Appreciation post: My mentor told me to always use a bone folder on the spine before casing in

I thought it was an extra step, but after my first few books developed small ridges, I tried it. The difference in getting a smooth, rounded back was immediate. Do you have any other small tips that seem fussy but really matter?

4 comments

4 Comments

knight.uma9d ago

My old teacher insisted on using a PVA glue mix that was one part water to four parts glue. I thought it was too thin, but it soaks into the paper fibers just right and dries without leaving any hard lumps. That little change stopped my covers from warping. Getting the glue consistency right matters more than I ever guessed.

gracej991mo ago

Ever tried just pressing it in?

miles_schmidt1mo ago

Read a blog post where someone used a bone folder to press in the spines instead of their fingers. They said it gave a way smoother, more even finish without any weird dents. Makes total sense for getting those crisp lines!

maryr431mo ago

Totally thought that was overkill. Then my spines looked so much better. Another one is sanding the text block edges, makes a huge difference.