Alexei Volkov
Covering a book in plastic is a great way to protect it from wear and tear. While there are several ways to cover a book in plastic, one common method involves using a clear plastic film or sheet. This process typically involves tracing the book's covers and spine onto the plastic, cutting and folding the plastic to fit the book, and then securing it in place with tape or adhesive. It is important to note that covering a book in plastic may reduce its collector's value, so it is not recommended for rare or potentially valuable books. However, for textbooks or frequently used novels, a plastic cover can be a simple and effective way to extend the life of the book.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | Heavy-duty plastic sheet protector, 8-10 mil sheet of clear plastic, or 1-4 mils thick plastic roll |
| Plastic cover preparation | Cut the plastic to size, trim edges if necessary, and fold to create flaps |
| Adhesive | Tape, pressure-sensitive adhesive, or adhesive on plastic sheet with paper attached |
| Book cover preparation | Trace book covers and spine, crease flaps, and fold plastic around the book |
| Application | Smooth and press plastic onto the book, eliminating bubbles, and miter corners |
| Finishing | Cut spinal tabs, clip divots, and snip corners |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right plastic
When choosing the right plastic to cover your book, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can use contact paper, which works similarly to a sticker and adheres directly to the book. Contact paper is available with pre-printed grids, which can be helpful for measuring and cutting. It is also available in rolls, making it easy to unroll and lay flat on a table, with the paper side up.
Another option is non-adhesive plastic wrap, which does not have a sticky surface and needs to be taped down. This type of plastic is typically clear and similar to wrapping paper. PVC plastic sheets are a common choice for this method.
If you decide to use tape, opt for acid-free tape to avoid any potential staining on your book over time. Additionally, consider taping only the plastic to itself and not directly to the book. This will make it easier to remove the cover in the future without damaging the book.
For a more economical option, you can choose clear polypropylene plastic rolls, which you can cut to size and fold around the book. This type of plastic is non-reactive, non-toxic, non-acidic, and resistant to tearing.
Regardless of the type of plastic you choose, ensure that the wrapping is not too tight to allow for proper ventilation and prevent mould growth. Leaving some space between the plastic and the book's cover can help achieve this.
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Cutting the plastic to size
To cover a book in plastic, you will need a heavy-duty plastic sheet protector or a clear plastic sheet with a thickness of 1-4 mils. Rolls of plastic typically come in heights ranging from 9 inches (23 cm) to 16 inches (41 cm), so select a height that will fit the book you plan to cover. For example, a standard textbook with dimensions of 8.5 inches (22 cm) by 11 inches (28 cm) will require a plastic sheet cut to 14.5 inches (37 cm) by 17 inches (43 cm).
Before cutting the plastic to size, lay your book on the plastic and trace its covers and spine to create a large rectangle. Then, cut the plastic along this rectangle, adding an extra inch (2.5 cm) on each side. This will give you enough plastic to cover the book and have equal-sized flaps on three sides.
After cutting the initial rectangle, you will need to cut the spinal tabs. Make four vertical cuts about one inch (2.5 cm) in from where the plastic folds around the spine, twice on the top flap and twice on the bottom flap.
Next, snip off each corner of the plastic cover at an angle. Bring your scissors close to the corner of the book and cut upwards and inwards to remove a triangular section of plastic. Repeat this process for all four corners of the book.
Finally, open the book to the back cover and cut off the inner plastic flaps. Cut at a slight downward angle from the top corner of the book cover to remove the inner flap. Then, repeat this process for the bottom corner, cutting at a slight upward angle. Do the same for the front cover.
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Folding the plastic around the book
Firstly, place your book in the centre of the plastic sheet, ensuring it is aligned correctly. You want to have an equal amount of plastic extending beyond the top, bottom, and right side of the book. This will give you two equally-sized flaps on three sides of the book.
Next, carefully lift the front flap of plastic and fold it under the front cover of the book. Pull the plastic taut to ensure a snug fit, and secure it in place with a small piece of tape, such as Scotch tape. This initial taping will hold the plastic in place while you work on the other sides.
Now, move to the bottom flap. Tuck this underneath the back cover, but do not tape this side yet. Flip the book over so that the spine is facing downwards. Take the back flap of plastic and fold it around the back cover. Again, ensure the plastic is pulled tight for a smooth finish.
At this point, you should have two untaped flaps on the spine side of the book. To secure these flaps, you will create what is known as a "divot clip". Use your scissors to clip a divot, or a small notch, out of the plastic that extends beyond the top and bottom edges of the book. This is done because you cannot fold the plastic directly over the spine.
