Zine Binding
Choices
Bringing your idea to life through a beautifully printed zine can be daunting, especially if you're new to publishing. But take heart! This guide covers everything you need to make informed decisions about your zine printing - from concepts and costs to binding, paper, and size options.
We'll explore project inspiration, budget factors, binding styles, paper selections, and formatting choices so you can tailor your book to fit your vision and budget. Our goal at Ex Why Zed is to embrace your creative ideas while working within physical and financial constraints.
Publishing your art doesn't have to be overwhelming. With this guide's flexible framework and hands-on support, we'll help make your artistic visions a reality. So let's start bringing your zine dreams to life today!
Zine Printing Options:
Solutions for Your Project
Zine Paper
Choices
Zine Size Options
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Inspiring Papers, Bindings and Sizes for Your Zine
When starting your project, consider the artwork and images you'll include. Choose the ideal size, format, paper type and finish to complement your art. Explore binding options like perfect binding and wire stitching. Our Account Managers embrace creativity and will happily accommodate your printing requests.
Enjoy looking through our Portfolio to identify a style that will work for you.
Understanding Cost Factors in Zine Printing
With zine printing, costs depend on paper selection, size, binding type and other factors. Opting for premium printing services ensures a high-quality zine without hidden fees. Our helpful customer service guides first-time clients through the seamless printing process. Our binding techniques guarantee durability, excellence, and layout mastery.
Breaking Down Custom Zine Printing Costs
When reviewing custom zine prices, it's key to break down the different elements involved. These include paper weight, trim size, bleed, digital files, layout, colour choices and more. Remember, we can print any size upto a massive A3 portrait.
Wire Stitching
Also Known As
Saddle Stitching
and Staple Binding
USPs
• Lightweight
• Cheap to produce
• Open double-page spreads flat.
Binding Choices
Choosing the right binding for your print project is crucial, and we pride ourselves on offering a variety of options to suit your specific needs. From the sleek simplicity of stapling to the classic elegance of perfect binding, each method has its unique qualities. Let's explore the charms and practicalities of these binding styles to help you decide the best fit for your project.
Perfect Binding
Also Known As
PUR Binding
and Notch Binding
USPs
• Book-like and professional
• Cheap to produce
• Open double-page spreads flat.
Choosing between Wire Stitched and Perfect Bound
When it comes to zine printing, deciding between wire stitched and perfect bound options can be a creative journey. Each option offers different benefits and considerations to take into account. Wire stitching provides a seamless finish for zines, while perfect binding offers a sleek paperback look. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and artistic vision.
Benefits of Wire Stitching Zines
Wire stitching, or stapling, is a popular choice for zines up to 40 pages (we can go as thick as 72 pages as long as you dont mind the zines not sitting flat). Its simplicity lies in the method – printed sheets are folded in half and stapled twice along the spine. This method is not just cost-effective; it also offers a significant advantage:
Pros:
• Easily Accessible: Pages can be pressed completely flat, making it ideal for reading and display.
• Economical: A great option for those on a tighter budget without sacrificing quality.
Cons:
• Durability: May not be as robust as other binding methods for long-term use.
• Page Limit: Best suited for smaller zines due to its 40-page limit.
Highlighting Paperback Perfect Bound Zines
Perfect binding adds a touch of professionalism to your zine. We print the cover as a spread and a separate text block. The text block is then glued to the cover with precision, creating a neat and clean finish.
Pros:
• Aesthetic Appeal: Offers a smooth, refined spine that looks professional and elegant.
• Flexibility: Suitable for publications with a minimum of 32 pages, giving you more room for content.
Cons:
• Limited Opening: The binding may restrict the full visibility of a double-page spread.
• Slightly Higher Cost: More intricate than wire stitching, reflecting in the cost
Consider whether the full width of your spread needs to be visible and legible.
Assessing the double-page spread's visibility and legibility is vital for zine design. It guarantees the artwork's impact and coherence across spreads, contributing to the overall aesthetic quality of the zine. This consideration ensures that the art printing maintains its allure and engages customers effectively. Our dedicated team understands the importance of this aspect and provides first-time authors with exceptional customer service, guiding them through the process of creating stunning paperback zines.
Is the new zine part of a series? Which binding type have previous zine used?
Consistency is key when it comes to zine series. By using the same binding type throughout the collection, you create a visually appealing and professional look. It also adds to the overall branding and design continuity, elevating the entire series.
