Since I wasn’t able to find an adequate step-by-step for this process online, I thought I would describe our steps for covering the boards we’re using for our next project. Also, this will satisfy my need to document even the most banal and uninteresting aspects of our small press.
Tools required:
-X-acto or similar knife
-PVA glue, plus a mixing container
-Straight edge
-Heavy book
1. Cut bookcloth to size – each piece should be 1″ bigger than the board on all sides.
2. Cut the corners off at a 45-degree angle, 1″ on each side.
3. Cut 7/8″ in from each edge of the cut corner.
4. Mix PVA glue and water in a container so the glue is thin enough to spread easily, but not so thin that it runs or drips off the board. Coat one side of the board in the glue mixture, making sure that the board is entirely covered (including the edges and corners).
5. Place the glued side down in the center of the bookcloth, and put a dot of pure PVA glue on each corner.
6. Fold the triangles you cut into the bookcloth over the board and hold them for 10-20 seconds until they bond.
7. Put a thin strip of glue around the edge of the board (including over the triangles).
8. Fold the edges of the bookcloth over the board one by one – hold them in place until the glue forms a temporary bond.
9. Place a heavy book over the board and put pressure on it for a minute or two.
10. Use a scissors to cut the loose corners, and place the board under weight overnight.
The finished product then looks something like this:
So – there you have it. If you’re an amateur bookbinder, now you know how to cover an individual board in cloth. If you’re a devoted Chance Press follower, now you know what the boards on our next project will look like (don’t you think it’s about time you emailed us to request a copy, regardless of how expensive it will be?). And finally, if you’re a more accomplished bookbinder, now you know how far superior your well-guarded methods are compared to how we do it over in Oakland.