Tipping in Loose Pages
You will need glue, scrap paper, a bone folder, glue and glue brush, and a weight (can be another heavy book).
This repair can only be done if there are just a few pages to tip in. Too many pages can vary from book to book, but generally, more than 3-5 pages is too many. An item with more than 3-5 loose pages should be considered for binding.
Several methods can be used to apply glue to a page. Practice each one and see which works best. Often, different techniques will work in different situations.
First, apply the glue using one of the three options outlined below.
- If the page to be tipped in is larger than the pages of the item, carefully trim the page to size using a paper cutter.
- For replacement pages, try to preserve original margin widths. See ‘Replacing Damaged or Missing Pages’ following this section.
Option 1:
Using a very small paint brush apply glue to the edge of the page.
Do not attempt to use a large brush to apply a small amount of glue. It is very difficult to control a large brush in such a small area and the glue could wind up in all the wrong places.
Do not attempt to use a large brush to apply a small amount of glue. It is very difficult to control a large brush in such a small area and the glue could wind up in all the wrong places.
Option 2: Apply a line of glue on a discarded card or a piece of stiff card stock
Draw the edge of the paper along the line of glue making sure the paper edge is covered in a thin, even bead of glue. If the page needs more glue, draw it through the glue again.
If there are some areas that have too much glue and others that are not covered, draw the page over a dry piece of card stock to even out the adhesive.
If there are some areas that have too much glue and others that are not covered, draw the page over a dry piece of card stock to even out the adhesive.
Option 3:
Sandwich the page between two pieces of scrap paper, leaving half a centimetre visible along the binding edge of the page.
The top strip of scrap paper will protect the area that should not be glued, and the bottom will protect the repair area surface. Apply a thin, even layer of glue to the exposed edge of the sheet.
The top strip of scrap paper will protect the area that should not be glued, and the bottom will protect the repair area surface. Apply a thin, even layer of glue to the exposed edge of the sheet.
With the page edge glued, position the page, setting it as far into the spine as possible while ensuring that the edges are even with the rest of the pages.
With the tipped-in sheet in place, slide the tip of a bone folder along the front (unglued) side of the sheet. Start in the middle of the page and work out to the top and bottom, to press it tight.
Close the book. Place a heavy item along the spine edge, and let stand for several
hours. Note the placement of the weight just before the hinges.
After the repairs are complete, remember to change the status of the item back to 'In Library' as outlined in 'Getting Started'.
Back to Stacks Maintenance
After the repairs are complete, remember to change the status of the item back to 'In Library' as outlined in 'Getting Started'.
Back to Stacks Maintenance