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Your Guide to Conservation, Archival, & Bookbinding Supplies...
Welcome to the TALAS Resource Blog! We are dedicated to supporting the fields of art conservation, restoration, and bookbinding by providing a comprehensive range of specialized materials and expert knowledge. At TALAS, we understand the unique challenges and needs of professionals and enthusiasts in these fields, and we're here to help you achieve the best results with our high-quality products.
Our Resource Blog is designed to be your go-to hub for all things related to art conservation, bookbinding, and archival storage. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate hobbyist, you'll find valuable information and practical guides to help you make the most of TALAS products.
Mending and Reinforcing Booklet Signatures
Metal fasteners such as staples are a common cause of damage in booklets and pamphlets. Over time, these materials can rust, discolor surrounding paper, and weaken the fold of a signature, eventually leading to tears or complete failure at the spine. Mending and reinforcing damaged signatures is an effective conservation approach that stabilizes weakened areas and prepares the booklet for rebinding, extending its usable life while preserving the original paper structure.
2 days ago
Stretching Watercolor Paper for a Better Painting Experience
If you’ve ever watched your watercolor paper buckle the moment it gets wet, you know how frustrating it can be. Buckling—often called cockling—causes paint to flow into unwanted valleys, making smooth washes difficult and unpredictable. Stretching watercolor paper is one of the simplest ways to keep your surface flat from start to finish, and it can completely change the way you paint.
Jan 29
Understanding Paper Weight & Surface: A Guide to Choosing the Right Paper for Your Project
When selecting the perfect paper for a creative or conservation project, two factors shape your results more than anything else: paper weight and paper surface. Though often discussed together, each property influences materials in its own way—from how a sheet feels in the hand to how pigment behaves on the page.
Dec 4, 2025
How to Assemble Your TALAS × Bitter Melon Bindery Sketchbook Kit
This guide, adapted from Bitter Melon Bindery's video tutorial, walks you step by step through the assembly process using the TALAS × Bitter Melon Bindery Sketchbook Kit. The kit includes everything pre-cut and measured, with carefully selected high-quality materials. You’ll also find notes for adapting the process if you’re making your own custom version from scratch.
Oct 16, 2025
Hanji: The Enduring Craftsmanship of Korean Paper
Hanji, the traditional handmade paper of Korea, is more than just a surface for writing or art. It is a material steeped in history, tied to the rhythms of the natural world, and cherished for its beauty, resilience, and versatility. Crafted from the inner bark of mulberry trees, Hanji has been an essential part of Korean culture for over a millennium, used in everything from Buddhist sutras to clothing, household objects, and contemporary design. Today, Hanji continues to br
Sep 15, 2025
Quarter Binding Cover & Casing-In — Khadi Book Block
Learn how to create a quarter binding cover and case in a prefabricated Khadi book block with this detailed, step‑by‑step guide. This timeless structure combines strength, flexibility, and elegance by pairing a cloth spine with decorative paper boards. Follow along with the video and written instructions to make a durable, visually striking book — perfect for journaling, sketching, or gifting.
Sep 8, 2025
Understanding Acidity in Japanese Paper: What “Acid-Free” Really Means
Japanese papers are renowned for their elegance and strength, long used in conservation, bookbinding, and fine art applications. Often described as “acid-free,” they are frequently trusted for archival work—but that label, while generally true, isn’t always the full story.
Jul 21, 2025
A Simple Guide to Japanese Stab Binding
In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through a simple Japanese stab binding technique —perfect for turning single sheets of paper into a...
Jun 26, 2025
Elevate Your Zines: Pamphlet Stitch & Alternative Binding Techniques
Looking to upgrade from staples? This easy, needle-and-thread method is a durable, archival alternative that adds charm and structure to your zines.
Whether you’re producing a single copy or binding a whole batch, the pamphlet stitch is a classic and effective technique that blends functionality with a handmade aesthetic. In this post, we’ll walk you through the entire process, step by step.
Jun 16, 2025
How to Prepare a Carrageenan Bath for Paper Marbling
An essential first step in traditional paper marbling, the carrageenan bath provides the foundation on which floating pigments can be shaped into beautiful patterns. In this guide, we walk through how to properly mix and prepare this unique solution.
May 13, 2025
How to Preserve Photographs for Long-Term Storage
Photographs are more than just images—they’re windows into the past. But without proper care, they can quickly deteriorate, fade, yellow, or even become brittle. Whether you’re preserving a family album, archiving historic prints, or organizing a professional collection, using the right materials and methods is key to keeping those memories safe for generations. In the video guide below, we walk you through the basic steps of archivally preserving photographs using trusted pr
Apr 28, 2025
Two Methods to Alum Paper for Water Marbling
Marbling paper in the Ebru (Turkish) tradition requires that the paper first be treated with a mordant—in this case, an alum solution....
Apr 4, 2025
Clamshell vs. Two-Piece: Choosing the Right Archival Storage Box
When it comes to archival storage, choosing the right box style can make all the difference in protecting your valuable materials.
Mar 10, 2025
Comparing Gudy DS Tapes: Which One is Right for You?
Showcasing the differences between the three types of Gudy DS double-sided tapes—each designed for archival-quality mounting.
Feb 21, 2025
How to Hinge a Loose Page or Folio Using Kozo & Jade 403 PVA
Repairing a loose page or folio might seem daunting, but it’s a simple process with the right tools and technique.
Feb 10, 2025
How to Preserve and Store a Photo Album or Scrapbook
Proper preservation and storage are essential for protecting treasured photo albums from deterioration over time.
Dec 16, 2024
A Comprehensive Guide to Bookbinding: From Sewing Signatures to Casing In
Creating your own books is a rewarding and creative endeavor that combines artistry with craftsmanship. This comprehensive guide will take y
Dec 9, 2024
A Guide to Using Filmoplast Tapes for Book and Paper Repairs
When it comes to book and paper conservation, choosing the right tools is essential for effective and lasting repairs.
