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When it comes to producing professional booklets, magazines, or reports, perfect bound books are a go-to choice for businesses and creatives alike. At Newstyle Print, we’ve worked hands-on with countless projects that leverage perfect binding to create a sleek, durable finish that conveys quality and sophistication. This method not only provides a polished look but also allows for a higher page count and various custom sizes, making it incredibly versatile for different printing needs.
Understanding Perfect Binding: What Sets It Apart
Perfect binding involves gluing the pages and cover together at the spine with a strong yet flexible adhesive. Unlike saddle-stitched or wire-bound booklets, perfect bound books have a flat spine, offering more space for branding elements like titles or logos. This style works wonderfully for booklets ranging from 24 pages up to 200 or more, depending on the paper thickness and trim size.
At Newstyle Print, we typically print on high-quality uncoated or coated paper stocks, offering a choice between matt, silk, or gloss finishes. Our eco-friendly recycled paper options are also popular, combining sustainability with premium printing quality – an important consideration for many of our clients today.
Helpful Tips for Designing Perfect Bound Books
- Mind the spine width: Since the spine is glued and visible, accurate spine measurements are essential. This depends on the page count and paper thickness, so always request a spine calculation or template from your printer before designing.
- Choose the right paper: For the interior, we often recommend 90gsm or 130gsm uncoated paper for readability and durability. Covers are usually printed on thicker card (300gsm+), which can be laminated for extra protection.
- Consider the page count: Perfect binding is ideal for booklets with more than 24 pages. If your booklet is thinner, saddle stitching might be more cost-effective and visually suitable.
- Design the cover carefully: Since the spine is visible, extend your cover design fully across the front, spine, and back. Include bleed areas to avoid white edges after trimming.
- Allow for trimming tolerances: After binding, the booklet edges are trimmed for a clean finish; keep important text and images away from the trim edge.
- Opt for custom sizes: We offer custom sizes to suit your branding requirements, whether a square format or a unique dimension that stands out on a shelf.
Case Example: Elevating a Corporate Report
Recently, we helped a client produce their annual corporate report as a perfect bound booklet. They chose A4 size with 64 pages, printed on sustainably sourced 130gsm uncoated paper inside, and a 350gsm silk laminated cover. The flat spine allowed them to include the company name and year clearly, adding a professional touch that enhanced their brand perception during investor meetings. The durability of perfect binding ensured the report held together firmly, even with frequent handling, making it a practical and elegant choice.
Conclusion: Why Perfect Bound Books Make a Difference
Perfect bound books combine visual appeal with functional strength, making them an excellent option for a range of printed materials from brochures to full-scale booklets. At Newstyle Print, our team’s expertise in printing and binding ensures your perfect bound booklets are produced to the highest standards, customised to your needs, and finished with care. Whether you’re producing marketing collateral, corporate reports, or creative projects, perfect binding offers a timeless solution that speaks volumes about your professionalism.
Ready to print? Contact Newstyle Print for a fast quote today.
Call 01572 771377 or email hello@newstyleprint.co.uk
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Updated on 1 November 2025
