The 'Universal' method

A booklover's guide to covering and protecting your books.

Covering Instructions - The 'Universal' method.

Step 1

Roll out some covering film and lay the book on it. You will want at least 4cm on the top and bottom for a foldover. The overhang to the side should be about 2/3 the width of the book.

Step 2

Cut out the sections as shown. The cut should be a shallow angle pointing towards the center of the book.

When cutting near the spine, allow a little room for the binding of the book, don't cut from the very edge.

Step 3

Fold the side flap in first, then the top and bottom flaps. Use a piece of tape to stick the plastic flaps together.

Don't stick the film to the book itself.

This can be a bit tricky at first, but is easier with practice.

Step 4

Roll the book over, and cut the other side off, again leaving an overhang about 2/3 the width of the book.

Step 5

Step 6

Cut off the remaining pieces, or trim them and fold them into the book. Your books is now protected and should look great for years to come!

Repeat the cutouts as done in Step 2, then the folding and taping as in Step 3.

As you fold in the side piece, don't pull it very tight. The corners where you cut the plastic should always stay touching the corners of the book. If you have too much tension, the book won't close easily!

This covering method requires a little more effort than the basic method, but it can be used to cover almost any sort of book. Paperbacks, hardbacks, with or without dustjackets. On a book with a dust jacket, the jackets is held firmly to the book and can't be torn or lost. The cover can also be removed and replaced if it gets damaged. Adhesive tape is used but not stuck to the book.