Tried using PVA glue on a leather spine and it peeled off after three days

I was binding a journal last month and thought I could just swap in regular PVA for the leather glue since they both dry clear. By the third day the spine had a big flap hanging off. Had to rip it all apart and redo it with proper flexible adhesive. Anyone else learn this lesson the hard way or am I alone?

3 comments

3 Comments

loganhart2d ago

Was it definitely regular PVA and not a bookbinding grade one? I've used Elmer's on leather before and it held up fine for months on a sketchbook cover. Maybe your leather had a coating or finish on it that repelled the glue, I've had that happen with some cheap craft leather. Could also be how much pressure you applied during drying, I always clamp mine overnight.

amygonzalez2d agoMost Upvoted

Yeah I used to think PVA was bulletproof for everything too. Not anymore.

noahchen2d ago

Three days? That sucks. I thought PVA was supposed to be the cure-all for everything.