The term “binding” refers to any method of putting together the loose leaves of a book. It’s something we do all the time at Colour Print, and we are fully equipped to bind publications using a variety of techniques. Here are a few of the most popular.
Saddle Stitching
Although ‘stitching’ might make you think of a needle and thread, the term is often used in the printing industry to describe stapling. To saddle stitch a book, folded sheets are gathered together, one inside the other, with the cover page on the outside. Then they are stapled together through the fold line with wire staples, which pass from the outside and are clinched in the centremost pages.
Saddle stitching is a very popular book binding method, and is mostly used for theatre programmes, wall calendars, magazines and booklets. Because the pages sit inside one another, the number of pages in a saddle stitch book must be divisible by four, as there are four pages in a single spread. It is generally best not to saddle stitch books of more than 64 pages, as it is hard to punch the staples through this much paper.
Perfect Binding
To perfect bind a book or booklet, all the pages are collated together and the spine is roughened and flattened. Flexible adhesive is applied and a paper cover is attached to the spine.
Perfect binding is one of the most popular binding techniques, and is used for paperback novels, booklets, and some magazines. It is both durable and cost-effective, and can be used for publications up to several inches thick. A perfect bound book has a flat spine, so its name can be printed on the cover of the spine, making it easy to identify on the shelf. Because the pages are stacked on top of each other, the whole page is visible – designers don’t have to allow for ‘creep’ as they have to with saddle stitching.
Wiro Binding
Wiro binding holds pages together with coated metal wires, fed through holes punched into each page. Separate wire loops are used for each punched hole. Spiral binding, which is similar, uses a single wire coil, which is fed through the entire document.
Wiro binding is mainly used when it is important for a publication to lie flat when opened, and to fold back on itself without breaking the spine. It is normally used for notebooks, diaries, map books and wall calendars. A wiro bound publication is very durable, and can be made more so with a polypropylene protective cover.
Not sure which kind of binding would work best for your print project? Our print consultants can advise you. Call us on 01603 488001 or email sales@col-print.co.uk to find out more.
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