Adding Value after It’s Printed

What designers and end users ultimately want is to create the perfect printed piece. But what does that really mean? How is that achieved? Is it expensive? All of those questions can be answered by the phrase “Adding Value after it is printed,” which is what Advantage Book Binding can provide.

Some people look at a finished printed piece of work as no big deal. However, it has the potential to become more than that. It can be elevated to a work to be proud of…a work of art. Hours upon hours can go into the design of that printed piece. The finishing should be no exception.

In today’s digital era it has become more important try to create something that will grab the attention of the end user and instill a sense of permanence, something that becomes a keepsake to hold on to.

The traditional finishes such as saddle stitching, perfect binding, mechanical binding, die cutting, and case binding are always great choices. Who doesn’t like the feel of those printed pages, the smell of the ink, and the durability of a book? So how can we kick them up?

There are many things that can add that extra value. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Foil stamping, die cutting, and embossing have always had that eye catching edge. They give the feel and glitz of color to the finished work. Taking these traditional finishes and adding some special touches to the binding, like center sewing or side sewing essentially adds another dimension, the effect of depth of touch. That stitching on the book gives it character and style. Different color thread can be used to work with the design. Although it may look expensive it can be an affordable addition. You cannot feel that on a tablet.

Lamination or UV coating has always been a big player to add value. There are different surfaces now available to use other than the standard gloss or matte sheens. There are even colored laminations that can be printed on to even more enhance the look. The idea of printing on a silver metallic sheet is very intriguing.

Another example to add some value could be the addition of a cloth taped spine. The effect of taking a perfect bound book and giving it a three piece case look definitely brings the wow factor. There are so many different colors of material to use that can really improve the piece. It can also give you the option of using different stocks for the front cover and back covers.

Deckled edges are another finishing attribute that often fall under the radar. People have no idea how to generate it but, it can be done affordably on some parts. A torn edge does give it that rustic feel.

The ultimate value is a hard cover case bound. It takes a book to the highest level. A coffee table book, law book, text book or history book. The combinations are endless. Think of a cloth cover with foil stamping, debossing, with a laminated picture attached. Then add in a ribbon marker with gold gilded edges. On top of that wrap it in a beautiful dust jacket that has been laminated, foil stamped and spot UV. The next thing you know you have created that piece that you can be proud of.

The next time you are designing a printed piece that needs to have value after it is printed, get your finisher or binder involved. The possibilities are limitless. Imagine someone holding that book or brochure and saying this is too nice to throw away. That is what we are trying to achieve. Having that person hold on and remember what that “work of art” is really for is what “adding value after it is printed” is all about.

Advantage Book Binding has been in the book binding business since 1985, when we were founded on the principle “we do a quality book on time.” Since then we’ve seen plenty of changes both in and out of the industry. While some have sounded the death knell for books and other physical media, we believe that the fact that we continue to be an industry leader into the 21st century is a testament not only to our longevity as a company but to that of our craft. We think it’s important to keep books and physical media on the shelves, which is why we dedicate ourselves to providing you with the highest quality book binding and post press services available.

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