How to Repair a Broken Book Spine with Filmoplast T Tape: Easy Archival Book Repair
- Pete Tsiamis
- May 26
- 3 min read
Rebacking is a book preservation process used to repair a damaged spine and prevent a book’s components from separating. While more traditional rebacking methods involve lifting and reusing the original cover material, alternative approaches can be used when a faster, more conservative repair is needed.
These methods are generally best suited for circulating or working collections and are not typically appropriate for special collections or rare books.
In this approach, Filmoplast T tape is used to create a new spine structure, reinforcing the book while minimizing intervention. Unlike a traditional reback, this method does not require lifting the original cover material, making it a practical option for books that need a durable repair with a more efficient workflow.
For a more traditional rebacking method that preserves and reuses the original spine covering, see our previous guide on rebacking a book.
Materials and Tools
Materials
Tools
Rebacking Process
Remove the Original Spine
As with any reback, the damaged outer spine material is first removed, if it is still attached. In many cases, the spine covering will separate easily at the joints, revealing the spine of the text block beneath.
Removing the loose material allows the new spine structure to adhere directly to the book.
Clean the Spine
Once the original spine has been removed, the spine is carefully cleaned using a microspatula or Casselli Spatula to remove loose paper and degraded adhesive.
This step helps create a smooth, stable surface for the new material to adhere to and improves the longevity of the repair.
For older or brittle books, a light application of methyl cellulose can help soften and reactivate aged adhesive, making it easier to remove without damaging the underlying structure.
Prepare the Bristol Support
Next, a piece of bristol board is cut to match the exact width of the spine and the full height of the boards.
This bristol piece acts as a rigid support for the new spine and helps maintain the shape and stability of the binding.
Prepare the Filmoplast Spine Piece
Rather than lifting the original cover material, a strip of Filmoplast T tape is cut to size. The strip should be a couple of inches wider than the spine and extend several inches beyond the head and tail of the book.
After removing the backing, the bristol board is centered and adhered directly onto the Filmoplast, creating a reinforced spine assembly.
Attach the New Spine
The assembled Filmoplast and bristol piece is aligned along the spine of the book, with the bristol positioned directly over the spine of the text block.
Once aligned, the Filmoplast is pressed down onto the boards on either side.
Using a bone or Teflon folder, the material is worked firmly into the grooves of the joints to create a strong, well-defined hinge.
Secure the Head and Tail
At the head and tail of the book, the excess Filmoplast is trimmed perpendicular to the boards at the joints.
These trimmed flaps are then folded inward and adhered down onto the endleaves, effectively wrapping the tape around the case and helping secure the repair.
This process is repeated at both ends of the spine.
Tuck the Remaining Spine Flaps
With the Filmoplast adhered along the boards, excess material will still extend beyond the head and tail of the spine.
These remaining flaps are trimmed inward at an angle to create a blunt point. The pointed ends are then tucked down into the space between the text block and the bristol support, wrapping snugly around the spine and adhering in place.
This final step helps secure the spine structure while creating a cleaner finished appearance.
A Durable Alternative Reback
The completed repair creates a reinforced spine that stabilizes the structure of the book and secures the boards to the text block.
While this method does not preserve the original spine covering, it provides a strong, efficient repair well suited for books that require durability and continued use. For circulating collections, reference materials, and other heavily handled books, Filmoplast rebacking can be an effective alternative to more involved conservation treatments.
