In order to provide the best results for your specific needs, we have listed our most common binding styles, materials and finishing techniques along with notes on their application.
We are happy to offer the help of our talented team of bookbinders, designers, craftsmen and print technicians that we can call upon, all highly skilled, dedicated, and enthusiastic about books. If unsure, please feel free to get in touch and we would be happy to consider your projects needs! We can advise on layout, binding, print production and finishing techniques.
BINDING Guide
Case Binding -
Section Sewn
This classic binding binding method is the highest quality and permanence. Printed sheets are gathered together, folded and sewn to form the book-block, before being reinforced and finished with headbands and cased into a custom hardcover.
+ high quality and resistant
to wear
+ opens flat
+ possibility of mixing paper stocks
- added production time
Min. pages – 24
Max. pages – N/A
File set-up – single page PDF, multiple of 4 pages.
Case Binding -
PUR bound
This increasingly common binding method combines the economic and versatile PUR perfect bound bookblock with a hardcover case. Printed sheets are bound together using a very strong and flexible glue, then folded and sewn to form the bookblock, before being cased into a custom hardcover
+ resistant to wear
+ economical and faster production
+ virtually indistinguishable to the untrained eye
- does not lay flat
- affects printing across spreads
Min. pages – 24
Max. pages – N/A
File set-up – single page PDF, multiple of 2 pages.
(click here for our PDF output settings)
(click here for a hardcover case template)
Softcover -
Perfect Bound
This is the most common binding style, standard to the book trade. Printed sheets are bound together using a very strong and flexible PUR glue, providing a high quality softcover binding.
+ resistant to wear
+ economical and faster production
+ virtually indistinguishable to the untrained eye
+ suitable for all finishes of paper
+ will not crack over time
- does not lay flat
- affects printing across spreads
Min. pages – 24
Max. pages – N/A
File set-up – single page PDF, multiple of 2 pages.
Center Sewn
As singer sewn bind is suitable for smaller page counts, and is a decorative alternative to our saddle stitch (staple) binding. Produced on an industrial sewing machine, the booklet has an exposed thread along the spine. This method is also higher quality than saddle-stitch, and can be combined with a soft or hardcover if desired.
+ Layflat pages
+ Choice of colored thread
+ no max trim size
- limited page count
- added production times
Materials and finishings
Book Cloth
We stock a large variety of high quality Italian book cloths in an array of colors.
These cotton-based cloths are available in full linen finish or with a resistant coating.
Stock colors are viewable in our book cost estimator. Please contact us for specific color request.
+ Resistant to wear
+ Excellent Silkscreen
+ Suitable for Foil Stamping and Blind Deboss
Leatherette
This Italian cover material gives the luxurious look of leather at a much more affordable price.
Stock colors are viewable in our book cost estimator. Please contact us for specific color request.
+ Resistant to wear
+ Foil Stamping and Blind Deboss
Edge Coloring
Give your books some added flair with edge coloring!
+ matte colors
+ metallic foils
- suited to higher print runs
- added production time
Foil Stamping
This cover finishing technique used heated metal stamps to decorate in deboss-relief with a variety of foils.
+ large selection of colors in matte or gloss finish
+ variety of metallic and holographic options available
+ possibility of blind-debossing (no foil or clear foil)
+ pantone-specific colors available for higher runs
+ no max size!
PAPER
EnviroBook
Produced here in Quebec by the Rolland Paper Mill, EnviroBook paper is one of our go-to stocks for book printing. Providing a bright, smooth uncoated finish, this stock reproduces artwork beautifully and has a wonderful touch.
An impressive ecological alternative, this paper is made using bio-gas and 100% post-consumer waste.
+ environmentally friendly
+ 100% post-consumer
Cover Stocks
Softcover and booklets will typically be bound with a 12pt coverstock, which has been laminated to help protect the printed cover from scuffing and wear.
Finishes
You may have a specific paper for us to match, or perhaps you need some help choosing the right paper to reproduce your artwork. We stock uncoated, matte and gloss papers in various thicknesses, and can advise which may be best for your project.
Specialty Papers
Beyond our stock items, our suppliers have a wealth of interesting papers to choose from. Please do not hesitate to let us know what you are looking for and we can try to match it!