If you’re just getting into book making, you’ve probably come across discussions about the use of Davey vs. Chipboard in bookbinding. With so many differing opinions out there, it can be hard to tell fact from fiction. For example, if Davey board is the best, why do book binding retailers like MyBinding and Binding101 sell chipboard? Furthermore, why do these same retailers refer to both boards (chip and Davey) as “binder’s board”?
For more information, please visit Lituo.
These are great questions, and I’m going to answer each of them in the post below. I’ll also give you everything you need to make a decision about Davey vs. Chipboard for your next binding project.
Davey board, named after the company that manufactured it (The Davey Company (Davey Est )), is a superior quality binder’s board. It’s created using a single ply wet lap construction, which provides superior dimensional stability and a high degree of flexibility. The board’s high density makes it difficult to break and provides a high corner crush resistance. There are no bleaching agents or other chemicals used to make this board, so it is acid-free and will not yellow or warp over time.
Chip board is an all-purpose craft board made from waste wood. Waste wood is composed of leftovers from the milling process, sawdust and other particles. It is also known as “particle board” as both are created from the same process. During manufacturing, layers of waste wood are pressed together and glued using urea-formaldehyde and various chemicals depending on the final use. This is why chipboard can be either acidic or acid-free.
Board manufacturing plays a huge role in the final product’s composition, strength, flexibility, etc.
Davey board is:
High density
Single ply wet lap construction
Acid-free (pH level higher than 7.0)
Superior dimensional stability
High flex strength
High corner crush resistance
Smooth surface
Created WITHOUT chemicals or ingredients considered hazardous (under OSHA regulation)
All of these properties are important when creating high quality books. If you want your book to last generations, this board is the #1 choice. Similarly, if you want to create a book that won’t yellow, break down or warp over time (such as a scrapbook with important memorabilia), Davey board is the go-to.
Chipboard is:
Low density
Multi-layered, glued construction
Low flex strength
High degree of breakage (splintering, cracking, etc), especially as the board ages
Smooth and textured surfaces, depending on manufacturing process
Created using chemicals such as urea-formaldehyde
Chipboard has lots of craft uses, such as frames, posters, decorative objects, embossing, painting, stamping, etc. With such versatility, it’s easy to understand how it found its way into bookbinding. It’s important to note that chipboard is NOT considered binder’s board.
While Davey board has the most advantages, it has some downsides, too:
More expensive
Harder to find in small sheet sizes
Difficult to cut without a board cutter due to it’s density
Chip board may be of lower quality overall, but it has some advantages:
Less expensive
Easier to find in small sheet sizes
Easier to cut with an Olfa knife or die cut machine
Davey board is great for any size book, from very small to very large. There are zero limitations, but you should consider how long the book is intended to last. Books with short lives (short use or children’s crafts) should consider less expensive board.
When it comes to book sizes, chip board has limitations. An acid-free variety can be used to create books smaller than 9 x 7, but the board just isn’t strong enough to support the spines of larger books. Even thick chip board is not recommended for large books because it grows brittle over time. Of course, if the book is not intended to last (short lived), feel free to use any type of chipboard.
Davey board is a very high quality binder’s board and should be used in projects intended to last, such as those created for a bookbinding business, family heirlooms, fine bindings and more.
Chip board is a lower quality board, but has many different uses across the crafting spectrum. It should be used for short-lived projects or decorations. Due to it’s weak construction, it should never be used as a support structure.
Image of Davey board sizes courtesy of Talas Online
Pop over to Instagram or Facebook if you have any questions or if you’re just bored (see what I did there?).
ALL my best,
Misty
Book board is used to make the covers of a book. You might hear it called “binder board”, “Davey board” or “museum board”. While these are all good book boards for binding, each of them have differences. I’ll explain the differences, including thickness and application, while also giving you extra nerdy data in table format because…why not.
At it’s most simple, book binder’s board is a high quality, strong-yet-flexible and acid-free sheet of pressed organic material (wood pulp or cotton fibers, primarily). The quality of the final board depends on the manufacturing process used to make it. I’ll talk more about this below.
