How to Remove Glue From a Leather Book Cover

Remove glue stuck on a leather book cover.

There are not many things more precious than a book, especially if it's a rarity such as a leather-bound hardcover. Books covered in leather can be considered double works of art because of the content as well as the package. Leather covered books can be bound with an adhesive or they can be sewn together, but their binding is always tougher then paperback books. Despite this, leather books need to be protected and maintained, especially if there's a mishap such as glue spilled on the cover.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic scrapper
• Petroleum based cleaner
• Lint free cloth
• Crepe eraser
• Cloth
• Water
• Cotton swabs
• Light liquid wax/sealer

Instructions

1. Remove as much glue as you can. Use your hand or a plastic scraper. Do not use a metal tool or any sharp tool. This might damage the leather binding.

2. Apply petroleum-based cleaner to a soft, lint free cloth. Carefully wipe the glue stain. Do it slowly and precisely, making sure not to go over the edges of the stain too much. Leave the petroleum-based cleaner on the stain for a few minutes, according to the instructions on the cleaner's package.

3. Wipe off the cleaner with a soft dry cloth. The glue stain should come off along with the cleaner. Use straight motions when you wipe the stain because circular motions can loosen and damage the leather cover.

4. Rub a crepe eraser on the stain residue. The leather cover should be completely dry when you rub the crepe eraser.

5. Prepare a small plastic bowl filled with warm water. Dip a clean soft cloth in the water and wipe the surface of the book. The cloth should be only slightly damp, not soaking or dripping wet. Use cotton swabs to clean difficult to reach areas near the edges and threads.

6. Seal the whole surface of the leather cover by spraying a light liquid wax over it. Make sure to protect the sides of the pages. Also, never apply the sealer until the book cover is completely dry.

Tips & Warnings

• If your book is very rare, expensive and important, consult a bookbinder or a museum restoration expert before removing the stain.

• Before applying petroleum-based cleaner, test its effectiveness on a small portion of the glue stain. If you notice some discoloration or damage on the leather, stop applying the petroleum-based cleaner on the leather cover immediately.

• Never wipe the gold print on the leather because it is likely that the print is water-based.

• Always wear rubber gloves when dealing with chemicals, for they can damage and hurt sensitive skin.

References

• Book Bindery: Caring for Books
• Cool Conservation: Removing Adhesive from Leather