One of the most common bindings for commercially produced brochures, magazines and books is ‘perfect binding.’ It’s referred to as perfect since the books are trimmed on the 3 non-spine edges after being bound together with glue and are “perfect” with the corners sitting sharp and square.
In sightly simpler terms it is ‘when groups of pages are bound together using adhesive to create a clean, crisp and professional printed product.’ Think of your paperback books for instance!
Perfect bound books are designed to be held in the hand whilst being read and therefore don’t lay flat. But if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative that lays flat then saddle stitching is available. But for a premium finish we do recommend a perfect bind.
We are happy to offer both costs and advice on both processes should you find yourself unsure.
Is there an ideal page count for perfect binding?
In short, no.
That is initially down to the thickness of paper but as a rule of thumb 2.5mm-3mm is the minimum thickness while there is a limitless maximum.
The picture on the right is our most recent production for the Year 6 leavers of St Vincent de Paul Catholic:
This project was a 58pp (4pp cover on 350gsm plus 54pp text on 150gsm) which is approx. 5mm thick. The thinnest it could have been is approx. 24pp. Anything thinner and the spine begins to round.
