Mending Pages

When pages start to tear loose, their edges often protrude from the book and become ragged and bent over. These damaged edges should be repaired before we reinsert them into the book.

If the paper is old, soft, or brittle, the folded edges may break as we try to straighten them. The paper's fibers can be "relaxed" with water which will allow us to manipulate it.

We apply clean, cool water (distilled, if available) to the paper with a brush or cloth, after testing an inconspicuous spot for staining.

Excess water is blotted up with cheesecloth. More water can be applied if the fibers don't relax fully.

(This water relaxation technique can also be used to smooth out the wrinkles that are commonly found in large books with very thin paper, such as that in reference books.)

A thin spatula is used to carefully unfold the bent edges. Doing this while the paper is still damp, prevents them from breaking off.