What Adhesives are Used in Traditional Bookbinding

Traditional bookbinding, also called hardcover binding, involves making a book using a hardcover or thick outside ‘case.’ 

This process takes a few steps and starts by creating the outer cover or case. The cover is first created through a process called "case making,” which requires gluing and folding the cover material over a thick paper board.

Meanwhile, the interior of the book is printed page by page. These sheets are gathered and folded together. The pages are then sewn or glued into a ‘book block.’ A strip of cloth is added to the spine, where the book block will be glued to the case.

Once the cover and the book block have been made, it’s time to put it all together! The book block is then glued to the case in a process called ‘casing in.’ Once attached, you have a hardcover bound book ready to put on the shelf.

What Adhesives are Used in Traditional Bookbinding?

There's more than one type of adhesive to use when binding hardcover books. We’re going to cover the big three.

HX6000 PRO High Speed Automatic Book Block Preparation Line

Gelatin Glue

Gelatin glue, or protein glue, is used in many everyday applications, such as bookbinding, game board manufacturing, packaging, woodworking, and more. Yes, it is derived from protein, but modern gelatin is created by recycling pharmaceutical netting. 

Today, gelatin glue is still used in the manufacturing of hardcover books and by historians to preserve older volumes created using protein-based adhesives. Gelatin glue comes in and out of popularity with bookbinders, but it is returning to vogue for the following reasons.

Benefits of Using Gelatin Glue in Bookbinding

Useful in “green” applications and biodegradable

Open time, tack level, and viscosity easily adjusted to different running parameters

Easy clean up with water

Eco-friendly, biodegradable, recyclable, and repulpable

Water-soluble

Forms a strong, long-lasting bond

Operators can correct application issues with temperature, dilution, and application levels

HX6000 Book Block Spine Gluing Line

Hot Melt Glue

Hot melt adhesives are solid, polymer-based glues that do not contain solvents or water, allowing them to dry and bond quickly. Since hot melt is a thermoplastic, the glue stays in a solid state at room temperature and liquefies in the presence of heat. 

While many companies use gelatin glue for traditional bookbinding, some have started using EVA hot melt because of its versatility and ease of use.

Benefits of Using Hot Melt in Bookbinding

Dispens quickly

Dries rapidly and clearly

Provides a strong hold

Easy to store in solid form

Offers excellent page-pull

Liquid Glue

Liquid glues, or white glues, are water-based formulations used for a range of applications. They are popular with manufacturers because they are generally eco-friendly, non-toxic, and safe to handle. This type of glue also doesn’t need to be heated before application. Liquid glue tends to be popular for adhering the cover to the book block.

Benefits of Using Liquid Glue In Bookbinding

• Eco-friendly and non-toxic

• Easy and safe to apply

• Easy to clean up

• Dries clear

• Forms a moderately strong bond

Depending on your application or production setup, one type of glue might work better than another for traditional bookbinding.