How much will your zines weigh?
Consider the weight of your zines when planning for shipping costs. Lighter options like wire stitching are cheaper to post, while perfect bound examples with a big page count add more weight and increase expenses. Understanding the weight implications helps in budgeting and making informed decisions about shipping your zines to excited customers.
We buy all of our postal book wraps from DavPack. They have a great range at good prices.
Zine Binding Decision Time!
Whether you prefer the straightforward approach of wire stitching, the sleek look of perfect binding, or the distinguished feel of hardback binding, We have the expertise and options to bring your vision to life. Each binding style has its unique appeal and practical considerations. Consider the nature of your project, your budget, and your aesthetic preferences when making your choice. Whichever you choose, rest assured, your project is in expert hands with Ex Why Zed.
Silk
• A smooth, coated surface.
• Promotes fine print details.
• Consistent colour reproduction.
• Choose from 100gsm to 350gsm.
🌲 FSC Certified.
Paper Options
Choose from a wide range of paper options such as silk, gloss, or uncoated finishes, each are FSC Certified for sustainability and quality. We'll repeat that, ALL of our papers carry FSC certification as a minimum, some are also 100% Recycled.
The paper finish plays a significant role in determining the aesthetic and visual impact of your zines, so it's important to choose wisely. Consider how the paper finish complements your artwork, whether it suits your intended use, and the weight of the paper for both the inside pages and cover. Making the right choice will elevate the overall appeal of your art book.
Gloss
Uncoated
• A smooth surface with shine.
• Precise print quality.
• Bright colour reproduction.
• Choose from 100gsm to 350gsm.
🌲 FSC Certified.
• A bright white surface.
• Flatter, calmer print quality.
• Ink soaks in, muting colours.
• Choose from 100gsm to 350gsm.
🌲 FSC Certified.
More Choices to create a unique Zine >>>
Recycled Uncoated
• A warmer, off-white grain.
• Colours will be muted.
• Noticeably different than on screen.
• Choose from 80gsm to 300gsm.
🌲 FSC Certified.
♻️ 100% Recycled.
All of our papers are FSC Certified and Sustainable.
When it comes to our paper options, sustainability is key. We take pride in offering FSC Certified choices that reflect our ethical values and commitment to eco-friendly art book printing. Each paper choice emphasizes quality and environmental responsibility, aligning with the values of our dedicated team and the expectations of our first-time customers. We ensure that our papers meet high standards, delivering not only on customer service but also on sustainability.
The paper choice defines the aesthetic of your zines
The aesthetic of your art book is crucial, and the paper choice plays a defining role. Matte paper is perfect for a minimalist look, with its smooth, non-reflective surface. If you want vibrant colours to pop, glossy paper is the way to go, while satin paper offers a subtle sheen suitable for various styles. Textured paper adds tactile dimension, and recycled paper provides an eco-conscious option. Each option contributes uniquely to the overall appeal of your art book.
Does the paper finish suit your colour artwork?
Consider the compatibility of paper finishes with your artwork to enhance its visual presentation. For example, gloss paper may not be suitable for watercolor images. Choose a finish that complements your art and elevates the overall impact of your art book.
Choose 200-350gsm for your Zine Cover
When considering zine printing options, it's essential to weigh the durability and flexibility of 200gsm for easy handling. Opting for 350gsm, on the other hand, ensures a more robust cover with an impressive snap, offering a premium feel. Whether it's the first time or you're a returning customer, our dedicated team is committed to providing top-notch customer service for all your art printing needs. As a ZIne Printer, we have you covered!
Choose 100-170gsm for Inside Pages
When selecting paper weight for inside pages, aim for a range of 100-170gsm. This range offers durability and quality, striking a balance between substance and flexibility, ideal for art book contents. Opting for the appropriate paper weight enhances the tactile and visual experience of zine pages, ensuring a high-quality feel to the touch and a professional appearance. The 100-170gsm range caters to both the robustness required for handling and the finesse needed for art printing, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Wire Stitched Options
From A6 to A3 Portrait.
From A5 to A4 Landscape.
148x148mm to 210x210mm Square.
Top Zine Size Choices
Choosing the right art book size is crucial for any zine project. It can impact the overall look and feel of your work and how it is perceived by your audience. Based on years of experience, A5 is the go-to size for zines. However, in this post, we will guide you through the various sizes available for Zines, their practical considerations, and how to choose the perfect size for your project.
