Penguin clothbound classics - protecting the foil print covers

[ThumbTowers]

I'm starting a collection of Penguin clothbound classic books. I've heard that the foil print on the covers can wear away with handling, which seems to be a big design flaw. The books are mainly titles i have already read and enjoyed, which I am re-buying in a pretty format to look eye catching on my bookshelf. These particular versions aren't going to be read more than once, probably, if at all. But I would love to know if anyone has found a way of protecting the foil print from rubbing away. An archival varnish spray of some description, perhaps? I plan to separate the books on the bookshelf with a sheet of tracing paper, so they don't rub against each other to start with.

If the books are going to just sit on the shelf and hardly ever be removed, I would stick with the paper - make sure it is acid free. Sprays may possibly discolour over time, and if you ever want to sell the books it may lessen their value.

Oh, I was thinking about starting to collect these but to actually read as well as display. I'm rethinking this now!

When my kids have to take a reading book into school from home, I put a plastic cover on it (like the ones on library books) and could try that just for when reading the clothbound books but maybe the foil will stick to the plastic and come off?

Yes, it is disappointing for something from a respected publisher that is designed to look good! I am not going to let it put me off though. I might well read them all, but probably only once, i've not decided, so I am thinking that as long as I now know to be careful, it should be fine! I just want to be sure I am doing what I can.... I think plastic covers may stick to the foil. I did read elsewhere that someone used the paper jacket from another hardback book to protect the penguin classic as they read it, then took it off again when it went back on the shelf. That might help. If anyone has other ideas, it would be good to hear.

Could you make colour A3 photocopies of the covers and spines to make your own matching dust jackets?

I have loads of clothbound classics and have no issues with any of the covers.

That's great to hear! Are they the Penguin ones?

Yes, they are the penguin ones. All read, some read several times.

Oh that's great news in that case. Google keeps highlighting problems with the covers.