PVA glue & adhesives for book-binding

Frequently asked questions

What glue is best for bookbinding?

Use a neutral-pH flexible PVA (polyvinyl acetate) for spine and cover work. It stays flexible, does not yellow, and will not turn brittle like craft glue does in a year.

Can I use a glue stick or Fevicol for a journal?

Glue sticks are fine for ephemera inside a journal but not for binding — they lose grip with temperature changes. Standard Fevicol works in a pinch but is acidic; an archival PVA outlasts it by decades.

What is wheat paste used for?

Wheat paste (or methyl cellulose) is used under book cloth on cover boards because it slows down the drying and gives a longer open time, so you can smooth out wrinkles.

How long does PVA glue take to dry?

Archival PVA is tacky in 5 minutes, holdable in 20, and fully cured in 24 hours. Keep the book pressed under weight during the first hour for a crisp spine.