Hardback Top & Bottom Edge Instructions

Video tutorial coming soon!

How To Apply A Charmed Ink Edge To The Top & Bottom Edges Of A Hardback Book

Supplies Needed:

  • Book: Your main project material
  • Charmed Ink Edge Design: For the aesthetic finish
  • Small Wood Boards: To hold the pages without the hardback cover in the way
  • Locking Clamps: To hold the pages tight
  • Sanding Blocks: A range from 80-1000 grit for smoothing edges
  • Mini Heat Press: Set to 400°F for even heat application

Optional supplies

Do The Outside Edge First

  • Follow the instructions here to do the first edge. 
  • TIP: We recommend doing a paperback whole book before attempting the hardback version

Step 1: Place Book in Book Press

  • Take off the dust jacket and set aside
  • Open the front and back covers and slide just the pages into the hardback book press from the side with the top edge between the plates
  • Butt the spine up against the side of the book press as close as possible
  • Mostly tighten the nuts to hold the book in place while still allowing some manipulation
  • Top edge side down - using a flat surface (table top) push the bottom of the book toward the table, ensuring the top edge is as flat as possible; this prevents mounds or valleys that could affect even pressing
  • Once flat, make sure the book is sticking out from the edge by about 1 mm
  • Tighten the nuts the rest of the way – DO NOT overtighten

Step 2: Sand Edges Smooth (This Is The Most Important Prep Step)

  • Hold or balance the press on two tall items so you can sand the edge
  • Start with 80/120 grit sandpaper and a hard sanding block or orbital sander, sanding the edge to even out any ridges or grooves
  • Sand evenly to ensure the center doesn’t dip; rotate the press to maintain evenness
  • Gradually work your way up to finer grit sandpaper (800-1000), applying consistent pressure; smoother pages will help details show up better
  • Brush away dust between sandpaper grits
  • Make sure the book edge is completely flat - You don't want there to be any gaps when the heat press lays against the book edge

Step 3: Prime Edge

  • Shake the primer 
  • Dip the foam brush into water and ring it out using a paper towel until it is damp
  • Dip the tip of the damp foam brush into the Charmed Ink Primer
  • Brush a thin layer across the sanded edge of the book - think less is more
  • Let dry completely (we use a hair dryer to speed it along)
  • Brush a second thin layer across the edge again
  • Let dry completely – if the primer is damp the Charmed Ink Edge might stick to the book after heating

Step 4: Trim The Charmed Ink Edge

  • Decide on the placement of the design
  • Ink design side faces down touching the book edges
  • Mark your cut lines
  • Trim the edge leaving the top and bottom overhang to help secure the strip in place

Step 5: Tape Into Place

  • Place your Charmed Ink Edge and tape the edge to the top and bottom of the book
  • Avoid taping across the design as this will dull the effect of the heat and color
  • Keep the edge tight to prevent any movement

Step 6: Press

  • Preheat the heat press to high (400-ish degrees)
  • Starting near the spine leave a few mm of space, press firm pressure for 45 seconds
  • When done, lift the press straight up without jiggling or sliding
  • Work your way across the book, slightly overlapping each placement of the heat press
  • Let cool for 30 seconds
  • Un-tape one side and lift the paper to check for spots that may need more heat
  • Tape the edge back down and go over those spots with firm presser for 15-20 seconds at a time
  • TIP - do NOT heat over the spine or the glue will melt

Step 7: Repeat For Bottom Edge

  • Repeat steps 1-6 for the bottom edge of the book

Step 8: Finishing

  • Once you’re satisfied with the results, peel off the paper, loosen the bolts slightly (so the pages are held but not squeezed) and let it cool completely
  • Take the book out of the press, wiggle, then fan the pages to crack the primer
  • Replace dust jacket