need advice on bookbinding glue

[WarpGateEngineer808]

im tryin to rebind some old paperbacks into hardcovers just to get into bookbinding anyone know if i can get away with elmers instead of pva? or maybe makin my own starch paste? ive read a bit about it but if its a pain ill just cough up the 8 bucks for proper glue

 

[LatteDayToday]

I just started to do rebinding and everyone is telling me to use PVA, it's strong but flexible

 

[mumbojumbo]

im tryin to rebind some old paperbacks into hardcovers just to get into bookbinding anyone know if i can get away with elmers instead of pva? or maybe makin my own starch paste? ive read a bit about it but if its a pain ill just cough up the 8 bucks for proper glue

You can definitely start with Elmer's for practice, it's not ideal because it's not as flexible or strong as PVA, but for a beginner project, it'll hold up okay. Elmer's won't ruin your first try

 

[expecto patronum]

Using Elmer's or homemade starch paste is a rookie shortcut, your hardcover will fall apart fast. Bookbinding isn't about cutting corners; paying for proper PVA glue is the only way to avoid a sad, floppy disaster

 

[The Lamplighter]

@WarpGateEngineer808 I think say start with Elmer's just to get the hang of it, then switch to PVA once you're ready for a lasting hardcover. Practice first, spend later.

 

[stevecook-uk]

i do lumbeck or stab binding or a combination of the two. Up to now, I've used pva. But, as it happens, I'm going to see if I can get away with just using collagen glue and flour glue