The Book Cover Co - Which covering do I need?

Self adhesive book coverings are a popular way of protecting books, particularly books which are to be handled regulary such as textbooks or children's books. Once applied, these coverings will remain on the book permanently, and cannot be removed. These products should never be used for archival purposes or on valuable books as it will decrease their value.

Paperbacks

Plascote - available in a range of thicknesses, levels of adhesion and finishes, this style of covering is by far the most common one used to protect paperbacks.

Flexicote - semi rigid sheets bond permanently to the front and back covers, not only protecting the book but adding substantial rigidity to the covers themselves.

Hardcovers with dust jackets

Plascote can be used to protect the dust jacket itself by applying it to the outside, then putting the dust jacket back on the book.

Printed hardcovers without dust jackets

Plascote can be used to protect a hard cover book without a dust jacket, but with a printed cover, much in the same manner as that used for a paperback book.

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Non - Permanent coverings - non adhesive

Non permanent coverings offer a high level of protection to your books, while still being fully removable, retaining the value of the books while keeping them well protected. While some may have adhesives in them, the adhesives touch only the covering, never the book itself.

A non permanent covering won't come off by itself, but can be removed if damaged, or for example if the book is being resold.

Paperbacks

Centurion / Pro-Lene- offers good protection. This is not a very common use for this product and requires a little more effort than a self adhesive, but can be removed easily.
Slip on covers - these adjustable preformed covers can be quickly fitted or removed for reuse. They offer quick and durable covering.
A4 Textbook and Notebook covers are designed for A4 sized books, and are well suited to spiral bound books.

Hardcovers with dust jackets

Centurion / Pro-Lene- PVC or Polypropylene film can be quickly wrapped around the dust jacket, then the dust jacket is replaced on the book. A quick method of covering which offers excellent protection, and is favoured by bookshops.

Unifold / Unifold Pro - Specifically designed for books with dust jackets, this well known product forms a protective sleeve around the dust jacket and holds the cover onto the book. This method is very popular in libraries.

Printed hardcovers without dust jackets

Centurion / Pro-Lene- Cut to size and folded around the sides, top and bottom of the book, this method requires a little extra work with scissors and tape but give a good result.

Slip on covers - in some cases these can be used on hardback books. Remember to select a larger size to suit the thickness of the cover.

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Archival coverings

Looking to protect your special collection for the long term? Archival covering products allow you to protect your books with the peace of mind that acid free, chemically inert, non reactive film offers. Always be sure to use an archival tape if required, and only tape the covering to itself.

Paperbacks

Pro-Lene - Polypropylene film can be cut and folded to shape to protect the covers of your book, or even wrap the book entirely for longer storage or shipping.
Archival Polypropylene Bags can be used to store paperbacks. This is particularly useful for books which are on sale or being shipped.

Hardcovers with dust jackets

Pro-Lene - Polypropylene film can be quickly wrapped around the dust jacket, then the dust jacket is replaced on the book. A quick method of covering which offers excellent protection, and is favoured by bookshops.

Without dust jackets

Pro-Lene - Polypropylene - Cut to size and folded around the sides, top and bottom of the book, this method requires a little extra work with scissors and tape but give a good result.

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