Do Bookmarks Damage Book Pages? Myth Busted
By Janine Payne Illustrations | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: Tips & Care
Worried your bookmark might harm your book? We tackle the myth and explain how to choose a safe bookmark for any paperback or hardcover.
Quick answer
No, bookmarks do not inherently damage book pages. The real risk comes from poor-quality materials or improper use, not from bookmarks themselves.
The real culprit: material and thickness
A flimsy paper bookmark might tear or leave residue, while a thick, rigid one can strain the spine of a paperback. The key is choosing a bookmark that's thin enough to lie flat without forcing the pages apart.
What about oil pastel bookmarks?
Oil pastel is a soft, pigment-rich medium. When used on a bookmark, the surface is typically sealed or coated to prevent smudging. As long as the bookmark is finished with a protective layer (like a glossy front and silk-finish back), it won't transfer color or leave marks on your pages.
Myth vs. fact: verdicts
- Myth: Bookmarks always leave marks or creases.: Fact: A well-made bookmark with a smooth, non-abrasive surface will not crease or mark pages. The issue is usually a bookmark that is too thick or has rough edges.
- Myth: Oil pastel bookmarks are messy and will ruin your book.: Fact: When properly finished with a protective coating (like the glossy front on this Rainbow Trout bookmark), oil pastel art is sealed and safe for use inside any book. Check that the bookmark has a sealed surface before using it in a valuable book.
- Myth: You should never use a bookmark in a paperback.: Fact: Paperbacks are flexible and can accommodate a thin bookmark without damage. Avoid thick, hard bookmarks that might stretch the spine. Choose a bookmark that is no thicker than the paper stock of the book itself.
Product facts
- Oil Pastel Rainbow Trout | Bookmark: This bookmark is double-sided with a glossy front and silk-finish back, printed on 16pt paper stock, and made in Canada. The glossy coating prevents the oil pastel from transferring to your book pages, while the 16pt paper is thin enough to avoid straining the spine.
Oil Pastel Rainbow Trout | Bookmark
