The Book Arts Forum

I now have my book pulled apart. Inside the book are a couple of maps that are very worn and ragged. http://bookbindingbeginnings.blogspot.com/. Can anyone here offer me any advice on the best way to repair? I have some filmoplast tape and I thought I would carefully go through and repair the tears and worn out parts. I'm not sure how to get the ragged, curled up edges back to straight again?

My method -

1. Take a damp (not wet) cotton swap and dampen the convex side of the fold.
2. With a heated tacking iron, again on the convex side, press the paper until dry.
3. Use your filmoplast.

Another option (which takes longer) is to put the map into a humidification chamber overnight and then use the tacking iron.

Do not rub with the tacking iron - you'll pick up dirt (invisible to you) and drag around the map. Don't move the tacking iron on filmoplast either. It will do the same thing and make the filmoplast dirty. Press down and then pick up.

Thanks for the advice. I think buying a tacking iron may be a bit advanced (expensive) for me!

All you need is a basic mini and if you pay more that $20 US you're getting ripped off.

Search eBay for Clover Mini Iron. Or you can pay more and get it directly from Clover (more expensive). You can buy one with accessories or extra heads but I never bother. It's all you need and will last you awhile. I bought two of these 5 years ago and the 2nd one is still in it's blister pack.