Paperback Top & Bottom Edge Instructions

How to Apply a Bookery Edge to the Outside Edge of Your Paperback Book

Supplies Needed:

Optional supplies

Do The Outside Edge 

  • Follow the instructions here to do the first edge. 

    Step 1: Place Book in Book Press

    • Mostly tighten the nuts to hold the book in place while still allowing some manipulation
    • Use a flat surface to push along the other end of the book, ensuring the edge is as flat as possible; this prevents mounds or valleys that could affect even pressing
    • Once flat, make sure the book is sticking out from the edge by about 1 mm
    • Tighten the nuts the rest of the way – DO NOT overtighten

    Step 2: Sand Edges Smooth

    • Start with 120/180 grit sandpaper, sand the book to even out any ridges or grooves 
    • Sand evenly to ensure the center doesn’t dip lower than the top and bottom; rotate the press to maintain evenness
    • 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
    • Make sure the book edge is completely flat - You don't want there to be any gaps when the heat press lays against the book edge.

    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
    • Mark your 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 untape 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 bolts, slide the book through the bookpress and retighten the bolts to do the other edge. 
    • Repeat steps 2-6

    Step 8: Finishing

    • Once you’re satisfied with the results, peel off the paper, loosen the bolts slightly (so the pages are held but not squeezed) and let it cool completely
    • Finally, take the book out of the press, wiggle, then fan the pages to crack the primer.
    • Place your book on your shelf, and enjoy!

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