Make a Hard Cover for a Paperback Book

Perhaps you have a juicy paperback that you don't want others to know that you are reading,or you want to protect your paperback's covers from damage, or you just don't like the look of the cover artwork? Here's a way to turn that paperback into a "hardcover" using materials that you probably already have around the house.

Steps

  1. Choose the softcover book that you want to change to a hardback.
  2. Obtain sufficient pressed cardboard to cover the book twice. Cereal boxes, stiff manila file folders and pressed cardboard mailing envelopes will work well.
  3. Trace the size of your cover onto one of the pieces of cardboard.
  4. Add 1/8th of an inch (2mm) to each of the narrow ends.
  5. Cut out the rectangle and use it to trace three others (four total) just like it.
  6. Lay two pieces on each other. If using a cereal box or similar packaging, it is best to lay the printed sides together and leave the plain sides to the outside.
  7. Cut a strip of contact paper that is twice the size of the book cover with an extra inch all around.
  8. Place the cardboard rectangles side by side on the backing side of the contact paper.
  9. Trace the rectangles.
  10. Miter cut the corners of the contact paper.
  11. Peel off the backing of the contact paper.
  12. Place the cardboard rectangle(s) on the sticky side of the contact paper and fold over the top and bottom end flaps..
  13. Fold the flaps on one end over the cardboard.
  14. Fold the "covered" end over the "uncovered" end.
  15. Fold the remaining two flaps over the resulting cardboard "sandwich".
  16. Repeat the process to make a second cover.
  17. For the connecting strip or "back" of your book, cut a strip of contact paper that is as wide as your book is tall, and is as long as at least twice the width of your book plus {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}.
  18. Peel off the backing from the contact paper.
  19. Fold the contact paper over onto itself, leaving {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} uncovered at one end.
  20. Trim the (sticky) sides away but leave the end flap attached.
  21. Slide the sticky flap into one of your covers and adhere it to the inside.
  22. Tuck the above flap end into the second "cover".
  23. Place one cover of your book inside one side of the finished cover and the other cover inside the other finished cover.
  24. Tuck the "back" flap into the remaining side cover and you're done!
  25. Enjoy your newly hard covered book!

Tips

  • The flexible center spine allows you to re-use the cover for another book of the same size, even if the book is slightly thicker (or thinner) than your original.
  • You may also customize the cover and then apply clear contact paper over your original design(s). Try flowers.
  • You can also use wrapping paper and scotch tape instead of contact paper.

Warnings

  • The sticky contact paper can stick to things and get stuck. Handle carefully.
  • Scissors are edged tools. Handle with appropriate care.

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