Binder’s board – for many, this term refers to any pressed board used to make books. In reality, “binder board” is synonymous with chipboard. Chipboard is very different from true book board, so it’s worth noting. You can learn more about the differences between chipboard and Davey board in my post on the topic, Davey vs. Chipboard: Which One is Better for Bookbinding?.
Museum board – this type of board is made from cotton fibers (usually 100%) and is firm, flexible and of the highest archival (acid-free) quality. It comes in a number of different ply (from single ply all the way up to 8-ply), so there are many options to fit your needs. Typically, museum board is used for framing and book restoration/conservation activities.
Davey board – this is a high quality, superior book board that has a strong corner crush resistance while remaining flexible enough to support the weight of various book sizes. It is also of archival quality and, due to its strength, can support many different book sizes from very small to very large.
Book board thickness, raw materials (cotton, wood pulp) and uses are some good-to-know board basics. I’ll cover these first and then get into thickness and application.
First, a quick heads up…everyone in the bookbinding world is crazy about archival quality everything. “Archival” or “pH neutral” just means “acid-free.” Acid-free is important for the long haul. If you want your books, boxes and other paper creations to last a long time, you’ll want the materials they’re made of to be acid-free. Otherwise, the materials will yellow, turn spotty, become brittle and break down over time. This is bad. Very bad.
Book board is made up of layers of thick paper. Some are on the thin side (single to 2-ply) and others are thick (4-8 ply) to make them sturdy. 2-ply boards have two layers of thick paper while 4-ply boards have four, and so on.
Generally, book makers prefer 2, 3 and 4-ply thickness.
Book board made from cotton is often called Museum board. These boards are softer (read: much easier to cut) and can be found in most art supply stores. Don’t be fooled, though – just because they’re “softer” doesn’t mean they’re not strong. In fact, museum board is available in thicknesses ranging from single ply all the way up to 8-ply!
Museum board (courtesy: Talas Online)
Book board made from wood pulp is called Davey board (can also be called Binder’s board). This board is buffered and harder (read: not as easy to cut). It’s perfect for books up to 12 inches tall. If your book is taller than 12 inches, it is recommended that you glue a couple of Davey boards together to get the right thickness.
Davey board (courtesy: Talas Online)
Boards are used for both book covers and spines, but spine boards (also called “spine strips”) are usually thinner than the cover board. Choosing the right thickness for your spine strip is important because it adds balance. Read more about this in my post on the topic, Create Visual Balance with the Right Spine Strip.
Illustration or Bristol board. These boards are good for the spine because they’re a bit thinner. Just make sure to look for “all cotton” or “acid-free” because these boards sometimes have a backing that’s not acid-free. Sneaky, sneaky.
Green Millboard. This is an eco-friendly board of the highest archival quality, which is best for restoration projects as they’re a bit spendy.
Grey board. Also known as “greyboard”, this type of board is made entirely from recycled paper pulp. As you might have guessed, the name comes from the final color. While this board is strong and can be found in hardcover books, it is typically used for mounting paintings and prints as well as box and model building.
Green millboard (courtesy: Talas Online)
Board thickness is given in mm, calipers, inches or points depending on where you are in the world. I made a table to help with equivalents because I am very helpful ? and these things can be confusing!
millimeterscalipersinchespoints1.70..06~681.90..07~742.10..09~80board thickness equivalents across different measurements
Now that we have a good understanding of book boards, let’s talk about board thickness vs. book size.
For more Lituo Decoration Materialsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
It’s pretty simple – smaller books need thinner boards. Bigger books need thicker boards.
It all comes down to making sure the book has thick enough covers to support its overall weight. I made another helpful table to give you some guidelines on picking the right board thickness for your project:
Book ExamplesBook SizeBest Board TypeBest Board Thickness Children’s books, travel & tasting journalsSmall – 6″ or less (A6)Museum or Davey0.06 in.Journals, standard booksMedium – 6″ – 9″ (A5, B5)Davey0.07 in.Photo albums, scrapbooks, sketchbooksLarge – 10″ – 11″ tall (A4)Davey0.07 – 0.09 in.Tomes, grimoires, scrapbooks, sketchbooksXLarge – 12″ tall (A4)Davey0.09 – 0.10 in. (or 0.06 in. x 2)Specialty booksXXLarge – 12″ + tall (A3, B4 and larger)(2) Davey boards glued per cover (4 total)0.09 – 0.10 x 2 per coverbest board thickness to support book size
All of this information is great, but the facts are just that…facts. As a new bookbinder, it can be hard to translate those facts into a decision when you’re not even sure where to begin. I totally understand.
