What is perfect binding?
Most paperback books, large catalogues, holiday brochures or magazines use perfect binding – it’s a very recognisable book binding method.
It’s popular because it delivers a clean and professional finish to any book whilst ensuring the overall production is cost effective for a wide range of print projects. Understanding what perfect binding is can assist any author, self publisher or business make better production decisions.
So… what’s perfect binding? A clear and explanation
This binding involves the individual pages being bound together along the spine using a strong and flexible adhesive. Unlike alternative binding methods such a saddle stitching or wiro binding, the pages are not folded or held in place by staples or wire. Each page is cut as single sheets, stacked in the correct order, and glue firmly to the spine. The creates a clean square edged finish that you’ll be familiar with.
A defining feature of a perfect bound book is the ability to print on the flat spine. You can include branding, author names and title clearly on the spine.
The process begins with the interior pages being printed, collated, and trimmed to size. The spine edge of the pages is then roughened slightly to help the adhesive bond effectively. The cover is printed separately as a single piece that wraps around the front, spine, and back of the book.
Once the glue has set, the book is trimmed on all sides to create even edges.
When perfect binding is the ideal choice
Perfect binding can be used on a host of book types but works particularly well with paperback novels. This is because it ensures a professional book which will sit neatly on shelves. The printable spine makes it ideal for book shops to ensure the title is clearly visible.
It’s a book binding method that’s best suited to moderate to high page counts, depending on the paper weights being used. Thinner publications or documents will likely not provide enough spine width, whilst very large page counts will required additional thought to ensure long term durability.
The use of perfect binding also complements modern digital book printing methods due it being cost effective. Digital printing gives authors the ability to order shorter print runs, and perfect binding can further keep costs down.
Limitations of perfect binding
One of the main drawbacks of perfect bound book is that they don’t open flat. This makes perfect binding far less suitable for workbooks, manuals, cookbooks or any publication that the reader will want to lie flat for each reading or note taking.
It’s also not suitable for low or extremely large page counts. Particularly thin books won’t provide enough spine width for the glue to hold the pages securely, whilst very large page counts will need more robust binding.
While perfect bound books are robust enough for standard reading practices, repeated heavy use or frequent opening and closing can put stress on the spine, particularly for paperback editions. This makes perfect binding less ideal for reference books or documents that will be in constant use.
Print2Demand
We are an all round UK book manufacturing and printing service. We work closely with publishers, self publishers and authors. We have a state of the art factory, complemented by our sales and marketing office in Westoning, Bedfordshire. We have invested in the very latest digital and litho printing technology, to integrate with a fully equipped craftsman bindery. The conclusion of which means we are offering both softback and hardback books, to a very high standard of quality.
Order your book printing online or contact our team for more information.