What is Finishing, and Why Does it Matter?
In the printing industry, finishing is supremely important. Once a book is printed and bound, that isn’t all the work that needs to be done before it can be shipped out to bookstores and libraries. Finishing matters so much because this process puts the final touches on a book, whether it is hardcover or not before it reaches the readers. Here is what you should know about book finishing.
The Finishing Department
Bindery operations are crucial to what any printer does. Thus, there is a finishing department to oversee how it is carried out. Sometimes, the tasks are completed before the book in question comes off the printing press. This procedure is known as inline finishing. Meanwhile, many others are accomplished after the book has come off of the press, which is known as offline finishing. Many different processes form the backbone of a printed book. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Different Finishing Tasks
Drilling: The task of drilling involves putting holes in the paper of the final product. When you need to create a spectacular presentation portfolio, you’re going to need a binder. Loose leaf paper often has holes drilled into it, as do the dividers separating the portfolio into distinct sections, which can be further indicated with brightly-colored tabs. Calendars are another example of a project that needs drilling to complete it as well.
Laminating: Laminating a project can also be accomplished during the process of finishing. The plastic can then protect the contents against physical damages such as rips, tears, and stains.
Foil Stamping: Foil stamping is an aesthetically pleasing part of the finishing process. When used in unison with embossing, foil stamping can help create breathtaking titles and text that pops off the side of the book’s spine.
Shrink Wrapping: Shrink wrapping is similar to lamination, but it protects a group of pages or materials rather than individually covering them. Heat is added to make the shrink wrapping fit tightly, and this process can help create easy-to-move packages, such as packs of notebooks, comic books, or graphic novels.
Advantage Book Binding can help you create the printed book you’ve always wanted!
Are you interested in having a bound novel? Are you entering the workforce, interested in a bound portfolio to showcase your work? Advantage Book Binding offers plenty of services and binding types that are perfect for suiting your needs. We also offer specialty binding options for those of you looking for something extra special.
Advantage Book Binding can advise you as to what kind of binding style will work best for your specific project, taking into consideration budget requirements to provide you with the most cost-effective and project-specific solution for you. Please contact us today for more information, and keep up with us on Facebook, Google +, Twitter, and LinkedIn.