We will also take a closer look at the differences between digital and offset printing when it comes to size implications. If you are planning on creating a wire stitched or perfect bound art book, we have got you covered with all the sizes possible. Lastly, we have handpicked some winning examples of different art book sizes that will inspire you to make your next project a masterpiece.
Perfect Bound Picks
From A6 to A4 Portrait.
From A5 to A4 Landscape.
148x148mm to 297x297mm Square.
Understanding Zines Sizes
Zine sizes are determined by trim size, layout, and publishing standards. Different sizes complement different content and influence layout and styling. Audience and potential selling locations should also be considered. The width, gloss or matt finish, paperback or hardcover, and font choice play vital roles in creating the perfect binding for books. In Europe, ebook sizes differ from those in the US.
Importance of Choosing the Right Zine Size
Selecting the right dimensions is paramount for a captivating size aesthetic. The chosen size can significantly enhance your work, fit within budget constraints for printing, and ultimately engage the reader more effectively. By considering the intended audience and potential sales channels, you can ensure that the selected zine size aligns perfectly with your artistic vision and publishing goals.
Practical considerations for choosing a Zine Size
Deciding on the size of an zine involves practical considerations. This decision also impacts the cover sale price, postage costs, and the amount of content that can fit on a page. Consider the width, gloss, and paperback options.
Digital vs Offset Printing and Size Implications
When considering HP Indigo digital print versus offset printing for art book size implications, it's essential to note that our digital presses have a printable size of 450x320mm and 500x700mm. This makes choosing a size that fits these guides ideal for small print runs, especially for wire stitched and perfect bound work from as small as A6 up to A4 Portrait. Moreover, the B2 Indigo allows for printing A3 wire stitched booklets, creating an impressive size suitable for impactful books. However, for longer print runs of 700 copies or more, our litho machines are more cost-effective while ensuring the best print quality.
Possible Sizes for Stapled Zines
Wire-stitched zines offer a diverse range of size options, from standard trim sizes to large publications. These sizes can range from as small as A6 to as large as A3, providing flexibility for various projects. Additionally, wire-stitched zines with durable front cover options are available, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and protection. This variety in size options caters to different preferences and requirements, allowing creators to customise their zines according to their specific vision and audience preferences.
Choose Wire Stitching and Go Big! How Big? Upto A3!
Wow your audience with a whopping size upto A3 size. Showcase detailed art and visual storytelling in ample space. Perfect for illustration and photography.
Perfect Bound Zines Sizes
Perfect bound zines offer a wide range of size options, allowing you to select the perfect trim size suitable for your project, from A6 to 297x297mm. These books can easily accommodate different trim size needs and varying page counts based on the size selected. With durable binding and a professional finish, perfect bound zines are an ideal choice for various applications.
Examples of Winning Zine Sizes
The significance of selecting the right size is adamant for a successful outcome. These examples highlight the pivotal role that size plays in the overall success of indie publishing.
Marton Gosztonyi - Custom Size
A great example of how full colour printing can provide a solid base to capture an audience. The black typography jumps off the vivid green background.
Found - Classic A5 Uncoated
Just the classic print spec to show off your photography, art and creative writing. A5 in size makes it practical to handle whilst being large enough to display photos at a decent size with the option of a4 landscape if you extend an image over the full double-page spread.
Cost effective to print and a no nonsense size option.
Cunning Folk - 245x172mm Custom Size
Effortlessly cool design, ethereal illustrations and mythological aura fill the pages of this custom size, perfect bound size. The 245x172mm format fits well on the printable size of our litho machine, saving on paper wastage and giving you a great price for production.
Front Door - Large Format Zine
A stunning large format zine with enormous photography and typography filling the double-page spreads. There is nothing subtle or small about this one, it's a beast and a real show stopper.
Check out our cheap prices for A3 stapled zines. You might find that they fit within your budget and allow you really wow your readers at a zine launch, distro or art exhibition.
Latest News in our Blog
Learn about the latest trends, enjoy expert help and take a deep dive into Zine Printing with our latest blog posts and articles 🤿
Do also grab your favourite drink and take a wander through our print blog on Ex Why Zed for stacks more inspiration 📺📝🤩
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