usually allows easy removal.

[@koto3754]

I NEEDED THIS i was looking for this video like crazy through your channel! I knew i could count on youuuu!

[@ernestochang1744]

Books by hand Neutral PH is the best glue i have ever used to glue a spine to a fully fledged book, books over 400 pages long that weigh over 10 pounds, very flexible, very durable, very strong much praise. If you need to glue cardboard and paper permanently without acid or toxic substance look no further neutral PH books by hand adhesive seriously guys

[@DaxCraft]

Great video! I've just started a book binding project (following a Nerdforge tutorial) and I used wood glue. Very thick and seems to dry flexible so I'm hopeful that it works.

[@markhenderson5075]

You are amazing! How can anyone make glue that interesting. Love your videos, each is clear, concise; and you are totally charming. Keep up the good work.

[@artkaboom]

Thank you, you answered my question on what is PVA and what's best for the binding. If US Art Quest is OK, (acrylic coating & Medium), as a painter I wounder if simple Acrylic Medium will work too... I'll give it a test! many thanks...Brilliant video, love your voice!

[@terryvickers5986]

Whendrying brushes after cleaning, the hole in the handle is so you can hang them. A stiff wire across the top of a conainer works well.

[@lissametzger4387]

I've been told that elmer's glue-all was the go to for book projects. thank you so much for all this info. I will change my way of thinking and buy some pva glue when I'm in town next time 😁

[@kiminalaska9363]

Thank you. It gave me good ideas for little note books that are meant to have pages pulled out

[@MrWolfgee]

Thank You. This video completely satiated my appetite to learn about bookbinding glue. :)

[@cherylrymer6782]

Wish I'd seen this when I first started doing journals lol - I have tried several of these already and agree with your findings on the ones I have tried. Thanks for the "nerd gluer" info - loved it.

[@karlnotyourbusiness4429]

Excellent nerd out. Cheers for this. Most excellent

[@planttale]

i use basic white school glue (dries clear, and it is non-toxic), and i take a small dish and add a little bit of water and pour the glue into the dish. this helped me a lot with my first book since: a, it wasted less glue, b, it would hold on better and wouldn’t warp the paper a whole lot. you can make this simple mixture yourself! it helps if your glue is a bit too thick like mine :D and forgot to add, i don’t use the same glue for the spine, i only use it for covering the boards.

[@GiantParfait]

In case anyone was wondering Elmer's is a type of PVA. Mod podge, tacky, that's all a type of PVA too. Just mixed with other stuff. Like you mentioned with Elmer's craft bond, it depends what you need it for.

[@eaglewarrior4031]

Hi Jennifer, I found the lineco glue at staples, if you order it there it's free shipping either to the store or to your home 8 oz. for about $9.00

[@BreaknRemake]

This was great! I love it when you nerd out, and this info was great information too. Yay! And oh man, I totally forgot you made River Song’s notebook from Doctor Who!

[@jessicaranu9102]

thank you sooo much! i have been wanting to make my own book and this video will definitely help out! also, your new office is really looking good!

[@MyVideosNow]

Nice video! I purchased PVA from a book making supply shop and it works nicely. I think it was worth the money.

[@TheNetymags]

Great video! Really informative. I’ve just started to make junk journals and altered books. I will definitely share this info with some of the groups I’m on!

[@ChelseaVampyre]

I got my PVA from our local art store Blaine’s Art Supply in anchorage, AK. (They carry it frequently and mail anywhere).

[@LazyLimaDIY]

I learned a lot about glues that I didn’t know! Thanks! 👍🏾

[@elizabethackerman681]

what a wonderful tutorial on glue. so so helpful. very grateful!

[@robertphillips93]

I live in California, and according to their experts, air is a known carcinogen . . . And round glue brushes help deliver more adhesive to a project in a single "trip" than flat ones. A 12 x 22 inch piece of cloth can be glued off quickly enough to assemble a whole case, for example. The long part of the handle is used mainly for balance, the larger round section is comfortably gripped and gives excellent bristle control. Sometimes the bristles are carefully tapered on one side of a large round brush to provide the best of both worlds -- increased capacity and finer control.

[@sarajean671]

Thanks for the nerdy glue recommendations. Mod Podge Paper is acid free, but the other Mod Podge products aren't. I use Acid-free Aleene's Tacky (available online) usually thinned with water. I have noticed that my spines are a little stiff until I have used them awhile. Maybe it's time to splurge for some Lineco.

[@SallyMander2.12]

Rubber cement works well. It's flexible and holds tight.

