WHAT IS DESIGN FOR PRINT?//FINISHING:PERFECT BINDING//OUGD504

BINDING: PERFECT BOUND

Perfect binding is a method of bookbinding that is utilized for many types of less expensive books, manuals, and other simple collections of documents. Unlike some binding processes that require sewing the pages into the spine of the book, perfect binding requires no sewing at all. Instead, a water-resistant adhesive is used to hold the pages in place by attaching them to the cover of the document.

The actual process of perfect binding involves aligning the individual pages of the book so that they form a perfect stack. It is not unusual for the book binder to use a clamp to hold the pages in place once they are properly aligned. The pages are then glued together along the binding side of the stack. Once the process of gluing the pages together is completed, a second application of glue is used to secure the cover to the collection of pages. When finished, perfect binding creates a clean look with a flat spine.

In most applications, perfect binding is used with less expensive binding projects. A paperback book is a prime example of the use of this binding method. The process works well with paper of varying grades, making it a good option even with paperbacks that utilize recycled or pulp paper. Along with paperback books, perfect binding is also often employed with the preparation of training manuals, course workbooks, and other documents that require some type of binding process.

PERFECT BINDING:  By Arounna Khounnoraj of bookhou

I wanted to do a project using some vintage wallpaper I had kicking around. If you like, this project is also good for recycling and reusing some other types of papers. This project is fun and fast and makes great gifts or for your own use.

what you need:

-paper for the cover (I used wallpaper - you can experiment with different weights and thickness)

-small piece of craft paper (2.5 x 5 in.) for the spine

-recycled bond paper for the inside of the book (cut to 4 x 5 in.) approx 60 sheets

-cutting mat

-exacto knife

-two large clips

-two pieces of thin wood 1 x 6 in.

-brush-white glue

STEP ONE: after your paper has been cut to size stack the papers together with the covers on the outside - place the two pieces of wood on the outside and place a clip on the top. It is important that the edge that you place glue on is very flat - any pieces of paper not on the edge will not get glued.

STEP TWO: place another clip on the side and proceed to brush the glue on the edge of the book.  It's good to let it dry in between layers - I put on four layers. You can rotate the position of the clips.

STEP THREE:  once the glue is dry (around 5-10 minutes) you can remove the clips and the wood and you can take the kraft paper and place it over the spine and position it where you want it to go - crease the edges to mark you spot.

STEP FOUR:  place glue on the inside of the folds of the kraft paper.

STEP FIVE:  place it on the spine starting from one edge of the paper - once the kraft paper is glued to the spine - rub the entire edge with your fingers.