Sofia Martinez
Covering books with plastic jackets is a great way to protect them from wear and tear. Whether you're looking to preserve your favourite novel or extend the life of a school workbook, using plastic to cover your books can keep them in good condition for longer. In this discussion, we will explore the different techniques and materials you can use to effectively cover your books with plastic jackets, ensuring they stay attractive and durable. We will also address the benefits and considerations of using tape or adhesive to secure the plastic covering. By the end of this topic, you should feel confident in choosing the right method to protect your books and applying plastic jackets to your cherished collection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Extend the life of the book |
| Materials | Thick, clear plastic, tape, scissors |
| Plastic type | Polyester, Polypropylene, Vinyl, Mylar |
| Plastic thickness | 1-4 mils (or microns) |
| Plastic height | 9 inches (23 cm) to 16 inches (41 cm) |
| Plastic width | Cut to size |
| Tape type | Scotch tape, double-sided tape, Film-fiber Tape, polyethylene Book Jacket Tape |
| Taping technique | Tape plastic to itself, not to the book |
| Decoration | Doodles, quotes, names |
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What You'll Learn
Selecting the right plastic
Thickness and Durability:
The thickness of plastic book covers typically ranges from 1 to 4 mils, with most covers falling between 1 and 2 mils. Thicker plastic, such as 3 to 10 mils, will provide more durability and is ideal if you expect extreme wear and tear on your book. Keep in mind that thicker plastic will be more expensive and may have reduced clarity.
Size and Fit:
Plastic book covers come in various sizes to accommodate different book dimensions. The height of plastic covers usually ranges from 8 to 16 inches, while the width can also vary. Select a cover that is slightly larger than your book to ensure a comfortable fit. You can also purchase plastic on a roll, which allows you to cut and customize the size according to your book's dimensions.
Transparency and Appearance:
Clear plastic is often preferred for book covers as it allows the original cover design to be visible. Thicker plastic may have a slightly cloudy appearance, but it should still allow you to read the book's title and author clearly. Consider the level of transparency you prefer for your book cover.
Protection and Functionality:
The primary purpose of a plastic book cover is to protect the book from wear and tear, dust, moisture, and stains. Mylar plastic, for example, is commonly used by librarians for its protective qualities. Ensure that the plastic you select offers adequate protection for your book's intended use.
Cost and Availability:
The cost of plastic book covers can vary depending on thickness, quality, and quantity. Consider your budget and the number of books you need to cover. Additionally, look into the availability of the plastic you choose. Purchasing plastic on a roll may be a more cost-effective option in the long run.
By considering these factors, you can select the right plastic for covering your books with plastic jackets. Remember that the key aspects to look for are durability, size compatibility, transparency, protection, and cost-effectiveness.
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Cutting the plastic to size
To cut the plastic to size, first measure the height and width of your book. A standard textbook is typically 8.5 inches (22 cm) by 11 inches (28 cm). The plastic should be cut to be slightly larger than the book, with enough extra material to fold around the covers and create flaps. As a general rule of thumb, cut your plastic to be 14.5 inches (37 cm) by 17 inches (43 cm).
Purchase a roll of clear plastic that is thick enough to provide durability and protection for your book. The thickness of plastic film is measured in mils, and the majority of plastic book covers range from 1-2 mils in thickness. If you are expecting extreme wear and tear on your book, you can opt for thicker plastic, but it will be more expensive. 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.
When cutting the plastic, use long, sharp scissors to make the job easier. Cut the plastic to the desired size, ensuring that you cut right up to the edge of the book but being careful not to cut into the cover. You want to leave enough of a margin so that the plastic can be folded over the edges of the book cover.
After cutting the plastic to the correct width and height, you will need to cut the corners. Bring your scissors right up to the corner of the book cover and cut upwards and inwards at an angle to snip off a triangle of plastic. Do this for all four corners of the book, cutting through two layers of plastic at the front corners and then repeating the process for the back corners. Discard the excess plastic triangles that you've cut off.
Finally, open the book to the back cover and cut off the inner plastic flaps. Cut at a slight downward angle to slice off the inner flaps of plastic, starting at the top corner of the book cover. This will leave you with separate flaps at the top and bottom of the back cover, which can be folded over and taped in place.
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Folding the plastic around the book
Firstly, place your book in the centre of the plastic sheet. You want to ensure that the plastic sheet is larger than the book on all sides, creating a border. The ideal size would be to have equal-sized flaps hanging off the top, bottom, and one side, while the plastic on the remaining open side is tucked inside the front cover. This initial step ensures proper coverage and prepares the book for the subsequent folding process.
