Covering Paperbacks With Book Plastic

Covering books with book plastic is something I’m rather passionate about. All books are fair game; paperbacks, hardcovers and ones with dust jackets. Quality book covering protects books, it keeps them attractive and durable for decades. As a child I watched my mother covering books, wrestling with builder’s plastic from the local hardware store. Decades later I have many of those books on my shelves, still well protected by their plastic. Chatting today about covering paperbacks with book plastic.

Book Plastic: PVC

Over two decades ago as I began building our family library, I was keen to provide our books with the same care and durability. Though determined to find better options than from the local hardware store. Setting out in quest of an answer I contacted our local library to ask what they used and recommended. At the time they directed me to England Holdings, here in Australia. I purchased the Clear Gloss Premium PVC Plastic 100 micron, equivalent to 4mil for Brodart covers(US).

I’ve been extremely happy with the quality and have bought many rolls over the years. They also sell book tape; hinge and sticky, ensuring your books won’t have yellowed tape in years to come. England Holdings however are no longer so friendly and accommodating to private buyers, both in costs and service. So I recently set out on a new quest to discover what else was available.

Book Plastic: Polypropylene

Once again I contacted our local library and the Head Librarian of our Regional Headquarters and had new information to share. Of interest and context our head librarian is from an archivist background. She informed me that our library no longer uses PVC plastic and was rather passionate about the change. She explained that PVC is a Petrochemical product, it is a plastic that produces high levels of carcinogenic Dioxins and it emits gases. The Library now uses a product called Polypropylene, which isn’t quite as thick as the PVC. It comes with a paper backing, which is left on when covering dustjackets, similar to Mylar covers (US).

The Library directed me towards The Book Cover Co, they not only have book plastic but a range of tapes and repairing tools. I had a lovely chat with them and they sent me free samples of book covering, tapes and tools which I’m eager to use.

We are not a family with immune compromised issues, so for now I’m happy to finish off my existing rolls of PVC plastic. However for families with serious issues to consider your choices of PVC vs polypropylene will likely look sharply different to mine.

As I am so passionate about the benefits of protecting your books with plastic, I have recorded a series of tutorials on just how to do it. I want to give you confidence on how you can begin covering books with book plastic. This particular tutorial focuses on covering paperbacks, stopping those curling corners and battered covers. Covering your paperbacks will ensure they’ll survive for many years.