Glue for Perfect-Bound Books​

The glue that holds perfect-bound books together is a type of hot melt adhesive, but in the book industry, it’s specifically called “bookbinding glue.” This specialized adhesive is tailored to the unique demands of binding pages and covers.​

Two Key Types: Back Glue and Side Glue​

Bookbinding glue splits into two main types, based on where it’s used:​

• Back glue: Applied to the spine of the book. After pages are sorted and the spine is milled (roughened to help adhesion), back glue bonds the pages together tightly.​

• Side glue: Used to attach the cover to the edges of the pages, securing the cover to the bound spine.​

[Image Suggestion 1: A diagram of a perfect-bound book, labeling the spine with “back glue” and the area where the cover meets the page edges with “side glue.”]​

Matching Glue to Binding Machines​

Different perfect binding machines—like wireless perfect binders, disc binders, and elliptical binders—work at different speeds. This means the bookbinding glue must match the machine’s needs, especially in how quickly it dries (from liquid to solid). Even back glue and side glue may have variants designed for specific machines, so checking compatibility​

when buying is key.​

Glue for Different Paper Weights​

Books with thicker, heavier pages need bookbinding glue with stronger adhesion. While a high-strength glue can work for all paper weights, it’s often less cost-effective for lightweight books. Many choose to use a single strong glue to avoid frequent changes, but balancing strength and cost depends on your specific needs.​

Naming Habits in Industries​

Across industries, hot melt adhesives are often named for their use—like “bookbinding glue” for books, “express bag glue” for packaging, or “edge banding glue” for furniture. To find the right adhesive for a product, searching “[product/process name] + glue” (e.g., “bookbinding glue”) is a simple way to start.​

Bookbinding glue is the unsung hero of perfect-bound books, with types and variants that fit every step of the binding process. Whether for thick textbooks or thin booklets, the right bookbinding glue ensures pages stay together, cover to cover.