Nov 19, 2024
Guide to Costume Preservation and Storage for Heirloom Garments, Wedding Dresses, Baptism Outfits and more.
Proper storage is essential for preserving textiles and costumes, helping to prevent damage and deterioration over time. Follow these...
Oct 29, 2024
How to Apply BEVA 371 Film: Mounting a Paper Poster to Tyvek
Mounting a paper poster with BEVA 371 film is a straightforward process that ensures long-lasting results. In this guide, we'll walk you...
Oct 14, 2024
How to "Case-In" a Text Block
Welcome to our guide on casing in a book, the final and essential step in your bookbinding journey. In this guide, we’ll walk you through co
Sep 24, 2024
How to Prepare a Book Spine for Binding
Preparing a book spine for binding is a critical part of the bookbinding process. Follow these steps to ensure your text block is secure...
Sep 4, 2024
A Bookbinder’s & Book Enthusiast’s Guide to New York
New York is full of cultural and historical sites., from The Met ropolitan Museum of Art , to the Statue of Liberty , and everything else...
Sep 3, 2024
How Do You Store a 79 Foot Scroll?
How does one store a 79 foot long Temple Banner from the 17th century? To accomplish this, our customer engaged TALAS for advice. The...
Aug 5, 2024
Cylinder Mould Papermaking at St. Cuthberts Paper Mill
In 2016, TALAS had the pleasure of visiting St. Cuthberts Paper Mill. Located in Wells, England this picturesque mill has been creating...
Jul 29, 2024
Water Activated Adhesives vs Self Adhesive Tapes
It’s simple, if the adhesive comes in direct or very close contact with artwork, you should avoid using a self adhesive product whenever...
Jul 25, 2024
Making Usu Mino Paper
In a small rural town in the Kochi Prefecture of Japan lives Osamu Hamada and his brother Hironao. They have been making paper their...
Jul 24, 2024
The Difference Between Vellum & Parchment
What’s the difference between vellum and parchment ? Parchment is a general term for an animal skin which has been prepared for writing...
Jul 24, 2024
Bone Folder vs. Teflon Folder
Simply put, a bone folder is an indispensable and essential tool for any bookbinder, graphic artist, or craftsperson. Why you ask?...
Jul 23, 2024
Fore-edge Painting with Martin Frost
In September of 2016 we had the privilege of having Martin Frost lead a course on Fore-Edge Painting here at TALAS. This event with...
Jul 22, 2024
Accordion Archival Box Dividers
As New Yorkers, we understand that space is of the essence and that often times multiple objects, or people, must co-habitate inside the...
Jul 19, 2024
Rice Paper, What’s That?... Japanese Fibers, Demystified
Western Papers are already enough to wrap our hands around… but then we enter the sphere of Japanese Papers. Welcome to the world of...
Jul 19, 2024
Gamblin Conservation Colors and Pigmented Resin Wax Sticks
In February of 2017 we had the privilege of hosting Catherine and Robert Gamblin for a presentation and demonstration here at TALAS...
Jul 19, 2024
What’s the Difference Between the Jade PVAs?
Good question! There are 4 varieties of Jade PVA: Jade 403, Jade 711, Jade R and Jade Thick. But before we get into the specifics,...
Jul 18, 2024
Guide to Bookbinding Leathers
Not sure which bookbinding leather to choose? When it comes to selecting leather there are many options and various different lines. Here...
Jul 16, 2024
Binding a Simple French Link Stitch Book
Creating your own books can be a rewarding and creative endeavor. One of the foundational techniques for binding a book is the French...
Jul 16, 2024
Mounting Parchment & Vellum
Mounting parchment and vellum can be a meticulous process, but with the right materials and techniques, you can achieve a beautifully...
Jul 11, 2024
Gudy 870 (O) vs Gudy 831 (V)
Gudy adhesives, both 831 and 870, are exceptional double-sided mounting adhesives. These acid-free dry mount tapes are great for...
Jul 11, 2024
How to Alum Paper for Paper Marbling
Marbling paper in the Ebru (Turkish) style of marbling requires that the paper first be treated using a mordant, in this case an alum...
Jul 10, 2024
Managing Your Environment: Agents of Deterioration
Material collections are treasures troves of historical, cultural, and scientific information, providing invaluable insights into our...
Jun 27, 2024
Paper-Backed vs Starched Bookcloth
Bookbinding is an intricate craft that combines functionality with aesthetics, ensuring that books are not only durable but also visually...
Jun 27, 2024
Preserving Photography Collections
Caring for a photography collection involves several key practices to ensure long-term preservation. Here are detailed steps to help you...
Jun 13, 2024
Ethafoam Mounts
Creating Ethafoam mounts for archival storage involves a careful process to ensure that the stored items are supported and protected from...
May 16, 2024
Box Terminology
Thinking of ordering a custom archival storage box but not sure where to start? Check out the glossary for important components to consider.
May 16, 2024
Acid-Free vs "Archival"
What’s the difference between Acid-Free and Archival? Acid-free papers are made using alkaline papermaking technology. This means the pH...
May 16, 2024
Buffered vs Unbuffered
Not sure if you should be choosing a buffered or an unbuffered option for long-term storage of your valuable possessions? Read our guide...
May 16, 2024
Beva® 371 Film Application Instructions
The Beva® 371 Film is a heat activated adhesive, originally developed by Gustav Berger for relining old deteriorating or tom canvases...
May 16, 2024
Wheat Starch Recipe*
*this recipe has been provided by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Paper Conservation Dept. Combine 1 part Wheat Starch to 4 parts...
May 16, 2024
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