Bible rebinding is the process of removing an old or damaged Bible cover and replacing it with a new, often higher-quality cover. People choose to rebind their Bibles for several reasons:

• To repair a damaged Bible that has sentimental or personal value
• To upgrade from a publisher’s bonded leather or imitation leather to genuine, premium leather
• To increase the durability and lifespan of a frequently used Bible
• To add personalization like names, verses, or custom designs
• To restore family Bibles or heirloom editions

A quality rebind can transform a Bible you already love into an heirloom that will last for generations while making it more enjoyable to use on a daily basis.

Most Bibles can be rebound, but there are some limitations to consider:

• Sewn vs. Glued Bindings: Bibles with sewn bindings (where you can see thread in the center of each signature when you open to the middle of a section) are ideal for rebinding. Glued bindings can be rebound, but they often require additional reinforcement and may not be as flexible or durable.
• Bible Condition: Bibles with extensive page damage, missing sections, or severe water damage may require additional restoration work before rebinding.
• Bible Size: While we can accommodate most Bible sizes, extremely small pocket Bibles or unusually large pulpit Bibles may require special handling and custom solutions.

We’re happy to evaluate your Bible before beginning the rebinding process. Just send us clear photos, and we’ll let you know if there are any potential issues or special considerations for your specific Bible.

Our standard turnaround time for Bible rebinding is 4-6 weeks from the date we receive your Bible. This timeframe includes:

• Initial assessment and preparation (1-2 days)
• Disassembly and text block repair (3-5 days)
• Creating and attaching the new cover (7-10 days)
• Finishing work (stamping, edge treatments, etc.) (2-3 days)
• Quality control and final inspection (1 day)
• Production queue waiting time (varies based on current workload)

For family Bible restorations or projects requiring extensive repairs, please allow 6-8 weeks. Rush services are available for an additional fee, subject to our current workload. We’ll keep you updated on the status of your Bible throughout the process.

We take great care to preserve all your personal notes, highlighting, and markings during the rebinding process. However, there are a few important considerations:

• Notes in the very inside margins (closest to the spine) may be partially obscured during the rebinding process, especially if they extend into the gutter. We recommend leaving at least 1/4 inch margin when making notes in your Bible.
• If your Bible requires page repairs, we’ll do our best to preserve notes and highlighting in those areas, but some minor loss might occur in severely damaged sections.
• Extremely faded highlighting or notes written in pencil may be at greater risk of fading during the process.

If you have extensive notes or are concerned about preserving specific markings, please let us know when you submit your Bible, and we’ll take extra precautions in those areas.

We offer several premium leather options, each with distinct characteristics:

• Cowhide: Excellent durability and a classic appearance. Available in pebbled or smooth grain. Develops a beautiful patina over time. More structured than goatskin, making it ideal for larger Bibles. Perfect for daily use.
• Goatskin: Renowned for its softness, flexibility, and natural grain. Creates a “limp” binding that lays flat when open. Premium option that combines luxury with durability. More supple than cowhide but still very durable.
• Calfskin: Exceptionally smooth with a fine, tight grain. Softer than cowhide but not as soft as goatskin. Classic, refined appearance that’s been used in bookbinding for centuries.
• Specialty Leathers: We occasionally offer exotic options like alligator, ostrich, or kangaroo, each with unique textures and characteristics. These are limited availability and priced accordingly.

The best choice depends on your preferences for feel, appearance, and use. We’re happy to discuss the options and help you choose the perfect leather for your Bible.

We maintain an extensive inventory of leathers in various colors and textures and can usually accommodate specific requests. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Leather is a natural material, and each hide has unique characteristics. Exact matching to photos or other leather items may not be possible due to natural variations.
• For critical color matching, we recommend requesting a leather swatch before proceeding with your rebind.
• Some specialty colors or textures may require special ordering, which can add to the turnaround time.
• Custom color treatments (antiquing, distressing, etc.) are available for an additional fee.

If you have a specific color or texture in mind, please include detailed information and possibly reference images when submitting your request. We’ll do our best to match it as closely as possible or offer suitable alternatives.

We offer several edge treatment options to complement your Bible rebinding:

• Art Gilding: Also known as “red under gold” or other color combinations, creating a beautiful effect when pages are fanned.
• Color Edges: Solid color edges that can complement or contrast with your cover selection.
• Antique Finish: For family Bibles or antique editions, a subtle finish that preserves the aged character.
• Natural Edges: A simple, clean look that lets the natural paper color show.