I remember begging a fellow binder to just TELL ME what to buy. I’m serious. I literally said to her, “This is awesome, but please….just tell me what to buy! Where do I start??” If this is you, welcome to the club!
If you’re just getting into bookbinding and want to make a simple book for family (example: sketch books for the grandkids), I can definitely recommend a good beginner’s board.
I personally used a Lineco acid free binder’s board when I got started. I still use it today for various projects. This board is neutral in acidity (not acid-free, read up on that here), which makes it a great starter choice.
The Lineco binder’s board package includes 4 sheets of size 15″ x 20.5″ at a thickness of 0.067. This will give you plenty of board for various sizes, but you will need to cut it down yourself using an Olfa knife or similar. This particular board is a great starting thickness (less than 0.07), so it should be easier on your wrists.
As of the date of this article, Blick Art Materials has the best price (around $22 or so per package), but keep an eye out for other retailers who might offer free shipping. Remember – this size may ship with oversized fees from some retailers, so keep that in mind.
Pop over to Instagram or Facebook if you have any questions!
ALL my best,
Misty
We commonly consider cardboard, paper, or shrink wrap to be the main ingredients in packaging. Nevertheless, chipboard is a different substance that is economical, adaptable, and environmentally beneficial.
You are on the right blog if you have no idea about chipboard and aim to learn more about what is chipboard. In this blog, you will also learn its types, applications, benefits, and other important things.
Here, we will also discover how chipboard compares to cardboard and whether it can be waterproofed. Lastly, we'll give you a thickness guide for chipboards necessary for various applications. Thus, let us begin by unraveling the mysteries of this underutilized and ecologically friendly chemical.
Buy less, choose well, make it last
Vivienne Westwood
Chipboard is a thick paper product made from smooth and rigid pressed paperboard built of recycled paper. A variety of thicknesses, printing, and design options are ideally used in packaging, furniture, and other artworks. This material is amongst the budget-friendly choice which has customizability to use for a range of applications.
For this reason, chipboard boxes are frequently confused with other types of cardboard. Nevertheless, it is vital to know how to differentiate between chipboard and more commonly accessible cardboard material. Chipboard is available in a variety of thicknesses to serve a wide range of requirements. It may also be folded and cut into various sizes and shapes for a number of crafts.
- Chipboard is versatile and can be used for crafting, scrapbooking, industrial and commercial uses, packaging, and shipping.
- Chipboard cartons are made from 100% recycled paper and are a sustainable choice for packaging.
- Chipboards can be composted, reducing waste and protecting the environment.
- Chipboard is ideal for design and customization since its surface can be printed on, making it suitable for branded products.
- Chipboard is more compact, making it a space-efficient choice for shipping.
Many people confuse chipboard with cardboard. So, it is vital to understand the contrast between these two in order to get rid of the chipboard vs cardboard puzzle.
1. Chipboard has numerous different densities.
2. A single-layered and thin material.
3. It is a bit harder to drill and cut and leave a rough edge upon cutting
4. Lightweight material
5. It is made from wood waste.
6. The material is highly cost-effective.
7. A variety of chipboard thicknesses exist.
8. Chipboard can be painted without applying primer with no fear of color bleed
9. Commonly used in low-cost furniture, doors, packaging, building insulation, and soundproofing.
1. The cardboard comes with a uniform density.
2. Multi-layered corrugated material.
3. The cardboard is too easy to cut.
4. Ideal for heavy-duty box manufacturing.
5. Cardboard can be either corrugated or flat
6. It is simple to cut and make a hole
7. The material is around 20% more costly than the chipboard.
8. It requires a primer before applying paint.
9. Frequently used in heavy-duty packaging and shipping.
This is one of the most significant differences between chipboard and cardboard. Although all types of chipboard are often used in furniture design and woodworking, thick chipboards are heavier and more sturdy.
