Why is everyone so against using acrylic finishes on covers?

I keep hearing binders say that acrylic finishes are bad for book covers because they can peel or feel plastic. But I've been using them for my personal projects and they work great. My sketchbook from last year has an acrylic coat and it still looks new after being tossed in my bag every day. I tried a traditional varnish on another book and it took forever to dry, plus it got sticky in humid weather. Acrylic dries fast and doesn't smell strong, which is good for my small workspace. Maybe people just stick to what they know, but I think acrylics are a solid option for everyday books. Am I wrong to give them a chance?

3 comments

3 Comments

miamitchell1mo ago

What if it's just that old methods feel safer, even when they're actually more hassle? Like we get used to the struggle of waiting for varnish to dry and call that "proper crafting" while the easier option feels like cheating somehow.

bettyt401mo ago

Wow, it's like how people resist any upgrade (even a good one) until it's been around forever, you know?

felixprice1mo ago

That upgrade line reminds me of my dad refusing to get a smartphone charger that wasn't the exact same brand as his phone from 2010. Some habits are just glued in place.