When it comes to publishing, no two books are the same.
The method you choose will depend on the type of material you’re publishing and how you want to be received by the end-user, and there are many binding methods available.
We’re going to take a look at the most popular book-binding options – because finishing can make a world of difference.
Saddle Stitching
Probably the most common – and a very economical – method of binding today is known in the printing world as saddle-stitching.
Here, we fold sheets of paper together and staple them through the centre-fold line – like many of the magazines you’ve picked up in the salon or the waiting room at the mechanics. Two staples are used for booklets up to 32 sheets of paper, depending on paper thickness.
But, if we’re using staples, why is it called saddle-stitching?
As we lay the pages together in the correct order, they’re carefully draped over a piece of machinery that looks similar to a saddle. The name “saddle-stitching” stuck early on in the printing industry, and we’ve used it ever since!
Today, any bookbinding process that attaches wire staples through sheets of paper is commonly referred to as saddle-stitching.
Because saddle-stitching uses folded pages, the total page count for the booklet must be a multiple of four. This is important to keep in mind when designing and laying out your booklet. Otherwise, you might end up with one or more blank pages.
Saddle-stitched booklets are ideal for presenting articles, advertising, or news, such as:
- Programs
- Wall calendars
- Newsletters
- Pamphlets
- Direct mailers
- Comic books
- Thin magazines and catalogues
This binding option is super cost-effective, making it easier on the pocket and a great option for one-off print projects. Fundraisers, events and marketing materials tend to lean towards this quick, easy and budget friendly option. It’s worth noting that leaflets over 32 sheets don’t always turn out so great with the saddle-stitching method, so if you’ve got more to offer, you might want to explore one of the other options!
With saddle-stitching, your booklet can look classy and professional even though it’s a lower budget option, as we’ve got ample types and finishes of paper to work with using this method.
Spiral Binding
Another binding favourite is spiral binding. Business professionals tend to love this option as even very short print projects can look super savvy this way!
When using plastic spirals, there are a variety of colours to choose from meaning your project will look on brand and classy. There are a selection of sizes available too – generally, the diameter of the spirals increases with the page count of the book.
We’ve also got metal or wire binding as another popular choice when spiral-binding publications. Pages can lay completely flat with wire coils, with pages being able to turn 360 degrees. This makes a great option for travel-related booklets, maps and guides, as the reader can focus on one page at a time while laying the booklet flat on a surface or in one hand.
Also a great choice for educational printing projects as index tabs can be added to the wire coils, making it easy for the reader to find what they are looking for quickly and without having to scour an index.
Spiral binding works well with pocket-sized books, oversized books and everything in between. The binding allows for portrait or landscape paging and can even have the binding coil on top of the book instead of the side. Common applications range from instruction manuals, cookbooks, and directories to travel guides, textbooks, and calendars.
The primary advantages of the plastic booklet binding option include:
- Can fold flat
- Pages are easy to turn
- An economical choice for short production runs
- Can accommodate index tabs
- Quicker turnaround times because no adhesives are needed
The time to use the metal/wire booklet binding option is when:
- You want to customise the look and feel of your booklet with different papers, covers, and coating options
- Want a book that can easily lay flat
- Want a neater, more organised look than plastic spiral binding
- Need the booklet to make a polished, professional presentation
- Need a sturdy, durable binding that can take more than the average use
Perfect Bound Book Printing
Another popular and common method is known as Perfect Binding. The big difference between perfect binding and the other methods listed is it uses an adhesive rather than wires or coils to hold the book together. A strong yet pliable adhesive is applied to the spine to bind the cover and pages together. Then they are cut to the exact same size to produce a perfect edge on all three sides.
This binding option is almost always the first choice for softcover books, especially paperbacks. The cover usually consists of a heavier stock of paper than the other pages, and a clear coating can be added at an additional cost for more durability and improved visual appeal. Perfect binding is also very popular in the business world because it is combines cost-effective binding with a very professional look and feel. Common business applications include corporate reports, catalogues, product brochures, manuals, and magazines.
Benefits of perfect binding include:
- High-quality presentation
- The square spine allows for printing on the spine
What’s right for you?
Is your project a short-run print project (not many copies needed) or are you publishing a book?
Do you need your document to be able to withstand a bit of rough handling and last longer, or is it perhaps a one-off – promoting an open home or event?
We’re skilled and knowledgeable here at Graphix and will be able to guide you through the process to ensure you get the most professional looking and budget-suitable option for your project.
Get in touch today to see how we can help and get a quote!