How to Make a Durable Plastic Book Cover

Co-authored by Lois Wade

Last Updated: October 1, 2025

Libraries protect their books with plastic slip covers, but how can you get a few covers when they are available only in bulk? You make one! A good durable book cover is easy enough to make, and with a sheet or two of plastic, you’ll have a protector on your book in no time. We’ll walk you through the steps you to need to make a solid and durable plastic book cover.

Steps

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1
Obtain a heavy duty plastic sheet protector or an 8-10 mil sheet of clear plastic.^{[1]
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2
Trim two edges of the sheet protector so that it opens up into a single layer.

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3
Lay your book on the plastic and trace its covers and spine. It should make a large rectangle.^{[2]
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4
Measure the top, bottom, and both side edges of the book.^{[3]
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5
Add two inches to the top and bottom measurement, and three to each side.^{[4]
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6
Crease the top and bottom one inch wide flaps toward the center of the book. Press firmly to create a sharp crease.^{[5]
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7
Fold and crease the 3 inch sections on each side of the book cover in toward the spine. Press firmly to create a sharp crease.^{[6]
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8
Slide your book cover(s) into the pockets formed by the creases.^{[7]
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9
Close the book to check for fit.^{[8]
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10
Tape the inside and outside layers of plastic together along the book's top and bottom edges, taking care not to stick tape to the book.
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Repeat the process for the other cover with the other end of the plastic.
12
Read your newly protected book!

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Tips

You can use almost any type of clear tape to secure the edges of the flaps to your book.

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An inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters.

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3 mil plastic is too thin and will tear easily. 5 mil is the minimum necessary, and 8 or 10 mil is better. The thicker plastic drop cloths will not be perfectly clear; they will be somewhat cloudy, but you can still read a book's title through them.

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Warnings

Saran Wrap (plastic wrap) and garbage bags will work temporarily, but are not suitable for long-term or heavy use.

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Take care with any cutting tools to avoid injury.

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Watch out for painful paper cuts!

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Things You'll Need

Heavy duty sheet protectors (available in 10 and 25 count packages at most office supply stores or ask at school supplies)
Tape, preferably clear
Sharp scissors for cutting plastic