adhesives for deteriorated leather

[schuetz1619]

I am looking at possibly rebacking a mid-19c volume (case)bound in deteriorated calf. The spine has fallen of at the joints, and I would like to consider reattaching it after rebacking. The leather turns black on contact with anything containing H2O.

Does Klucel G as a consolidant darken deteriorated calf? How is it properly applied? (I find mixing instructions online but nothing about application.) If I decide to try this, what adhesives would not blacken the leather?

Is this whole idea bonkers, and is it just better to box such a book as is? If so, I've got a lot of boxes to make.

Thanks for your ideas.

[Brynn]

Hi , Klucel G is a good idea , ive used it alot , without any major darkening , i use a already made up version "Cellugel" with good results , it would be best to treat the book as a whole with it , as to the spine a good archival reversible pva will be fine.