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How to Repair Antique Books

Owning an antique book can be a great way to have a piece of both history and literature. Because book making differed in the past, many antique books depreciate over time. Whether you plan on selling or growing a collection, you will want to preserve or repair your books to keep their value. Most antique book repair should be done by a professional, but there are some steps you can do on your own.

Things You'll Need

  • Glass cleaner
  • Gas duster for dust and lint removing
  • Soft brush
  • White cotton gloves
  • Pencil eraser or gum art
  • Very fine grit sandpaper
  • Single edge razorblade
  • Gallon size ziplock storage bags
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure you have a clean counter or table upon which to work. Disinfect the surface with an all purpose cleaner, and dry it thoroughly. Use a dust blower to remove any stray particles. Wash and dry your hands and don a pair of white gloves before handling the book.

    • 2

      Use a soft brush or canned air to remove dust. To clean individual pages, you can use gum art or pencil eraser. Fine Grit sandpaper removes stray ink marks. Remove gum or food with a razor blade. Take special care with the pages since torn paper often depreciates a book's value.

    • 3

      Repairing antique binding should only be done by a professional or under a professional's supervision. Certain glues can leak and damage pages, so you want to consult those who know the proper methods and chemicals.

    • 4

      Store books in gallon ziplock bags to protect against further damage. You also want to keep antique books out of direct sunlight, and they should not be stored in extreme heat or cold areas.

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