How to Repair Used Books

Used books can sometimes have torn pages, holes, stains, marks, mildew or a bad spine. All of these things can be fixed so the book can look usable again. Some books will have to be repaired by a professional if the repair process does not work.

How to Repair Used Books

Materials Needed

• Waxed paper


• Rice paper


• Glue


• Soft cloths


• Clear eraser


• Worn piece of sandpaper


• Clear eraser


• Hydrogen peroxide

1. Review the pages to look for the pages that have tears or holes. Take a piece of waxed paper and place it under that page that has the tear or hole. The waxed paper will protect the other pages.


2. Cut a piece of rice paper. The piece of rice paper should be just a bit larger than the tear or hole. Put a small amount of glue on the piece of paper and apply it over the area. If the tear is at the edge, the rice paper should be folded over the tear to repair the hole.


3. Close the book after all of the pages are repaired. Place a heavy item on top of the book and allow the glue to dry for 24 hours. The wax paper should remain in the book. Remove the wax paper after 24 hours.


4. Take a soft cloth and brush each page on the top and underneath to remove any loose dirt or debris inside the book. Use a dull knife to gently scrape away any raised stains on each page.


5. Take a clear eraser and remove all pencil marks from each page. Use light and gentle pressure. Wipe each page with a soft cloth to remove all of the dust made from the eraser.


6. If the pages have ink marks, use a worn piece of sandpaper to lightly remove them. Be gentle so the page is not torn.


7. Apply hydrogen peroxide on a soft cloth and put it on the areas that have mildew. Make sure blotting paper is put between each page to soak up the moisture. Leave the blotting paper in the book and close it. Put something heavy on the book and allow it to dry for 24 hours. Remove the blotting paper.


8. Place a piece of waxed paper under the front cover and the first page of the book. Also place a piece of waxed paper between the back cover and the last page. This will keep the glue from getting on any of the other pages.


9. Apply the glue along the spine. Hold the spine together for five minutes. Allow the glue to dry for one hour.