Paperback Top & Bottom Edge Instructions

Video tutorial coming soon!

Supplies Needed:

Charmed Ink Primer: Formulated to elevate the vibrancy and intricate details
Dry Brush : For brushing away dust
Scissors or Paper Trimmer : Trimming your edge
Heat Resistant Tape: To secure materials when applying heat

Place book in book press with top edge out
Mostly tighten the nuts to hold the book in place while still allowing some manipulation
Edge side down - using a flat surface (table top) push the spine of the book toward the table, ensuring the 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

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

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

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

Tape over the spine by a few mm so the final design will have a crisp edge and hold in any glue that may melt a little.
Place your Charmed Ink Edge and tape the edge into place - be sure to pull the edge tight when securing to prevent any wiggling

Preheat the heat press to high (400-ish degrees)
With firm pressure, hold the heat press on the edge 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

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