Ethan Clarke
Covering books in plastic is a common practice for those who want to protect their books from wear and tear. It is a good way to extend the life of a book, especially for school workbooks or frequently read novels. Some people cover their books in plastic to prevent damage from moisture, sunlight, or general wear and tear. Others avoid it due to the potential for plastic to stick to the book cover, shrink over time, or alter the original form of the book. Additionally, plastic covers can affect the smell and texture of the book, which some people may not prefer. Ultimately, the decision to cover books in plastic is a matter of personal preference and depends on how often the book is handled and stored.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Protects books from wear and tear | Extends the life of books |
| Maintains the original look of the book | Prevents rugged look, stains, creases, and stickiness |
| Prevents damage from moisture | Protects books from getting soaked |
| Easy to apply | Self-adhesive, adjustable, and reusable |
| Cost-effective | A small roll costs around P52 |
| Alternative options | Polypropylene bags, mylar films, acid-free cardboard boxes, acid-free tissue paper |
| Potential drawbacks | Permanently alters the book, affects the smell, non-recyclable, can cause humidity issues |
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What You'll Learn
Pros of covering books with plastic
Covering books in plastic wrap is a common practice for protecting books from wear and tear. Here are some advantages of using plastic covers for books:
Protection from Damage
Plastic covers can protect books from various sources of damage. For example, plastic can prevent books from getting soaked with water, which was the case for one Redditor who often read their books outside. Plastic covers can also protect books from general wear and tear, especially for softcover books that are carried around in bags. This was the case for one person who used plastic covers for their softcover textbooks in college. Additionally, plastic covers can protect books from stains, creases, stickiness, and moisture damage.
Protection from Sunlight
Sunlight can fade book covers and cause pages to darken, so covering books in plastic can protect them from sunlight exposure.
Ease of Use
Self-adhesive plastic book covers are easy to use and do not require tape. This can prevent issues like fingerprints on the book from tape. The grid on the paper side of self-adhesive covers also makes it easy to cut the plastic to fit your book.
Cost-Effectiveness
Plastic book covers are cost-effective. For example, one user mentions that a small roll of plastic that cost P52 was enough to cover five books.
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Cons of covering books with plastic
Covering books in plastic is a common practice, especially in the Philippines, where it is passed down through generations. People cover their books in plastic to protect them from wear and tear, stains, creases, moisture, and stickiness. However, there are several disadvantages to this practice:
Damage to the Book
Covering books in plastic is a form of damage in itself. It involves gluing or taping plastic to the book's cover, altering its original form. This can be especially detrimental to those who appreciate the aesthetic qualities of books, such as their texture and smell, which the plastic may alter.
Difficulty in Application
Applying plastic covers can be a finicky and nerve-wracking process. It requires precision and care to avoid lumps, bubbles, or grooves forming under the plastic. Even with careful application, removing and reattaching the plastic to eliminate these issues can be challenging, and may result in ripping the cover or leaving residue.
Environmental Impact
Plastic covers cannot be recycled and contribute to pollution. This is a significant concern, especially considering the large number of books that avid readers or collectors may possess.
Humidity and Shrinkage
In humid environments, the plastic can stick to the book cover, causing further damage. Additionally, plastic tends to shrink over time, which can affect the book's appearance and protection.
Inconvenience
Covering a large number of books in plastic can be time-consuming and tedious. It may also hinder the ability to quickly locate a specific book, especially if the plastic covers lack identifying marks.
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How to cover books with plastic
Covering a book in plastic is a good way to extend its life. It is a great way to protect your books from wear and tear, especially if you carry them around in your bag. It is also useful if you often read outside, as it can protect your books from getting wet.
First, select a roll of plastic that is tall enough to fit the book you plan to cover. Rolls of plastic typically come in heights ranging from 9 inches (23 cm) to 16 inches (41 cm). A standard textbook is generally 8.5 inches (22 cm) by 11 inches (28 cm), so you should cut your plastic to be 14.5 inches (37 cm) by 17 inches (43 cm).
Next, lay out the plastic on a hard, flat surface and place the book in the center. Using a ruler, measure 3 inches (7.6 cm) above the top of the book and trim the plastic horizontally along that line. Repeat this step for the bottom edge of the book, measuring 3 inches (7.6 cm) and then cutting off the excess plastic.
Now, you will mark and cut 3 inches (7.6 cm) of additional plastic on either side of the book. Measure the width of the book by laying it right-side up, marking the right edge with a washable marker, then flipping it onto its spine and marking the left edge.
You should now have a 3-inch (7.6 cm) border of extra plastic around the book. Fold the plastic around your book, then tuck in the front flap. You should have 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 with a piece of Scotch tape.
Tuck the bottom flap under the back cover, but do not tape it in place. Flip the book over and fold the back flap of plastic around the back cover. Press down firmly across the crease to create a defined fold.
