A perfect binding is one of the easiest ways to bind your own book. If you are a beginner, use this method as it requires simple steps and you can also do it quickly (if you have the signatures ready). Perfect binding is a technique in which a paper cover is attached to a stack of signatures using glue. Using thick paper for the cover will be better. You may have heard terms like pocket binding, flatbed binding, and euro binding. All of this refers only to the perfect binding.
Before writing down the steps, it would be best to have a material checklist. You should have
- some signatures
- a cover (thicker than the papers)
- glue (white or gorilla glue, hot glue, PVA glue etc.)
- the scissors
- brush for spreading glue
Here is a perfect tutorial for step-by-step bookbinding:
- Arrange all the signatures together. See that all four sides are equal. If one side is down, simply cut it off.
- To keep everything in pristine condition, tighten it along the edge of the spine. For thin books, you can use sturdy paper clips. Just use your imagination and use clamps that will hold all the papers together.
- Using sandpaper, you can roughen the side along the back. This will help to bind the signatures tightly when you apply the glue.
- Now take some glue and spread it completely over the edge of the spine. Let this thing dry and apply the glue once more. This will ensure that the signatures are closely related. Hold it together using pliers on the edge of the spine.
- Finally, it's time to apply the blanket. When the glue is completely dry, take the cover and fold it to match the spine. Now apply the glue to the spine again and secure the cover. Keep it firmly until it dries completely.
Here. A perfectly bound book in a few easy steps. This binding tutorial is easy to follow and you will have a great sense of accomplishment after doing it with your own hands.