Finally, open the book to the back cover and cut off the inner plastic flaps. Using your scissors, cut at a slight downward angle from the top corner of the book cover to slice off the inner flap. Repeat this process for the bottom corner, cutting at a slight upward angle. Do the same for the front cover, and your book will now be protected by a plastic cover!
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Securing the plastic with tape
Selecting the Tape
Not all tapes are suitable for securing plastic book covers. Avoid using ordinary sticky tape, as it can bleed goo, become brittle, and create a mess. Instead, opt for clear tape, such as Scotch tape, which is specifically designed for this purpose. You can use any type of clear tape to secure the edges of the flaps to your book.
Taping the Front Flap
After folding the plastic around your book, you will have two equally-sized flaps hanging off the top, bottom, and right side. Fold the front plastic flap under the front cover, pulling it tight, and tape it in place. This step will prevent the plastic from shifting as you continue with the rest of the process. Make sure to only tape the front flap and not the bottom flap at this stage.
Taping the Inside and Outside Layers
Once both the front and back flaps are folded, you can secure the plastic by taping the inside and outside layers together along the top and bottom edges of the book. Be careful not to stick the tape to the book itself. This will ensure that the plastic cover stays in place and doesn't slide around.
Securing the Spine
To secure the spine of the book, you can create spinal tabs by making vertical cuts in the plastic about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from where the plastic folds around the spine. Make four cuts in total, two on the top flap and two on the bottom flap. This will help the plastic fit snugly around the spine. You can then use small pieces of tape to secure the spinal tabs in place, holding the Mylar snugly around the book.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
When taping the plastic in place, it is important to be mindful of a few potential issues. Ensure that you do not stick the tape to the book itself, only to the plastic. Additionally, be cautious when using tape near the spine, as the spine can get in the way and make it tricky to fold the plastic down smoothly. Finally, avoid using ordinary sticky tape, as it can cause messiness and damage over time.
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Trimming excess plastic
Firstly, cut a piece of thick, clear plastic that is slightly larger than your book to create a durable cover. The plastic should be at least 1-2 mils thick to provide adequate protection. Rolls of plastic typically come in heights ranging from 9 inches (23 cm) to 16 inches (41 cm), so choose a height that fits the size of your book.
Once you have the plastic cut to size, fold it around your book, leaving equal-sized flaps on the top, bottom, and one side. These flaps will be trimmed and tucked in to create a neat finish.
Now, you can start trimming the excess plastic. Begin by snipping off the corners of the plastic cover at an angle. Bring your scissors close to the corner of the book and cut upwards and inwards, removing a triangular piece of plastic. Repeat this process for all four corners of the book.
Next, you will need to cut the plastic along the spine. Make a vertical cut about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from where the plastic folds around the spine, both on the top and bottom flaps. This will create spinal tabs that can be tucked into the book.
After trimming the corners and spine, you should be left with flaps on the top and bottom of the front and back covers. To remove these flaps, open the book to the back cover and cut off the inner plastic flap at a slight downward angle. Repeat this process for the other inner flap on the same cover. Then, move to the front cover and cut off its inner flaps using the same technique but cutting at a slight upward angle.
Finally, fold the remaining plastic around the edges of the book, ensuring a tight fit. You can use tape to secure the plastic, but be cautious as some types of tape can bleed and cause damage. Clear contact paper can also be used to create a skintight cover, but it may rip the book's cover if removed.
By following these steps, you will have a neatly trimmed plastic cover that protects your book from wear and tear.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a heavy-duty plastic sheet protector or an 8-10 mil sheet of clear plastic. Rolls of plastic typically come in heights ranging from 9 inches (23 cm) to 16 inches (41 cm). You can also use book laminating film, which can be purchased from a library supply company, school supplies, or stationers.
Cut a piece of thick, clear plastic to create a durable cover. The plastic should be slightly larger than the book. Trace the book's covers and spine, then crease the top and bottom one-inch-wide flaps toward the centre of the book.
Fold the plastic around your book, then tuck in the front flap. Pull the plastic tight and tape it in place with a piece of tape. Repeat for the back flap but do not tape. Cut two spinal tabs into your plastic cover by making a vertical cut about one inch (2.5 cm) from where the plastic folds around the spine.
Snip off each corner of the plastic cover at an angle. Cut through the two layers of plastic, removing a triangle of plastic. Repeat for all four corners.
Ensure the plastic is taut and free of bubbles. Tiny air pockets can be pricked with a push pin. Be careful not to use too much tape as it may bleed goo and make a mess. Covering a book in plastic may reduce its collector's value, so it is not recommended for rare or potentially valuable books.
