Pages Page 1 of 2 When pages start to tear loose, their edges often protrude from the book and become ragged and bent over. These damaged edges should be repaired before we reinsert them into the book. If the paper is old, soft, or brittle, the folded edges may break as we try to straighten them.
Excess water is blotted up with cheesecloth.
More water can be applied if the fibers don't relax fully. A thin spatula is used to carefully unfold the bent edges. Doing this while the paper is still damp, prevents them from breaking off.