Hardback Instructions

These instructions are for the outside edge of a hardback book

Supplies Needed:

Optional supplies

Optional Step: Do a Test 

  • Cut a small piece off the top of the design (or a corner of a full sheet)
  • Layer cardstock over parchment paper on a heat-resistant surface, then use heat-resistant tape to secure the sample down
  • Turn on the heat press to high; once hot, press into the design with high pressure for 45 seconds
  • When done, lift the press straight up without jiggling or sliding
  • Let cool, then peel back to check the design test

Step 1: Place Book in Book Press

  • Take off the dust jacket and put it aside
  • Open the front and back covers and slide just the pages into the hardback book press.
  • Mostly tighten the nuts to hold the book in place while still allowing some manipulation
  • Use a flat surface press the pages down as best as you can to get the edge is as flat as possible; this prevents mounds or valleys that could affect even pressing
  • Make sure the lowest point 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

  • Hold the press sideways or balance the outside edges of the press on two tall items so you can push against the edge while you sand without movement.
  • Start with 120/180 grit sandpaper and a hard sanding block (or orbital sander), sanding 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

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

  • Decide on the placement of the design: Do you want a certain aspect centered, slightly angled, etc.? Remember that the colored side faces down toward the book
  • 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

  • Tape down the top and bottom of the Bookery Edge to the top and bottom of the book
  • Avoid taping across the outside; this can dull the effect of the heat and color
  • Keep the strip nice and tight to prevent any wiggling

Step 6: Press

  • Turn on the heat press to high
  • 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 - 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: 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!