Book Binding Services
Case binding is one of the most common bindings for hard-cover books. Most hard-cover books today are case-bound books. While this book binding method is expensive and time-consuming, it is the most perfect binding compared to other binding methods as it gives books a long shelf life and enhances durability. The high cost of production incurred while producing a case-bound book is usually recouped during the sales process.
What is the Case Binding Process?
Case binding is a traditional way of producing a hard-cover book. Usually, the pages of a book are sewn together in sections and then the sections are attached to the cases inside. The binder tips the book’s end papers and glues them to the case.
This type of bookbinding will ensure that these books last a lifetime. Common case-bound books include a register, children’s books, and law and art books. These books are made of grey board, and the cover is made of laminated paper. However, they can also be covered with book cloth, PVC coated paper and real and leather cloth.
As a company that offers bookbinding and printing services, we can advise you on the variety of coverings available if you need book covers that have gone through this process. We are experienced and have the equipment to help us produce the most unique case-bound books. We can customize your order by giving the book a special finish, such as embellishing with gold book block printing, presentation boxes, fold outs, ribbons, and leather binding. Therefore, when working with us, you can be sure that you are getting book covers that will last a lifetime.
Design Considerations
If you want a book cover made for your book, it may be best to make some considerations, as we explain below.
Blank Pages as Preface
The inside covers of your books will likely be glued to the inside of the case. If you want to include some blank pages as a preface to your work, you must incorporate these into your artwork.
Keep Artwork and Text Away from Bound Pages
Also, remember that content close to a case-bound book’s interior pages may end up obscured. Therefore, we advise that you keep any artwork or crucial text away from the bound edges and more towards the centre of the page for full visibility.
Projects Over 60 Pages
For projects over 60 pages, you may need to design end sheets. End sheets are the pages that will secure the book to the cover. Thankfully, the designs can be endless. You can select from the wide variety of colours available or choose some catchy artwork to fill up the space according to your preferences.
Dust Jackets
Some authors prefer to have dust jackets for their hardcover books. They have flaps which means they can be folded inside the cover. While they were originally designed to protect cloth-covered books in the 19th century, dust jackets are important today as they offer an extra layer of protection and add a professional feel to the cover while adding some style to it.
What are the Different Book Cover Styles?
There are several cover styles that we utilize during book binding. They include:
PPC is printed on traditional materials. We use traditional materials with textured finishes, styles and colours. We can also use leather and fabric. However, this means that we will not use classic printing techniques. Instead, we will use other techniques, such as wrapping with a printed dust jacket and foil blocking.
Printed paper cases are just like soft-back books and are designed to fit around the grey board and are laminated. The most commonly used type of lamination is the anti-scuff lamination that’s long-lasting, reduces scratches and retains cover integrity.
Book Finishing
Foiling and Debossing
Foiling or foil blocking is done according to the client’s brief and in various colours. Usually, it is commonly done on the front cover for the logo and title and on the spine.
On the other hand, debossing is the opposite of material imprinting, and it causes a depressing effect. You can leave the area as it is or fill it with foil blocking or ink.
End Papers
Endpapers, as already highlighted, are those that attach the inner cover to the book block. Usually, endpapers are heavier than the other interior book pages, and this thickness helps it withstand the tough job. The endpapers are folded and attached to the first and last sections before being sewn to the book block for a finished book look.
Slipcases
Slipcases are the protective housing where case-bound books are packaged. Just like dust jackets, slip cases enhance the book’s look and provide hard back covers with an added layer of protection. You can use slipcases to bundle several books together.
Square and Round Backing
The spines of books can be finished with a square or round back. Square back books use the same thickness in the spine, front and back covers. However, rounded backing increases the curvature, giving the book a rounded shape. This style may be older, but the specific design accommodates hand-sewn signatures and builds a hinge and shoulder for the cover boards. However, today, this type of cover is mainly for aesthetic purposes.
Ribbon Markers
Ribbon markers are crucial as they can help readers as they browse their books. They work the same way as page markers and come in various colours. They are glued at the top of the inner lock of the headband and make it easier to find specific pages in books.
Is there A Difference Between Perfect Binding and Case Binding?
Both case and perfect binding can help you produce a professional-looking book. Furthermore, they are similar in that none lie flat when opened, and they have the same limitations in terms of thickness.
In the same breath, there are important differences, such as the fact that perfect binding uses a soft cover made of heavy paper, while case binding uses heavy-covered board covers. Furthermore, case binding is more expensive, albeit more long-lasting than perfect binding.