Books are more than just printed paper – they carry knowledge, stories, and memories. Whether collected privately, borrowed from a library, or stored in archives, books naturally age over time. This guide will show you how to preserve your collection professionally and sustainably.

 

Why do books age?

Understanding what accelerates aging is essential to protect books properly:

• Paper quality: Acidic paper (like newsprint) turns yellow due to lignin breakdown – modern, neutral-sized papers last much longer.
• Climate: Fluctuations in temperature and humidity promote mold and paper degradation. Humidity over 60 % can lead to mold growth, while under 30 % makes paper brittle.
• Mechanical stress: Frequent opening, improper storage, and incorrect repairs can permanently damage the book’s structure.

 

Optimal storage conditions – the key to longevity

Books should be stored under these ideal conditions:

• Temperature: Constant between 64–72 °F (18–22 °C)
• Humidity: 40–50 %
• Avoid direct sunlight and UV exposure
• Low-dust environment: Use enclosed shelves and clean regularly

 

 

Professional repair – Do’s & Don’ts

Address small damages early to prevent larger issues:

• Do: Use only acid-free, archival-safe materials like filmoplast® P or filmoplast® P 90 plus by Neschen.
• Don’t: Avoid standard adhesive tapes or aggressive glues – they cause long-term damage.

 

Recommended repair materials

• filmoplast® P for nearly invisible repair of torn pages or notes
• filmoplast® P 90 Plus for reinforcing or repairing the connection between the book cover and the book block
• filmoplast® SH for taping or repairing stapled book block spines – the falsification

 

Sustainability in book protection

Sustainability matters in book care, too. Choose products with minimal environmental impact:

• filmolux® soft organic: a sustainable alternative made from renewable raw materials
• PP-based book protection films: gentle on the environment and highly durable
• Repair over replace – thoughtful handling and maintenance reduce waste and CO₂ emissions

Infobox: Did you know? Repairing a book instead of replacing it saves around 0.5–1 kg of CO₂.

 

Tools for the perfect finish

The right tools make book protection efficient and precise:

• Teflon Burnishing Bone – ideal for smooth, wrinkle-free film application
• Book squeegee – ensures bubble-free, even adhesion
• TA 3 Table Dispenser – for clean, fast application of repair materials in larger volumes

 

Common mistakes – and how to avoid them

Frequent issues like cutting films too short or skipping surface cleaning can be avoided with careful handling and the right tools.

Conclusion: professional care pays off

In the long run, proper book care not only saves money and resources – it helps preserve cultural and personal heritage. With the right storage, sustainable protection materials, and expert repair methods, you can extend your books’ life by decades.

 

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