It is possible to improve the book's longevity by breaking in a new bible.The physical condition of the Bible can be strengthened with additional first-time and long-term care practices.
Step 1: The spine needs to be placed on a hard surface.
The closed Bible should be held with one hand.The spine should be on a table or counter.You'll need one hand to hold the closed portion of the Bible in place.You will need to use your other hand to crease each section.
Step 2: The covers can fall open.
Carefully release the front and back covers while the pages are closed.Remove the covers from the table.If you want to slowly open and lay the covers down, you should use your free hand.
Step 3: There is a section at the front.
The first 50 to 100 pages of the Bible need to be opened.Slowly run your fingers up and down the gutter of the top page, pressing into the binding as you move.The pages of the book are easier to turn, and more flexible, because of this action.The pages of the book are less likely to fall out when handled.
Step 4: At the back, open a section.
Let the back 50 to 100 pages of the Bible lie on the table.Run your fingers up and down the gutter here.The back section should be the same thickness as the front section.You can make sure the stitches are stretched evenly by alternating between the front and back of the book.
Step 5: Go through the rest of the pages.
The same technique can be used to open and crease sections of the Bible.When the Bible is completely and evenly split open, alternate back and forth between the front and back sections.Once the book is open on the table, the process of breaking it in is complete.
Step 6: Allow it to rest.
If you had your Bible shipped to you in cold weather, you should open the package and let the book sit out at room temperature overnight before handling it further.Cold temperatures can cause the binding to become stiff and brittle, so it lacks the flexibility it might otherwise have.While the book is in this state, opening and handling it can weaken the stitches or glue holding it together.This step is not necessary if you received your Bible in the mail or purchased it from a store.
Step 7: Apply oil to the leather.
Rub the cover of authentic leather Bibles with neatsfoot oil.The oil should be put into the cover.After soaking a small patch of oil, gently buffing the oil over the entire cover using small circular motions.The cover needs to be coat thoroughly and evenly to get the job done.A clean cloth can be used to remove excess oil.After the oil soaks in, the cover should be less sticky.
Step 8: The end of the ribbon bookmark should be treated.
The end of the ribbon should be treated to prevent it from unraveling.Liquid seam sealant or a low flame can be used to accomplish this task.Seam is the easiest option."Fray Block" is a seam sealant.Apply a small amount of sealant to the end of the ribbon, smoothing it over the raw edge in a thin, even layer.Allow the sealant to dry.If the bookmark is not a silk one, you can use a match or small lighter to prevent it from fraying.The ribbon needs to be held in a low flame for 5 seconds to prevent it from catching on fire.Remove the ribbon from the flame and pinch the end to cool it down.
Step 9: You can flip through the pages.
If the bible has gilded edges, quickly flip through the pages, passing your thumb over each edge in the process.It's possible to break apart pages that are stuck together.Most modern Bibles have art-gilt pages.The edges are dyed red, and gold foil is melted over the red dye, creating an orange-gold hue that lasts longer than painted gold gilt.The pages tend to stick together initially since the gold foil was melted onto the page edges.If you run across stuck pages as you handle your Bible, you should be able to pull them apart by rubbing the two pages in between your thumb and index finger.
Step 10: The Bible should be kept out of the sun.
Don't let the book sit out in the sun or heat for long periods of time.The colors of the cover can be affected by the sun.Leather and faux leather can become stiff due to heat.
Step 11: It's a good idea to avoid precipitation.
If the cover is authentic leather, keep the Bible as dry as possible.Store it in a place with low humidity.Leather and faux leather are prone to drying out.mold can be caused by humidity or dampness.The pages will warp due to contact with water.
Step 12: Support the upright Bibles.
Make sure that both sides of the Bible are supported by other books or bookends if you are going to stand it on a bookshelf.Extra support should not be needed if you store the book so that it is flat on the back cover.
Step 13: Carefully mark.
If you plan to highlight sections of the Bible, use a pencil, pen, or specially designed Bible marking pen.Don't use pens, markers, or highlighters with felt tips, gel ink or roller points.The ink produced by these writing instruments will bleed through the pages and make your notes difficult to read.
Step 14: The Bible should be used regularly.
Maintaining the cover on a regular basis is the best way to keep it in good shape.The natural oils produced by your hand should keep the leather in good condition.Leather and faux leather are easy to handle with oil.Natural oils produced by your skin should keep the cover in good shape if you handle it on a consistent basis.You may need to apply supplementary oil if you don't handle this particular Bible for a long time.
Step 15: If necessary, apply more oil.
Every year or two, you can apply minx oil or neatsfoot oil to the leather covers.If you don't handle your bible regularly, this is beneficial.Using a clean rag, apply a small amount of your chosen oil.Use gentle, circular movements to buff the oil over the entire cover.Let the book dry overnight and wipe away excess oil with a clean rag.
Step 16: Quickly clean spills.
If you accidentally get the cover dirty, you can wash it with water and detergent.There is a soft rag in the water.Apply mild detergent to the rag after you ring out the excess water.Rub the detergent into the rag and it will lather.The soapy rag can be used to wipe the dirt or spill it away.If you have soap, wipe it away with a damp rag.The cover should be dry with a soft towel.The cover should not be allowed to air dry.