Next, carefully fold the plastic over the book's front cover. Make sure to pull the plastic taut to avoid any creases or air bubbles. Secure this front flap with a small piece of tape, such as Scotch tape. Taping only the front flap will help keep the plastic in place while allowing easy adjustments during the rest of the process.
Now, flip the book over and address the back flap. Fold the plastic around the back cover, creating a neat crease. Firmly press down on the crease to define the fold. It is important to note that this back flap should remain untaped, allowing for flexibility and avoiding any potential damage to the book's cover.
At this point, you should have two untucked flaps on the top and bottom of the book. For these flaps, a precise technique is required. Start by folding the top flap towards the spine of the book. Make sure to fold it tightly against the spine, creating a crisp edge. Then, using a sharp pair of scissors, cut two spinal tabs. Make vertical cuts about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from where the plastic folds around the spine, once on the top flap and once on the bottom flap.
By following these steps, you will have successfully folded the plastic around the book. The next steps would involve trimming the corners and fine-tuning the fit, ensuring a protected and well-covered book.
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Taping the plastic in place
Firstly, fold the plastic around your book, ensuring that it is tightly pulled around the front and back covers. You want to achieve two equally-sized flaps hanging off the top, bottom, and right side. This step is crucial for a neat finish.
Next, use a piece of Scotch tape to secure the front flap of plastic. Fold the front flap under the front cover and tape it in place. This will prevent the plastic from shifting and make the rest of the process easier. Be careful not to tape the bottom flap.
Now, flip the book over and fold the back flap of plastic around the back cover. Again, do not tape this flap. Instead, press down firmly across the crease to create a sharp fold.
At this point, you can cut two spinal tabs into your plastic cover. Make vertical cuts about one inch (2.5 cm) from where the plastic folds around the spine, both on the top and bottom flaps. These tabs will help secure the plastic around the spine.
To avoid using tape directly on the book, you can create improvised strips of tape. Take a normal strip of tape and make two cuts along each side. Fold each of the middle flaps inward onto the adhesive surface, so that the middle section is narrower than the ends. This way, only the ends will stick to the plastic, reducing the risk of damage to the book's pages.
Finally, apply the tape to the plastic, covering the jacket flap. Run the tape across the paper shield, adhering the other end to the outside of the dust jacket. This will secure the plastic cover in place without risking damage to the book.
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Trimming the corners and flaps
First, cut right up to the edge of the book, being careful not to accidentally cut the cover. Long, sharp scissors will make this task easier. The goal is to trim the plastic so that it fits snugly around the book's cover.
Next, you will snip off each corner of the plastic cover at an angle. Bring your scissors right up to the corner of the book cover and cut upwards and inwards at an angle to remove a triangular piece of plastic. Repeat this process for all four corners of the book, doing the two front corners first, and then the two back corners. Discard the excess plastic triangles that you've cut off.
Now, you will need to cut off the inner plastic flaps. Once the corners are snipped off, you will be left with two separate flaps at the top and bottom of the back cover. Starting at the top corner of the book cover, cut at a slight downward angle to slice off the inner flap of plastic. Repeat this process for the inner flap at the bottom of the back cover.
After trimming the corners and flaps, you can move on to the next step of securing the plastic jacket. It is important to trim the plastic neatly and precisely to ensure a tidy and secure fit.
Additionally, when taping the plastic jacket, consider using a small piece of Scotch tape or double-sided tape. Avoid taping plastic to plastic, as the adhesive can fuse onto the pages over time. Instead, only tape the plastic to the book cover, and ensure the tape is away from the book's spine and doesn't seal the book shut.
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Frequently asked questions
Polyester is the strongest type of plastic for covering books, but polypropylene is also a good option and is more readily available.
The thickness of plastic is measured in mils. Most plastic book covers range from 1-2 mils in thickness, but thicker plastic will provide more protection and can be purchased if you expect extreme wear and tear on your book.
First, select a roll of plastic that is tall enough for the book you plan to cover. A standard textbook, for example, would require a piece of plastic cut to 14.5 inches (37 cm) by 17 inches (43 cm).
Tape can be used to attach the plastic to the book, but this can cause damage to the pages over time. An alternative method is to use clear contact paper to create a skintight book jacket, but this can also damage the cover of the book if removed.
Fold the plastic so that there are two equally-sized flaps hanging off the top, bottom, and right side. Fold the front flap under the front cover, pull it tight, and tape it in place. Tuck the bottom flap under the back cover without taping, then fold in the back flap and press down firmly to create a defined fold.
