Attach the Cover Boards
With your book block of signatures lying face up, place a piece of scrap paper (wax paper actually works better, if you have it) between the mull and the tapes and another piece of scrap paper beneath the tapes. Brush the mull with glue.
Remove the top piece of scrap paper. Press the front cover board against the mull, making sure 1/8″ of the board extends over the head, foot, and fore edges.
Open the front cover and rest it against a board (or another book) roughly the same thickness as your book along the spine for support. Rub down the mull with a clean, dry cloth or paper until the glue works into the board and becomes almost dry.
Now, apply glue to the tapes and glue the tapes to the mull and cover board, making sure the tapes are perpendicular with the spine. Discard the second piece of scrap paper, and place a clean piece of scrap paper between the cover board and the first signature. Making sure the board is still straight, place the book under weights to dry for a half hour.
To make a more uniform surface (because any variance might show through the endsheets), draw a line on the inside of the cover 1″ from the spine and use your utility knife to trim the mull and tapes only along the line (don’t cut into the board).
Place a fresh piece of scrap paper between the cover and the first signature, and turn the book over. Repeat the process for the back cover. Your project should start to look like something resembling a book at this point.
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madeline 1:43 am on October 21, 2008 Permalink | Log in to Reply
do you subtract the extra 1/4″ from the back board as well as the front? you said it is for the hinge and it actually ends up being 1/8″ less once you add the 1/8″ and subtract the 1/4″. does that apply to the back cover as well? thanks so much. your guide has been *so* helpful.
Brian Sawyer 7:12 am on October 21, 2008 Permalink | Log in to Reply
@madeline: Yes, the front and back boards should be the same size and placed the same distance from the spine. Glad this has been helpful to you. I’d love to see your results!
madeline 9:54 am on October 21, 2008 Permalink | Log in to Reply
thank you! i really appreciate you getting back to my question. i will definitely link you up to a flickr set with i’m finished.
madeline 1:02 am on November 4, 2008 Permalink | Log in to Reply
check it out! thanks again for your guide. http://www.flickr.com/photos/loveintokyo/sets/72157608639089161/