So if you’re here reading this article, you’ve probably noticed that a few (or maybe quite a few!) of the books in your collection have begun to experience the effects of old age. It’s pricey to rebuild your collection from scratch and just like other products, books continue to become more expensive each year. Sometimes books can be damaged not too long after you’ve purchased them. They may be getting a lot of use or maybe they travel around with you from time to time. After all, sitting in a coffee shop on a rainy day with your favorite warm beverage, is the perfect time to have your book with you. But it’s easy for books to become worn. If you repurchase every book that begins to fall apart, that will become a really expensive hobby!
The other reason you may prefer to repair your books rather than replacing them, is of course, sentimental value. Books are oftentimes given as a gift; they can also be a special family heirloom.
If you're part of an organization such as a school or church, you may be looking at a pile of books that need some TLC. A little effort can usually go a long way. Maintaining the condition of books such as school books or hymnals, can keep them in use for a long time.
If you’re just getting started repairing your library, or maybe just a few special books, you’re definitely going to want to do it right the first time! There’s a few things you’ll want to look for when you begin searching for the right book binding repair tape.
Easy Application
The book repair process shouldn’t be stressful!
Whether you have 2 personal books to repair, or 50 hymnals to fix up, you want the process to be easy.
ChromaLabel's cloth tape can be cut easily with a pair of scissors. It's stiff enough to add sturdiness and protection to the book, but bendable enough that it will form around the edges of the book. This makes it easy to adjust the tape right where you need it.
Excellent Adhesion
The quality of the adhesive might just be the most important thing about the tape!
The tape should be strong enough to protect the book for a long time and resist abrasions. This ultra aggressive adhesive will prevent the edges of the tape from peeling up and will keep the book protected longer than most other kinds of tapes.
A Natural Look
Cloth repair tape has a very natural look and matches most hard cover books.
Another important factor to consider is the color of the tape. Picking a color that roughly matches that of the book can keep your collection looking esthetically pleasing.
The other thing to find out is if the color is a topical coating. A coating could rub off onto (and stain!) other items. The color of the tape may also slowly fade and not look as fresh.
ChromaLabel's cloth repair tape has the color impregnated into the fabric so it won’t fade or stain other items.
The width of the tape you need should also be considered. Depending on your project, 1” tape may do the trick but you could need tape as wide as 4”.
ChromaLabel’s cloth book binding repair tape is extremely easy to apply. Check out this video on How to Repair Book Binding. The durability will keep your books protected for a long time, while also giving your books a natural looking facelift!
