For the decoration of our work, either during or after production, there will be a large variety of materials used. Colors are used for the decoration of the cut edges and the cut heads of books. The smooth, uniformly colored edges are made by a body colour-carmine, scarlet, chrome yellow, silk green, indigo blue. All these colors must be very finely ground before using; the addition of a little paste or dissolved gelatin makes the colour adhere.

For marbling the edges Halfer's marbling colors are now exclusively used; these are to be had ready for use.
Amongst the binders' materials gold takes quite an important place. Leaf gold in various colors is supplied either by the gold beater or the wholesale dealer. The colour most used at the present time is orange gold, which is about the same in tint as our current gold coinage. Red gold is somewhat deeper in tone. Green gold and lemon gold are considerably altered by an alloy of silver, and are sold cheaper. Besides gold there are still other leaf metals used, principally aluminum as a substitute for silver. The latter is still being used, but its unfortunate property of turning black will by and by drive it from our workshops. Bronze leaf is also used for very small jobs in large quantities makers' names on hat linings, ties, &c. Like silver, it is also liable to rapid oxidization, which takes place with especial rapidity upon leather.

Gold leaf is made in various sizes. The larger size, about 85 mm., IS the best to use, whilst the very small sizes are better suited for some work.

As a ground work for gilt edges, the so called poliment (Armenian bole) is now generally used. This is cleaned bole, made into a paste, and applied in a solution not too thin.

To make the gold stick to the surface, glair or white of egg is used in all cases. It must be properly diluted according to whether it is to be used for gilt edges or hand tooling.

Finished work, especially smooth surfaces, is improved by the application of varnish, and is at the same time rendered damp proof. The so called bookbinder's or leather varnish is used for leather, cloth, or pressed dark papers. Map varnish, also sold as photographer's varnish, is suitable for light articles, maps, placards, &c. At present, spirit varnish with its quick drying and high surface is almost exclusively used for this purpose. Turpentine varnishes are no longer generally used in bookbinderies; in colour printing copal and amber varnishes are used.

The ready made head band is an article specially manufactured for the bookbinder. It is fastened on the book in suitable lengths to cover the place where the body and back of books join at head and tail. These head bands are to be had in the most varied styles, according to price and requirement. For 'ordinary work a cheap cotton is good enough, for fine half calf bindings a silk head band is used if it is not intended to weave by hand a head band of silk thread for decoration known as a worked head hand.

Besides the head band, the book marker is required, generally a silk braid in bright colors. It is often necessary to fix clasps to heavy books and also to the smaller hymn books and prayer books. These are made to suit all requirements and in various styles by firms making a specialty of this work. The stronger the metal used, the better the clasp and the easier for the worker to handle, as clasps of poorer quality are sometimes spoilt even whilst being fixed to the books.

Imitation metal fastenings are necessary for certain purposes, although their use is now considerably limited. These are the stamped metal rims and corner pieces, which are indispensable in the manufacture of sample cases, &c. The fancy goods with their decorated borders which were so popular at one' time have disappeared from the trade; on the other hand, there has been a demand for fancy colored cords made by twisting cords together.

Book Cover Material