Board Book Help

[marylee]

So I designed a board book for my little guy's 2nd birthday. I printed the pages at my local photo lab and then glued them to the board book. I went back and Mod Podged the pages to seal and protect them (my little guy was leaving marks on them by kissing them before I could protect them.) I left the book open for days in order to let it dry. I closed the book a few days ago and when I looked at it today I found the pages all stuck together and when I pulled them apart it ruined them.

Have any of you made something like this? Is there a better way to seal and protect the pages? I did this to a chipboard album years ago and they still stick a little, but they've never pulled the pages apart.

[glumirk]

Oh no! That's horrible! I have no clue, but my SIL is into book-making, but I think for the kids books she just uses clear contact paper.

[MissMint]

Oh no! That definitely shouldn't have happened....the only explanation I could think of is that is was not COMPLETELY dry or it's very humid in your house? I've never seen that happen before - did you apply to modpdge too thick maybe so it was not able to dry completely?

That's a real bummer! I'm not sure if there is something better to use out there but maybe a spray product would work since the coating is thin?

[marylee]

Originally Posted by MissMint

.the only explanation I could think of is that is was not COMPLETELY dry or it's very humid in your house? I've never seen that happen before - did you apply to modpdge too thick maybe so it was not able to dry completely?

I thought of that too, but I waited DAYS after putting it on a page before I'd put it on the next page, so the first pages were done weeks ago. And, I live in Utah which is notorious for being anything except humid. Maybe I did put it on thick, but I didn't think I did.

Years ago I tried a spray sealant to a board book I did, but then in a few spots I had drips. I remember thinking I liked the sponge-applied mod podge better. I'm so frustrated.

I might try spray again, but does anyone have any suggestions for getting an even, non-drippy coat of it? Laying it flat is difficult because a board book, when open, kind of isn't perfectly flat.

[MissMint]

So bizarre! Maybe Mary Jo or Joscie will have a good suggestion - as they do more hybrid crafting! I will point them to this thread ..or if you want I can post the Q on my Facebook page and maybe some of the other minty fans will have some great tips?

[joscie]

sorry it took me so long to get over here!
I think if you print your photos at lab with a textured finish they might stand up better in a board book. or printing on non glossy matte photo paper. I don't usually modpodge over the pictures.
I was thinking the same thing as miss mint, maybe the mod podge was too thick or the humidity is high? not sure what happened.

[MissMint]

Check Facebook MaryLee - I've posted your Q and people are responding. Let's get to the bottom of this hybrid bummer!

[marylee]

Checked it and responded. Good idea, thanks for the help.

[glumirk]

I randomly saw this and remembered this conversation.

She said

I use matte medium in my journals because it doesn’t cause the pages to stick together over time.

Her link was broken, but I found it at Hobby Lobby.

[marylee]

Thank you, good to know.