Can we talk about the right way to use PVA for spine lining?

I keep seeing folks at the Portland guild using straight PVA for spine lining, which I think is a mistake. It gets too stiff and brittle over time, especially in a dry climate. I always cut mine 50/50 with methyl cellulose for flexibility. Has anyone else switched and noticed a big difference in how the book opens?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_thomas5d ago

Yeah, that straight PVA thing drives me nuts too lol. Your 50/50 mix is basically what I landed on after a few too many stiff spines. Makes a huge difference in how the book feels in your hands, like it actually wants to open.

dakotawood5d ago

Hold on, you're missing the whole point of a strong spine. That stiffness is what keeps the book square on the shelf for years. A floppy spine feels cheap and the pages start to sag over time. I want my repairs to last, not just feel soft right now. Pure PVA might be stiff at first but it breaks in fine, and it holds up better. Mixing in water just weakens the whole structure.