
Repairing a loose page or folio might seem daunting, but it’s a simple process with the right tools and technique. Whether you’re restoring a beloved book, preserving an important document, or fixing a booklet for everyday use, this guide will walk you through how to create a strong, seamless repair. Follow along with the video below for a detailed demonstration.
Materials You’ll Need:
Kozo Hinging Tissue (or a similar Japanese paper)
Step 1: Prepare Your Hinging Tissue
Kozo Hinging Tissue is ideal for this repair due to its long fibers and useful watermark for easy tearing. Start by tearing or cutting a mid-sized strip of the tissue, large enough to securely hold the loose folio in place. If Kozo tissue isn’t available, you can prepare a similar strip from other Japanese papers.
Note: Kozo makes for an especially strong repair given its long fibers.
Step 2: Apply Glue to the Folio
Using a small brush, apply a thin, even strip of Jade 403 PVA Glue along the edge of the loose folio. This glue bonds perfectly with the long fibers in Kozo tissue, ensuring a durable yet flexible mend that resists brittleness over time.
Step 3: Attach the Hinging Tissue
Quickly overlap the glued edge of the folio with one side of the prepared hinging tissue. Gently press down to join them. Then, use a bone or Teflon folder to burnish the tissue, ensuring a secure bond.
Allow the glue to dry completely before moving to the next step. Once dry, trim any excess tissue from the top and bottom edges using scissors or a knife for a neat finish.
Step 4: Attach the Folio to the Booklet
Apply a thin layer of glue to the other edge of the hinging tissue. Carefully align the folio just inside the gutter of the booklet’s cover page. Press it in place and burnish generously with your folder to saturate and bond the fibers securely to the page.
If there’s any excess glue, scrape it up gently using your folder or knife.
Step 5: Let the Booklet Dry
Allow the glue to dry fully before closing the booklet. This ensures a strong, stable repair that’s ready for continued use.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully hinged a loose folio back into your booklet. The result is a flexible, durable mend that restores the functionality of your booklet while maintaining its integrity.