Finally, cut two spinal tabs into your plastic cover. Make a vertical cut about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from where the plastic folds around the spine. Cut right up to the edge of the book, being careful not to cut the cover. Snip off each corner of the plastic cover at an angle, cutting through both layers of plastic.
Your book is now covered in plastic and protected from wear and tear!
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Alternatives to plastic coverings
Covering books in plastic is a common practice to protect them from wear and tear, moisture, and stains. While it is effective, some people may not prefer it due to the plastic's impact on the book's smell, texture, and appearance. Additionally, the adhesive used to secure the plastic can damage the book's cover. Here are some alternatives to using plastic coverings for your books:
Book Sleeves
Book sleeves are fabric envelopes designed to protect books during transport or storage. They come in various sizes and designs, offering a stylish and reusable alternative to plastic covers. The sleeves can be slipped over the book, providing protection without altering the book's original form.
Dust Jackets
Dust jackets, also known as dust wrappers, are removable covers that fit snugly around a book. They are typically made of paper or thin cardboard and are often included with hardcover books. Dust jackets protect the book from dust, light, and minor physical damage. They are a more eco-friendly option than plastic and can be easily replaced if damaged.
Slipcases
Slipcases are sturdy boxes that books can be placed into for protection. They are commonly used for valuable or collectible books and are usually made of cardboard or wood. Slipcases provide excellent protection from physical damage and can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the book when displayed.
Washable Paper
Washable paper, or synthetic paper, is a durable and water-resistant alternative to traditional paper. It is made from synthetic resins and can be washed and dried multiple times without damaging the material. Books bound in washable paper can withstand moisture and spills, making them ideal for outdoor reading or use in environments with high humidity.
Laminating
Laminating involves covering the book's cover with a thin layer of plastic film using a laminating machine. This method provides a protective layer that is less bulky than a plastic covering. However, laminating is a more permanent solution and may affect the resale value of the book if removed.
These alternatives offer various benefits, from eco-friendliness to aesthetic appeal, while still providing protection for your books. It's important to consider your specific needs and preferences when deciding on the best method to preserve your books.
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Reasons why people cover books with plastic
There are several reasons why people choose to cover their books with plastic. One of the primary reasons is to protect the books from damage, such as scratches, dents, and tears that may occur during use or transportation. This is especially relevant for textbooks, which are often carried around and may be subject to heavier use. Additionally, plastic coverings can help prevent moisture damage and the accumulation of dust and dirt, which can cause spotting and foxing on bookshelves.
Some people also use plastic covers to maintain the aesthetic appeal of their books, keeping them in pristine condition. This is particularly relevant for collectors, who may want to preserve the value of their books by ensuring they remain in mint condition. Others may use plastic covers to protect books with sentimental value, ensuring they remain in good condition over time.
Another reason for using plastic covers is to reinforce the structure of books, especially those with soft covers that may be prone to falling apart. Plastic coverings can provide additional support to the spine and prevent pages from falling out. This is often done for beloved books that are frequently read and handled.
While some people appreciate the well-loved appearance of a book that has been read and used, others prefer to keep their books in immaculate condition. Plastic covers allow for this preference while still allowing the books to be read and enjoyed.
It is important to note that some people believe that plastic covers can damage books, particularly if adhesive tape is used and comes into contact with the book's surface. This can result in discolouration, delamination, and the trapping of moisture, which can lead to mould growth. Therefore, it is recommended to use non-adhesive, stable plastics such as polyethylene or polyester, and to ensure that any tape used only adheres to the plastic and not the book itself.
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Frequently asked questions
Covering books in plastic can extend their life by protecting them from wear and tear, stains, creases, moisture, and stickiness.
First, cut a piece of thick, clear plastic that is slightly larger than your book. Next, fold the plastic around your book, and tuck in the front flap. Then, tape the front flap in place with a piece of Scotch tape. After that, flip the book over and fold in the back flap of plastic around the back cover, but do not tape this side. Finally, cut two spinal tabs into your plastic cover by making a vertical cut in the plastic about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the spine.
Polypropylene (OPP) bags are a crisp, clear plastic that comic books are often stored in. These bags have a flap that can be folded over, or they may be self-stick. Polypropylene or mylar films can also be wrapped around the cover of a book. Alternatively, books can be placed in a small acid-free cardboard box or wrapped in acid-free tissue paper.
Some people dislike covering books in plastic because it can alter the look and feel of the book, including the texture and smell. Covering books in plastic can also be time-consuming and tedious, and the plastic may stick to the book due to humidity or shrink over time. Additionally, plastic covers cannot be recycled and can contribute to pollution.
Yes, some people reinforce the edges and spines of their books with packing tape. Others place their books in paper bags or cardboard boxes to protect them from sunlight, which can fade covers and darken pages.
