How to Keep Paperback Book Covers from Curling

It can be irritating to pay good money for a paperback and have the covers curl before you are done reading it. This happens quite often on trade paperbacks where the card stock for the cover is thinner than on a mass marketed paperback, but can happen to any book with a paper cover.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Wide rubber bands
• Heavy books
• Iron
• Proper storage

1. Use wide rubber bands to hold the cover flat when the book is not being read. Make sure the rubber bands fit tight around the book.
2. Store the book on the bookshelf or another flat surface horizontally with a heavy, hardback book or two on top until you are ready to read the book.
3. Iron the cover if curling has already happened. Place a washcloth or other piece of fabric over the book and iron using low heat.

Tips & Warnings

• Paperback books of any type store better horizontally rather than vertical. Vertical storage can warp books beyond saving.
• Book stores have special bookmarks that have the elastic band built into the bookmark. These are wonderful for use while reading the book.
• You should store paperbacks in stacks of books of similar size. Always set a hardback book or two on the top of the stack.
• If the cover is heavily curled, dampen the washcloth before ironing.
• Paperback books should be protected from moisture. Make sure your hands are dry and that nothing spills on the covers to help keep curling to a minimum.