How to Make a Laminated Book Cover

Use your book to establish the measurements of the laminated book cover.

Textbooks and other books require covers to protect them from dust, debris, and normal wear and tear. Make a laminated book cover from paper and clear adhesive paper that is easy to assemble and clean. Choose any type of paper large enough to cover your book. Clear adhesive paper can be purchased in grocery, discount, office supply and craft stores.

Things You'll Need

• Book
• Wrapping paper or paper bag, 4 inches wider and longer than book
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Clear adhesive paper

Instructions

1. Place the paper onto a table with the wrong side facing you. Use newspaper, wrapping paper, paper bags or any paper.

2. Open the book to the middle, and lay it on top of the paper. Outline the book with your pencil. Draw a rectangle 4 inches wider and longer than your book. Cut away excess paper. This is the paper book cover. Remove the book.

3. Place the clear adhesive paper onto the table with the backing facing you. Don't remove the backing. Place the paper book cover on top of the backing. Outline the paper book cover onto the backing. Cut the adhesive paper on the outline.

4. Remove the backing from the adhesive paper. Place the paper book cover onto the adhesive paper with the right side of the paper book cover touching the sticky side of the adhesive paper. Turn the cover over, and use your palm to smooth from the center of the cover out toward the edges to work out the air bubbles. This is the laminated book cover.

5. Lay the book onto the laminated book cover within the original outline of the book. Fold the top edge down toward the center of the laminated cover and the bottom edge up toward the center of the laminated cover so the top and bottom edges form flaps that the book can slide into. The flaps should measure 4 inches wide and be the length of the book when opened flat.

6. Close the book. Position the laminated cover on top of the book so the right side is facing you. Align the right edge of the laminated cover with the right edge of the book. Turn the laminated cover so the wrong side is facing you, slightly open the book and slip the front book cover into the flaps. Close the book.

7. Fold the laminated cover over the front of the book, over the spine and over the book's back. The correct side of the laminated cover will be showing. Turn the book over so the back cover is facing you.

8. Fold the edge of the laminated cover in toward the inside of the book's back cover, sliding the book into the flaps. Adjust the laminated cover until it fits well.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash the laminated book cover with a damp cloth and liquid soap.

References

• The Double Daring Book for Girls: Making a Paper Bag Book Cover

Resources

• Read Write Think: Book Cover Generator