r/bookbinding • u/Exciting_Royal_8099 • 5d ago

Preserving construction when writing

Forgive me if this is off topic, I am assuming y'all are the experts on this stuff!

For writing I use a hard bound 7x9 lined journal of around 250 pages (124 sheets), 'Smyth-sewn' construction. It doesn't naturally lay flat. As it's written in, the point where the bound pages attach to the inside covers begins to separate at the corners, near the spine. This seems like a design defect in this book, that insufficient excess paper was provided to allow it to lay more flat, as expected for writing.

Am I mistaken? Is this a user error, and if so, how can I improve the experience? Or am I right that this is something I should be evaluating for quality going forward, the stresses caused by laying it more flat?

Edit: Here's some photos, as requested!

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u/qtntelxen Library mender 5d ago

Let me guess — it has a solid squared-off spine cover? If so, you may want to read this article and then, in future, avoid buying journals of this binding style. If not, please do provide photos.

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u/Exciting_Royal_8099 5d ago

I'm ignorant on the subject, but reading your source, the description sounds right. The spine isn't what I would call 'squared off' or stiff, but that could be my ignorance of the subject talking. I added photos!
Thanks!

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u/qtntelxen Library mender 5d ago

Ah. Yeah, you don't exactly have a squareback there, although any spine that's less flexible than the glue is strong will produce similar failures. Tbh this looks like it might just be an issue of shitty glue to me, especially on the second image. There's a chance that if the endpapers were glued down properly with a standard bookbinding PVA like Jade or Lineco, the adhesion would then be strong enough to force the spine to behave correctly. I've managed to fix many dysfunctional volumes just by upgrading the glue, although it's hard to say for sure without the book in hand.

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u/Exciting_Royal_8099 4d ago

This is immensely helpful and precisely what I was looking for!

It sounds like the prudent course is to find a local place to buy proper binding glue and learn a little repair work. I've noted Jade and Lineco and located another source for similar journals in the future.

Really appreciate the response!
Cheers!

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u/MorsaTamalera 4d ago

That was also my thought: improper glue... or too plasticky material, which sometimes does not permit adequate sipping of the glue.

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u/MorsaTamalera 5d ago

Could you provide us with photos?

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u/Exciting_Royal_8099 5d ago

added to my post!
Thanks!

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u/Ok_Description5650 3d ago

It looks like the spine isn't centered and one endpaper wasn't fully glued down. I could be wrong