Hardback 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
• Hardback Book Press: To hold your book secure
• 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
  

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!