What is a common name for PVA adhesive, SOBO, or Elmers Glue?
Technically speaking, both Sobo and Elmers are PVA based glues. For bookbinding and repair, the quality of the glue is very important. One of the most important qualities is its flexibility when dry. Elmers dries very stiff and is not recommended for binding. Sobo does dry flexible, but I’m not sure how archival (or pH neutral) it is, which is another important quality of binding adhesives. In our conservation lab we use Jade 403, which is a pH neutral PVA with a medium drying time and good flexibility. We use it for making in-house adhesive bound books which rarely if ever crack or have pages fall out. Jade is available from some art supply stores as well as bookbinding supply vendors.
Technically speaking, both Sobo and Elmer’s are PVA-based glues. For bookbinding and repair, the quality of the glue is very important. Flexibility when dry and pH neutrality are both important for long-term preservation. In our conservation lab we use Jade 403, which is a pH-neutral PVA adhesive with a medium drying time and good flexibility. Jade is available from some art supply stores and bookbinding supply vendors.