[@creativesea.design]

Not sure you'll see this message, but I'll try anyway: I recently made my first 2 books. First was a practice sketchbook and then a book with a friend's writings. I agreed with his girlfriend to use faux leather for the cover and the only thing I could use to glue it was E6000 or similar (not sure how you call that in english, it's a contact adhesive that is added to both sides and left to sit for 10 mins before finally putting the sides together). I think the problem was this leather was double sided, so the underside was soft and absorbing the glue. But in Europe we don't have Heat&Bond or anything similar. I know for sure in my country we don't. So I really don't know how I can approach fabric covers. Any other ideas?

[@MisterDivineAdVenture]

Nice. I think the smelly glues are completely safe for non food contact surfaces once they cure. They dry and that's that. It's the solvent that is so toxic. So if you handle it safely .. that said, they are more expensive and there is probably a reasonable substitute in the water based stuff.

[@valligator1]

Thanks! Such good info. I have watched a few of your videos and find them very informative.

[@breannapreuett7264]

Awesome! Your so talented with all these creative ideas. Love the new office!

[@psychedelicpython]

I bought a 1956 Catholic missal a couple of weeks ago and being old, but well made, there is one part that needs to be enforced close to the binding/spine so the page doesn’t come out. My poetry book by Edgar A. Guest needs to be glued at the binding/spine, along with a couple of other books. I’m 60 years old and a lot of my old and treasured books are in better shape than I am. 😊

[@Jose2bJose]

I use a wide double sided tape for my hardcovers that's bound with paper. For the spine I've both used wood glue back in the day as well as cheap school glue. Haven't failed me yet. Others who have used double sided tape? How about spray glue?

[@MapleArtworks]

I love your new office !!

[@oksanatymoshenko8770]

great tip about the glue-stick and the size of the project! so smart and nerve-saving, thank you! :)) and thank you for the video, love the book-binding guidance which I can get from you!

[@urbanchili]

I can't get any of these glues in my country, so I guess I will just have to try with what I have. Thanks for the video.

[@geministargazer9830]

I W what country doesn’t have pva?

[@lottiefaith6935]

This video was very informative and helpful and I look forward to more videos on books. Thanks for sharing.

[@heatherwinter6211]

A substitute for Linco Neutral PH, is Demco Norbond, it’s the same stuff a bit cheaper.

[@jag53922]

With their properties being one too stiff and the other too flexible, do you think mixing Aleene's Tacky Glue with Elmer's Craft Bonding Fabric and Paper Glue would work to repair a book binding that has pulled away from it's cover?

[@miriamcymbalist4164]

You should try dishwasher safe mod podge. I have it for glazing air dry clay but it’s all I had and I wanted to bind a book so I used that and I love it

[@ghostpaper8657]

Oh god I’m so thankful for all this information you just give me what totally I need

[@amandasharkey5956]

I bought Tacky glue and Elmer's craft bond glue right before I saw this video.... guess I'll try mixing the two?

[@DaGuy248]

Thank you very much.... I already used some other glue it didnt turned out perfect but i was satisfied😊 I think now it wuld be perfect

[@coreybartkuscole444]

Love this!! Thanks so much! This book repair/making nerd is so happy for this video!

[@mathildebouvier4313]

Thank you for the tips, it is really helpful, particularly the more general part as i'm not in the US. Cheers!

[@MakerMaddox]

I made a version of your book press! Thank you so much for everything you do! I'm also an avid bookbinder. 😊

[@Gantorin]

I use Elmers white school glue for the spine, and attachment of the cover and inner lining. I use Elmers glue stick to attach the paper cover to the cover board. After I decorate the cover I seal it with Minwax water base sealer. I have never had an issue. E6000 yes I agree... I hate that stuff.

[@safeerhussain4290]

Thanks for your all help in using glues

[@AngelsWhisperl]

Lineco glue can be found at Art Supply Warehouse for anyone who happens to live near it.

[@estellekillick2760]

Is it just me or in the UK PVA is really easy to find and very popular?

[@geministargazer9830]

Estelle Killick idk but PVA is available everywhere in Australia

[@natalierice6528]

I buy the PVA glue at Jerry’s Artarama in Tempe. I’m sure they carry it online as well.

[@anneredecop3666]

Thanks for telling me what glue is better for you. 📚📓📒📖

[@nehashaw019]

Can you please make a video on set of brushes. I like painting but I dont know which brush to use. There are many brushes available in the market but sometimes we pick wrong brushes due to lack of Knowles about it.

