There is a vast range of finishing options available to customers that simply weren’t available even a few years ago. Many are competitively priced, meaning that designers and marketers can increase the level of impact their printed items have without losing any of the creative element.
We’ve taken some time to make a list of the numerous print finishes that are available to you. Increasing the level of quality of your printed material heightens the impact and perceived value of your brand.
Case Binding
Hardcover Case Binding is a premium bookbinding method where a durable hard cover is attached to the book block, offering long-lasting durability and a visually appealing finish—perfect for frequent handling and repeated use.
Perfect/PUR Binding
PUR Binding refers to a softcover book binding method that makes use of Polyurethane Reactive (PUR) adhesive. PUR Binding is a form of perfect binding, where the pages and cover are glued together at the spine and the other three sides of the book are trimmed.
Thread Sewing
Consists of a signature in which sheets are joined by small and evenly spaced stitches, a machine inserts the various signatures in sequence, applies the stitches and trims the book block.
Saddle Stitching
Consists of a single signature book block where one or more metal stitches attach the sheets by the fold. A machine inserts the various signatures in sequence, applying the metal stitches and trimming the book block.
Perfect Binding
A book block is miled and glued on one side, binding the book block – three sides of the book are trimmed as needed to give them clean ‘perfect’ edges.
Burst Binding
Burst binding is a type of Perfect Bind where the binding edge of folded sections have been ‘notched’ instead of pre-trimmed, creating a strong bite for the adhesive.
Singer Sewing
Thread sewn brochures and books have a spine that is literally sewn together with thread, using a specially adapted version of a traditional Singer sewing machine!
Small Format Folding & Stitching
Miniature Folding, or Mini Folding, is a specialised paper folding method that transforms a large sheet of paper into a very compact size.
Die Making
A die is a specialised machine tool used in manufacturing industries to cut and/or form material to a desired shape or profile.
Folding
There are a number of standard fold types used in the print finishing industry – these include Half fold, Z-fold, Tri-fold, Gate fold, Quarter fold and Parallel fold, to name but a few.
Pockets & Wallets
Custom pocket and wallets fabricated from sheets, for multi-uses, to allow you to insert printed literature.
Cutting & Creasing
Printed materials need to be cut and creased after printing so that they can be folded easily. A die cutter is the most common cutting machine that is used to cut printed materials.
Wiro Binding
Wiro binding consists of a stack of sheets without a fold, where a spiral is applied with a circular profile within a regular perforation close to one of the sides of the book block.
Shrinkwrapping
Shrink wrap (also referred to as shrink film or shrink wrap) is a versatile polymer material used for the packaging of finished goods. Heat is applied to the film – by either a conveyor heat tunnel or an electric or gas heat gun – which catalyses the film to shrink tightly around the item placed within.
Latex / Spot Gluing
A strip of glue often sealing together two sides of an envelope blank (the flat, diecut envelope form prior to folding and gluing). Once this glue has been applied and the paper has been folded and attached, the bond is permanent. You have to destroy the bond to detach the two sides of the envelope.
Remoist Gumming
Re-moist gumming is a specialised type of gluing where adhesive gum is applied to an area of the sheet of paper to allow subsequent sealing by the end-user. The gum is normally ‘activated’ by moistening / licking; this then becomes sticky and can be attached/re-attached to another part of the same product.
Bangtail Envelopes
Bangtail envelopes (aka hitchhiker envelopes or coupon envelopes) are self-contained marketing vehicles that include a detachable coupon directly on the envelope.
Ram Bundling
Printed items are ram-packed to remove air and to keep them flat for the next operation. Most larger direct mail houses will request this type of packing.
Kiss Cutting
Kiss cutting is a form of die cutting where a very light impression cuts through the top layer, not through the backing material. It is commonly used for stickers, adhesive labels and similar applications and can be done on a variety of materials like adhesive-backed foils, papers, vinyl and more.
Tab Indexing
Tab indexing creates stepped or angled notches along the edge of a bound book or swatch set, making sections easy to find. Perfect for directories, reference guides, or sample packs, our in-house process offers precise alignment and fully customisable tab positions, shapes, and labels.
Ready to Enhance Your Print?
Contact us today to discuss your finishing needs and discover how we can elevate your brand with our services.
