February 2005: Perfect Binding Cover Layout Tips

An old adage claims you can't judge a book by its cover. This may be true, but it doesn't mean your book's cover is unimportant. The cover is your product's face, and a clean, professional outward appearance always gets attention. With that in mind, let's take a look at a few tips to remember when planning covers for perfect binding projects:

By using this basic perfect binding cover layout, your pieces will be ready for most types of perfect binding - and remember, The Riverside Group is ready to assist with layout on projects of all types.

Don't get Stuck - Trap Your Glue: Cover layouts must include an extra margin at both the head and foot for the 'glue trap'. Covers are attached using glue is applied to the book spine, which can drip or string out slightly. A margin of 1/8" in addition to the trim margin will catch the excess adhesive and keep it from seeping onto other books or equipment, which can cause production delays.

Go With the Grain: Paper grain on perfect bound covers and signatures needs to run parallel with the spine whenever possible. This will allow the covers to fold more easily and reduce problems during binding. Cross-grain covers can crack on scores, chip during trimming and do not adhere as well to signatures. Keeping covers grain-parallel is critical on heavier weight stocks, which can crack and break more noticeably.

Get Spare on Hinge Scores: Hinge scores add versatility to perfect bound books, but require additional 'spare outs' - or areas free from copy and coatings. Spare out coatings at least 3/16" away from the spine on the book's first page, last page and inside covers to ensure the pressure sensitive side glue will bond the signature and cover securely.

Design Tip: Careful with “Double” Color Breaks - Though color breaks often look great on the spine, including them on both spine scores defines your spine width. Without the flexibility to adjust for machine variation, your finisher may have difficulty aligning scores properly. This can impact the overall look of your product, causing spine color to extend onto covers or vice versa.

The Riverside Advantage
To ensure your project's accuracy and quality, the Riverside Group will never hesitate to help plan layouts for your perfect binding covers. We'll also evaluate layouts that have already been created or create a bulking dummy to gauge proper book production. It's all part of our complete 'under one roof' service. Contact us today to get started delivering your next perfect bound project!

In August 2004, The Riverside Group began selecting one lucky graphic arts company every month to win a hand-delivered six-foot Subway sandwich - perfect for feeding the entire office!

Qualifying for our monthly drawing is easy - simply go to our website and register to receive these great tips each month! We'll never misuse your email and you can opt out at any time. Existing customers who have already signed up for our monthly tips will be automatically entered.