Perfect Binding

Publisher Guest Apr 13, 2009 8:56 PM

I would like to make a sample copy of my magazine. I have all the pages printed but I just to have that one sample have perfect binding. Is this even possible?

Magazinestartup Guest Apr 15, 2009 8:59 PM

Thanks for you inquiry: Well, I certainly understand your question but there are a lot of factors that come into play in regard to utilizing perfect binding. First, you stated that you already have the pages of your sample magazine printed but this invariably begs the question; what kind of paper stock did you use? Specifically, what was the paper weight, grade, coated or uncoated, etc... Second, what is the overall page count? In other words, how many pages did you print? This is imperative since perfect binding can only be used for magazines that have at least 48 pages or more. However, it is more commonly used on magazines with 64+ pages. If your magazine sample has 64 pages or less, I would recommend that you consider using Saddle Stitch (heavy guage staples) instead as this is a much cheaper process. But your final decision should be predicated upon the overall look you want to achieve as well as any cost constraints. Third, is your sample a "plus cover" or "self cover?" The former is when you use a considerably heavier paper stock (weight) for the covers as opposed to the inside stock. The latter is when you use the same paper stock throughout the magazine. Lastly, you will have to interface with an offset press to see if they will indeed perfect bind a single copy of your magazine. There are two processes utilized for perfect binding: heat and adhesive. Both are a lot more involved than Saddle Stitching and for this reason perfect binding is considerably more expensive. All of the aforementioned factors will determine whether or not it will be possible for you to perfect bind your magazine sample. Good Luck! Last Edited on 15-Apr-2009 9:04 PM

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