Chipboard thicknesses typically range from 3/32" to 1. The right chipboard thickness depends on the application and product requirements. Although most furniture and construction projects use thinner ones, cut-to-size material, chipboard in thicknesses of up to one inch may be available.
Being a versatile material, chipboard is commonly used in interior building projects including kitchen worktops, cabinets, flooring, and furniture in addition to packaging. Chipboard is lightweight and made from wood waste that is pressed together with a resin adhesive to create a cardboard-like material.
Low-density printed chipboard material is used for trims and moldings, inner elements of furniture, soundproofing, and packaging. It offers protection to items packaged inside and can be cut and folded into various shapes.
High-density chipboard is ideal for kitchen worktops and flooring due to its rigidity and durability. The high-density chipboard is created by using a stronger adhesive and compressing the wood fibers more tightly. It gives a stronger and more durable end product, which can withstand heavy use. Chipboard is an eco-friendly option for those looking for a sustainable and cost-effective material.
Chipboard is a versatile material that finds its use in multiple areas - from interior decoration and building projects to chipboard packaging. There are mainly two types of chipboards - plain chipboard and laminated chipboard. Plain chipboards are made by pressing wood waste with glue and chemicals, whereas laminated chipboards have a thin layer of protective coating on top.
Chipboard is often used for interior building and decorating projects that include kitchen worktops, cabinets, flooring, furniture, and insulation. It is also useful for packaging due to its compact structure, and possibilities for branding and customization.
Sustainability is one of the advantages of chipboard, as it uses waste wood and can be composted after use. That said, chipboard paper is an excellent alternative for using wood, and it's an eco-friendly choice.
As stated earlier, chipboard has several thicknesses and widths options. You can buy as thin chipboard as 0.5mm and as thick as 2.5mm. You can also buy chipboards with custom sizes for packaging purposes. Thicker chipboard can be created by laminating multiple plies of chipboard together.
The laminated chipboard is waterproof as well as shatter-resistant, making it highly durable for packaging. The laminating plies resist moisture to penetrate from the material. The versatility of paper chipboard makes it a popular choice for a variety of industries, from packaging to graphic design. However, it is especially popular in the crafting industry, as it holds decorations and ink well, making it a great addition to scrapbooking projects.
- Chipboard is a smooth and rigid pressed paperboard made of recycled paper, with a variety of thicknesses, shapes, and colors.
- Chipboard is a great, inexpensive alternative to corrugated shipping container partitions, used for storage, shipping, and box dividers with additional features or special finishes.
- Chipboard is often used in crafting, popular for scrapbooking, card making, rubber stamp projects, and more, with pre-cut shapes and adhesive chipboard options.
Read More: What is Contract Packaging?
In conclusion, chipboard is an affordable, sustainable, and versatile material that has numerous applications across industries. Its environmentally friendly, easy to work with, and can be customized to fit the specific requirements of your project. Whether you are in the construction, furniture, or packaging industry, chipboard can be a great addition to your toolkit.
If you are looking to learn more about chipboard, where to buy chipboard, and how it can be useful for your next project, check out our detailed guide that dives into the different types, applications, and benefits of this versatile material.
The key switch is a common switch device for controlling electrical equipment, which is widely used in daily life and industrial fields. The working principle of the key switch is to open or close the circuit by pressing the button, thereby controlling the start and stop or function switching of the device. This switch usually consists of a button and contacts, the button will make the internal contact action, thereby changing the state of the circuit.
There are various types of key switches, common ones are buttons with and without lights, single-pass and double-pass switches, etc. The design and material of the key switch are also different, including common plastic buttons and metal buttons. According to different needs and scenarios, users can choose their own key switch to use.
In modern life, key switches are widely used in various electronic equipment, automobiles, industrial automation control systems and other fields. By pressing the button, people can easily start the electrical equipment, switch function mode and realize remote control. In addition, some special occasions will also use waterproof, explosion-proof and other special materials made of key switches to ensure that the equipment can work safely and reliably.
In general, as a key component to control electrical equipment, key switches play an important role in modern life and industrial production, bringing convenience and safety to people's lives.
Are you interested in learning more about Furniture PVC Edge Banding? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!