Hardback Top & Bottom Edge Instructions

These instructions are for the outside edge of a hardback book

Supplies Needed:

• Book: Your main project material
• Bookery Edge Design: For the aesthetic finish
• Small Wood Boards: To hold the pages without the hardback cover in the way
• Locking Clamps: To hold the pages tight
• Sanding Blocks: A range from 120-2000 grit for smoothing edges
• Mini Heat Press: Set to 400°F for even heat application

Optional supplies

• Bookery Primer: Formulated to elevate the vibrancy and intricate details
• Dry Brush: For brushing away dust
• Scissors or Paper Trimmer: Trimming your edge
• Heat Resistant Tape: To secure materials when applying heat
  

Do The Outside Edge 

• Follow the instructions here to do the first edge. 
• We recommend doing a paperback Whole Book before attempting the hardback version

Step 1: Place Book in Book Press

• Take off the dust jacket and put it aside
• Open the front and back covers and slide in the small thin cutting boards
• Use the locking clamps to hold the pages tight but still be able to adjust
• Make sure the edge sticking out from the edge by about 1 mm
• Tighten the clamps the rest of the way – DO NOT overtighten

Step 2: Sand Edges Smooth

• Start with 120/180 grit sandpaper and a hard sanding block (or orbital sander), sanding the book to even out any ridges or grooves
• Gradually work your way up to finer grits (800-1000), applying consistent pressure; smoother pages will help details show up better
• Brush away dust between sandpaper grits

Step 3: Prime book edges

• Shake the primer before use.
• Dip the foam brush into the Bookery Primer – just the tip.
• Brush a thin layer across the sanded edge of the book
• Let dry completely (we use a hair dryer to speed it along)
• Brush a second thin layer across the edge again
• Let dry completely – if the primer is still damp in any way the Bookery Edge might stick to the book after heating.

Step 4: Trim the Bookery Edge

• Center the design and mark your outside cut lines with a pencil, or a pen
• Trim the width, but leave the top and bottom uncut; the overhang will help secure the strip in place
• Place the excess back into the plastic for future use

Step 5: Tape into Place

• First tape over the spine by a few mm so the final design will have a crisp edge and hold in any glue that may melt a little.
• Match up the design at the corner and tape down that edge.
• Pull the edge tight and tap the edge to the back of the book - Again taping over the spine by a few mm.
• Keep the strip nice and tight to prevent any wiggling

Step 6: Press

• Turn on the heat press to high
• Starting on the spine - leaving the last few mm - With firm pressure, hold the heat press to the edge for 45 seconds, 35 seconds if you're using a mostly black design
• When done, lift the press straight up without jiggling or sliding
• Work your way across the book, slightly overlapping each placement of the heat press
• Let cool for 30 seconds then un-tape one side and lift the paper to check for spots that may need more heat
• Tape the edge back down and go over those spots with firm presser for 15 seconds at a time.
• Note - do NOT heat over the spine or the glue will melt and scorch. IF the glue does melt keep the tap in place until it cools back into place, is there is any scorching lightly sand over once it's cool. 
• Note - avoid holding the press in the same area for more than 35-45 seconds—while the paper won’t burn, the ink could scorch

Step 7: Repeat and do the other side

• You should be able to just loosen the clamps, slide the book through the wooden boards and retighten the clamps to do the other edge. 
• Repeat steps 2-6

Step 8: Finishing

• Once you’re satisfied with the results, peel off the bookery edge. Loosen the clamps, pull out the book, close the book up and place it back into the boards and clamps. Slightly tighten and let the book cool
• Finally, take the book out of the clamps, wiggle, then fan the pages to crack the primer.
• Put the dust jacket back on. Place your book on your shelf, and enjoy!