The choice of edge treatment can significantly impact the overall appearance of your rebound Bible. We’re happy to discuss the options and recommend treatments that will complement your chosen leather and design.

Proper packaging is crucial to ensure your Bible arrives safely for rebinding. Here are our recommendations:

1. Place your Bible between two pieces of cardboard or in a padded sleeve.
2. Wrap this package in bubble wrap or packing paper.
3. Place in a sturdy box with at least 1-2 inches of packing material on all sides.
4. Seal all openings with packing tape.
5. Address clearly and include “FRAGILE” and “DO NOT BEND” markings.
6. Include your order confirmation or reference number inside the package.
7. We recommend using a shipping service with tracking and insurance.

Once you’ve received your quote and are ready to send your Bible, we’ll provide detailed shipping instructions and a shipping label if needed. We take great care in returning your rebound Bible with similar protective packaging.

Yes, we accept and ship Bibles internationally. Here are some important considerations for international customers:

• International shipping times vary significantly by country, typically ranging from 7-21 business days each way.
• You are responsible for any import duties, taxes, or customs fees required by your country.
• We ship via USPS Priority Mail International or FedEx International, both with tracking and insurance.
• International shipping costs are calculated based on destination and weight.
• When shipping to us, please mark the package as “Personal Item for Repair” to help avoid unnecessary customs charges.

For international customers, we recommend contacting us first to discuss the specific requirements and considerations for your country before sending your Bible.

The cost of rebinding is determined by several factors:

• Bible Size: Larger Bibles require more materials and labor.
• Leather Type: Premium leathers like goatskin cost more than standard leathers.
• Current Condition: Bibles requiring extensive repairs will incur additional charges.
• Customization Options: Add-ons like multiple ribbons, raised bands, custom stamping, and edge treatments will increase the price.
• Design Complexity: Intricate designs or special requirements add to the cost.

Our base pricing starts at $150 for a standard-sized Bible with cowhide leather. Premium options like goatskin start at $250. Family Bible restorations typically begin at $350 due to their size and the careful handling required.

We believe in transparent pricing and will provide a detailed quote before beginning any work. We’re also happy to work within your budget by suggesting appropriate materials and options.

We accept the following payment methods:

• Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
• PayPal
• Money orders

Our standard payment structure is:

• 50% deposit required to begin work
• Remaining balance due before return shipping of your completed Bible

Proper care will ensure your rebound Bible remains beautiful for generations. Here are our basic key recommendations:

• Handling: Wash and dry your hands before handling. The natural oils from clean hands are actually beneficial for leather in moderation.
• Environment: Store your Bible at room temperature away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and high humidity. UV exposure can cause leather to fade and dry heat can cause it to crack.
• Support: When reading, properly support the spine, especially for larger Bibles. Avoid pressing the Bible completely flat or forcing it open.
• Conditioning: Once every 1-2 years, apply a small amount of quality leather conditioner (we recommend Lexol or Chamberlain’s Leather Milk). Apply sparingly with a soft cloth and test on an inconspicuous area first.
• Cleaning: For dust, use a soft, dry cloth. For minor stains, a slightly damp cloth may be used, followed immediately by drying with a soft cloth. Never use chemical cleaners or baby wipes on leather.
• Storage: When not in use, store flat or standing upright with adequate support. Consider using a slipcase or Bible cover for additional protection.

Visit our Caring for Your Rebound Leather Bible: A Comprehensive Guide
Every rebound Bible comes with detailed care instructions specific to the leather type used for your Bible. Following these guidelines will help maintain its beauty and structural integrity for many years.

Yes, most leather Bible bindings will need some time to break in, though the extent varies by leather type:

• Goatskin: Minimal break-in required. Usually feels soft and flexible right away, but will continue to conform to your handling patterns.
• Cowhide: Requires moderate break-in time. Will soften considerably with use over the first few weeks or months.
• Calfskin: Falls between goatskin and cowhide in terms of initial flexibility and break-in time.

To help break in your new Bible binding:

• Gently flex the cover several times before first use
• Open the Bible in different sections to help distribute the flexing throughout the spine
• Regular use is the best way to break in a leather binding naturally
• Be patient – premium leather improves with age and use

Avoid forcing the Bible to lay flat initially or using artificial methods to speed break-in. A naturally broken-in Bible will develop character unique to your usage patterns and will last longer.