[@axerxes3981]

Great information and wonderfully presentation!! Nice job!! Thanks for sharing..... Ax

[@mistakenface5316]

I used elmers glue before on my book project and now my book is still solid and i still use elmers glue till this day on my book projects

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

Thank you, Jenn, for this very informative and helpful book adhesives vid! 😘👍🏾

[@lilcicero77]

I use Binder's Paste from Shepherd;s Bookbinding specialists in London. It is 50% PVA and 50% something called Paste. It works, anyway, and it is not expensive.

[@ColorWayArts]

Hi Jennifer, thanks for the video! I love your work! I work with cartonnage fabric boxes and cases, I teach this technique in local and online classes and recently I published a book about fabric box making. I have been making boxes for a long time and I always use "Glue-All". I like this glue because is easy to find, works very well on fabric and I have good finishing so far..... I like your tip about the "flexibility" of the Lineco one, I will definitely test it out for some projects that I need it. I use chipboard and poster board that are acid-free, so, I think the acidity of the glue is kind of also absorbed by the papers and don't change any color or texture in the fabrics..... If you want to check it out my work it's ColorWay Arts, tutorials, DIY kits and tools to make boxes, books and cases! Hope you like my work. See you in the next video! Claudia Squio

[@ThePastelKat]

If you ever get the chance, would love to see you do a small update on this covering your opinion on a few other glues. For one, the Tombow glues (clear and dual.) Those are widely popular and I would like to know your opinions. Also, Elmer's extreme glue stick. Though I would not use for a spine, I have found nothing better paper to paper, especially for not warping. Thoughts? Experiences? Also, what do you think of wood glues? And lastly, I am not sure if you have ever covered it, but would you consider doing a video on sealers? There are so many ranging from Matte Gel Medium (or gloss,) to fixative sprays, to decoupage glues, etc. Would love to know a more experienced person's point of views on these things. I did enjoy this though, it was helpful, and thanks so much for sharing. =) (Apologies if any comments covered any of this, but I just can't imagine reading through nearly 200 comments. For what you do manage to read in them all, kudos to you...that must be so time consuming.) Thanks again, so much! =)

[@WhereWhoMe]

Would you consider making an Amazon list or something similar of items you use/recommend? Love the recommendation. I got a bottle of Lineco glue, but I have yet to use it. But I did find a semi DIY book press in the form of all my old textbooks, which will have to do for until I can vist Diaso for some cutting boards.

[@joanna6773]

I’m having issues with the glue that I am using for my book spine. I made a book for a friend who uses it as a watercolour sketch book. I think the moisture from the water colour causes the layer of glue that is on the book spine to come off. Have you ever come across this problem before?

[@ChesyaPricilla]

whoa thanks for sharing your experience. im about to make a watercolor sketchbook here. i wonder if we could just stitch binding the book and glue it with Elmer's glue/ glue gun?

[@ladyofquills]

Is there any chance you could try making your own glues and give us a review on your experiences with them? I'm asking because I can't find any other such videos online, and I make a LOT of journals to sell them, and so a less expensive glue would be a great thing to have. I'm obviously going to experiment myself, but it would be great to have your advice on the matter too! :)

[@lexihauer9857]

The only way I’ve used E6000 on books is when the outer layer of the spine of a hardcover book separates from the rest of it. It’s a part That is isolated where I’m not gonna come into contact with any of it. It’s my favorite adhesive lol.

[@vivienholecz1141]

This video addresses the glue problem I have been having but living in Europe I don't have access to most of these things. I once used gel medium to make the covers for a coptic stitch book which warped very badly. More recently I found a glue that said PVA in the description but it wasn't so watery like in your videos, it was almost impossible to spread evenly with a brush. I put a lot of weight on it (over 10 kgs ~ 22 lbs), still it came out wrinkled and it warped later. I'm a bit confused and out of ideas.

[@geministargazer9830]

Vivien Holecz get wood glue, it’s pretty much pva and if it’s too thick you can water it down a bit

[@get2craft]

great video, thank you :) i am making junk journals and greeting cards, and I used to use glue rollers but noticed they wall off after a few years. i am on a budget, so looking for cheaper glue. can i use elmers glue sticks for card making?

[@Anna-qwerty]

Thanks for your tips! I didn't know about the brush rusting part! Thanks for the recommendations of glue, but those glues are so expensive in Canada, like one 4oz is $20-$30. :( But I understand its because it's premium glue like you said! I saw some Hars padding compound and its advertised as for notepads and books so I hope that works too!

[@vanshjaggi6215]

Can you please recommend what thickness of faux leather & cardstock is ideal for front covers and what should not be used?

[@alainao.8002]

E6000 is toxic when inhaled, but as far as I know it should be safe when dry. It's actually used quite a lot in handmade jewelry, as it is meant for a very strong bond.