It has happened to most of us. We innocently go through our books and find out that our book cover is sticky. If your book cover gets sticky, you just know how frustrating it can be. But do not worry yourself since this article explains the reasons why your book cover is sticky and the solution to this condition.
9 Reasons Why Your Book Cover is Sticky
Here are nine reasons why your book cover is sticky:
1. Melting of the Binding Glue
Your book cover is sticky because the glue that is used to fix the book cover is melting and has dried on your book cover. This makes your book look oily and sticky, especially in areas where the glue has touched. Besides, it may look even more frustrating when you have your books in a hot atmosphere.
2. Printing Effects
Also, printing effects can make your book cover sticky. Some people are fans of printing effects on their book covers, while others dislike the effects. You will experience stickiness on the book cover when the book is not well printed.
3. Mold
Mold is also another reason why your book cover is sticky. Once you leave your book in a humid or dingy area, molds will find their way to your books, thus making book covers sticky. Avoid placing your books in a humid environment.
4. Dust and Grease
Dust and grease are among the factors that cause stickiness on the book cover. This may be experienced when your bookcase is near the kitchen; therefore, dust and oils that are always floating in the air may affect your book. The grease makes your book cover even stickier since oil is involved.
5. Glue Residue
When you fail to wipe off a glue residue after using it on your books, its effects are likely to be noticed by book covers being sticky. Glue residue can form sticky balls in your hands when trying to open your book.
6. Cob Webs
Spiders, cockroaches, and bed bugs tend to make their homes in abandoned books. Those cobwebs make book covers sticky because they cover a vast surface area. However, cobwebs do not make book covers sticky compared to glue residue.
7. Liquids that Spill and Dry on the Book Covers
Perhaps you are having a drink or any other substance, and it spills on your book. It will form sticky substances when it completely dries off. It is always good to avoid putting books close to liquids and foodstuffs.
8. Cheap Books
Relatively cheap books do not have a good binding on them. The binding could have glue residues that cause stickiness. Relatively inexpensive books have many disadvantages that tag along with them.
9. Poor Quality Books
Sometimes, you may buy a book without being able to identify its quality. It is unfortunate when you buy a poor-quality book since it always ends up sticky with time. Sticky book covers can lead to tearing of the pages, making a book in poor condition.
How Do I Make My Book Cover Not Sticky?
If you want to make your book cover not sticky, consider doing the following eight things:
1. Use Book Cleaner
A book cleaner will help remove severe residue. Book cleaner removes grime and smoke residue from pages and fabric binding. A book cleaner is constantly rolled gently over the grime to pick up the dirt. Get yourself a book cleaner to prevent your book covers from getting sticky.
2. Dry Out Wet Books
Books subject to water damage and spills need to be dried out. You can dry them in a sunny window, airing cupboard, or next to a radiator. Be ready to open the book pages to allow air to circulate to prevent sticking. Avoid using a hair dryer, fan, or oven since they destroy the pages by loosening them from the spine.
3. Seal Books in a Freezer Bag
A freezer bag helps prevent the infestation of books with paper mites or other pests. Seal the book in a freezer bag and ensure you have squeezed out air. Place the book in a freezer for a few hours to kill the eggs and insects.
4. Repair Book Binding
Bookbinding is very important, especially when your book cover is in bad condition. Use good glue to bind your book cover and wipe off the glue residue. Dry your book cover for a while after applying glue to avoid the book cover getting sticky.
5. Seek Professional Advice
If your book is precious, consider getting help from a librarian or a rare book dealer to help you with a good repair. It is best to use your savings and get a professional service rather than spoil your book.
6. Remove Smudges and Marks
You can use an art gum eraser to remove smudges and marks on your book. An art gum eraser is soft, thus helping avoid tearing of papers.
7. Use Nail Polish Remover
A nail polish remover helps to remove the excess binding glue or the glue residue, which causes stickiness. Besides, nail polish remover is usually light and dries out faster, which helps prevent causing dampness.
8. Get the Book Warm
A warm environment melts off the sticky glue, thus preventing stickiness on your book cover. You can hold your book in front of the fire or on top of a radiator for a few minutes. Start peeling. Be careful enough to prevent tearing of the pages.
How Do I Keep My Book Cover in Good Condition?
Below are ten tips on how to keep your book cover in good condition:
1. Use a wrap or a storage box to preserve your book’s cover.
2. Handle your book covers with gloves to prevent oil and dirt from your hands from deteriorating your book covers.
3. Avoid grabbing the book from the top of the spine.
4. Store your books in an upright posture.
5. Put your books in an area with good airflow.
6. Avoid dumpy areas.
7. Avoid direct sunlight.
8. Cover your books with either paper or plastic materials.
9. Carefully wipe the edges with a soft cloth.
10. Tape the top and the bottom of both the front and back covers.
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