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CHOOSE BETWEEN STAPLING, PERFECT BINDING or HARDBACK

Posted on 31 August 2023

In this showcase snippet video we examine the three main types of binding we offer at Ex Why Zed.

The binding method you choose is dictated by the number of pages your publication has. If rigid boards and endpapers are what you picture, watch through to the final section, then read about having a hardback made with us.

Let’s get started!

The Process of Wire Stitching

First up is wire stitching or stapling if you prefer less print jargon. The printed sheets are produced as spreads then folded in half and stapled twice on the spine to keep them together. Simple, cheap and effective for up to around 40 pages. It might not as high-end as our next two options but the advantage is that the reader can press the page completely flat.

A Look at Perfect Binding

Next up, perfect binding where we print the cover as a spread and a separate text block. The text block is trimmed to the size of your finished book, roughened up on the left-hand edge, a layer of glue applied and the cover is wrapped around and glued on with a 7mm hinge to the text block. Your books will have a neat spine if you have a minimum of 32 pages.

Making a Hardback Book

Finally, case binding to make a hardback book. We use thick 3mm board for the front cover, back cover and spine which is wrapped by your choice of either printed artwork or bookbinding cloth. Endpapers, in this instance black, are added to bind the cover block to the inside pages. The text block sits neatly inside the overhanging 3mm cover. Without a little force, the full width of a double-page spread isn’t completely visible on perfect bound or hardback books. Something to bear in mind with your layouts.

Looking at the side profiles gives you a great insight into the three different binding aesthetics. Which will you go for on your next project?

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