Attaching the Endpapers

endpapersEndpapers can be attached to the text block in several ways. The two most common methods of attaching endpapers are either by sewing or by tipping them to the text block.

 

Sewing Endpapers To The Text Block
Use link stitch to attach the endpaper to the text block.
Sew the endpaper to at least three adjacent signatures.
Tipping Endpapers Onto The Text Block

  • Using the masking technique in Tipping In Pages, apply a l/4” line of glue to the folded edge of the endpaper.
  • Carefully lay the endpaper in position and work the fold down with a folder.
  • Dry under weight.

 

Trimming the Endpaper to Fit the Text Block

  • Once the endpaper is firmly attached to the text block, lay the text block endpaper down on the cutting surface.
  • At the bottom edge of the text block, insert a ruler between the endpaper and the adjacent text block page so the edge of the ruler just barely shows.
  • Hold down the text block firmly and use several light strokes of a sharp knife to cut through the endpaper.
  • Repeat this procedure for the fore edge.

Replacing Endpapers

endpapersIf either or both endpapers are damaged and do not contain special or unique information, it may be easier to replace them with new endpapers. Most text paper is not truly white so use an off-white or cream colored paper to blend in with the text block.
Many text blocks are not really square so it can be easier to trim the end sheet to fit the text block after it is attached to the text block.

  • Fold the endpaper, and lay it in place on the text block.
  • Mark and cut the top edge of the endpaper to fit the text block.
  • Using one of the methods in the next post, attach the endpaper to the text block.
  • Trim the bottom and fore edge to fit.
  • Attach and trim one endpaper before attaching the second endpaper.

Lifting the Pastedown

endpapersIf the information on the endpapers cannot be saved by constructing a new endpaper or photocopying, the pastedown can sometimes be mechanically lifted off the cover board or soaked off in water.
Use a microspatula or sharp knife to carefully lift the fly leaf off the cover board. This procedure works best when the glue under the pastedown has dried and the pastedown is only loosely attached to the cover board.

Some pastedowns can be removed by soaking the endpaper and cover board in water. The cover board must be detached from the text block.

 

DO NOT IMMERSE THE ENTIRE BOOK IN WATER.
Soak the cover board with its attached endpaper in warm water for no more
than half an hour. The water should release the adhesive, and the pastedown will float free of the board. Before immersing in water, make a copy of the pastedown to be used in the event the adhesive is not soluble in water or the color runs.
Dry the endpaper between blotters. Change the blotters to hasten drying.

Photocopying Endpapers for Repair

endpapersDamaged endpapers can be photocopied and sewn to the text block. The endpapers can be copied as an entire page (pastedown and fly leaf on one page ) or in two parts (pastedown and fly leaf copied separately), then hinged together.

Color photocopying is an option for damaged endpapers printed with maps that include color keys or route lines which do not reproduce well in black and white.
The quality of a photocopy depends on the original image. Line drawings reproduce well while halftones or photographic images can be tricky. Using a lighter photocopy setting or copying through a halftone screen can improve some images.
All replacement photocopies should be made on acid-free bond aper. Papers designated as cream, natural or toned tend to blend in with older paper better than white paper.
Test the grain of the photocopy paper. The grain of the finished endpaper should run parallel to the spine of the book. Lay the endpaper to be copied on the copier glass. The grain of the paper and the grain of the endpaper should be parallel. Close the lid or lay paper on the glass to mask the copier glass and avoid dark borders on the copy.
Copy large endpapers in two parts. Hinge the two pieces together using the technique in Hinging Pages. When the doublesheet endpaper is dry, carefully trim it to size.
Use link stitch to attach the photocopied endpaper to the text block. Sew the endpaper to at least three adjacent signatures.

Constructing a Double Spread Endpaper

endpapersWhen the front and back endpapers show the same information or picture, the fly leaf of each endpaper can be used to construct one complete  endpaper. The constructed endpaper is usually attached to the front of the text block.

 

Separate the fly leaf from the pastedown. If the hinge area is weak, the fly leaf can be separated by gently pulling it away from the pastedown; if the paper in the hinge is in good condition, cut it away.
Check the alignment of the two fly leaves. If there is an overlap, trim back the two parts until they meet correctly, If there is a gap in the two pages, it can be filled with Japanese repair tissue when they are hinged together.
Hinge the two halves together, then use link stitch to attach the endpaper to the text block. Sew the endpaper to at least three adjacent signatures

Endpaper Repairs

endpapersThe first pages at the front and back of the text block are called the endpapers. The main function of the endpapers is to protect the text block from dirt and damage, but endpapers can also be decorative or informative.

Most endsheets consist of two to four leaves – the pastedown which is glued to the cover board and the leaves that turn freely called the fly leaves. Most commercially bound volumes use two page endpapers that are sewn or glued to the text block.
The way to handle endpapers depends on the condition of the endpapers and on the information they contain.
If the fly leaf and pastedown are in good condition they can be reused. In some instances, such as recasing, the two parts of the endpapers may be split. Slide the new crash under the pastedown and cover any gap between the fly leaf and the pastedown with Japanese repair tissue.
If the endpapers are torn and need repair, follow the instructions for
repairing tears in an earlier post.
If the endpapers are replaced, clean as much of the old pastedown off the book board as possible. The inside of the cover boards can be lightly sanded to remove or smooth down any pastedown paper left on them.

 

In the next few posts, I will cover some methods of more complex repairs for endpapers.