Premium book printing is more than just correct printing and good binding. With such projects, it is the first impression that counts most: the way the book looks, how the paper behaves, how the cover reflects light and how the whole thing looks in the hand.
Interestingly, the “premium” effect very rarely results from one expensive element. Most often, it is a combination of several well-chosen technological decisions that makes a book look special.
Below we show what really goes into printing a premium book and why some publications immediately look “more expensive” than others.
Premium book printing starts with paper
Paper is one of the most important elements affecting the reception of a book. Even the best graphic design will not look good on poorly chosen material.
Premium designs very often use uncoated papers of high quality, such as:
- Munken Print White
- Munken Lynx
- Nautilus SuperWhite
- CircleOffset White
Such papers have a more natural surface, better stiffness and a distinctive appearance. As a result, the printing of the book immediately gives a more elegant impression.
The grammage is also of great importance. Paper that is too thin can cause pages to show through and lower the perception of the entire project.
Premium book vs binding
The second element that very much affects the end result is the binding. In practice, premium book printing almost always uses sewn-glued or hardcover binding.
Why? Because such solutions:
- increase the durability of the book
- improve the way they open
- make the book look more solid
Premium publications also very often use:
- capitals
- ribbons
- rounded corners
- dyed block edges
It is such details that build the quality effect.
Premium book printing and cover finishing
The cover very often determines the first impression. That’s why premium book printing usually uses additional enhancements.
The most popular of these are:
- matt film
- soft touch
- UV selective varnish
- hot-stamping
- embossing
Particularly popular is soft touch film, which gives a soft, slightly rubberized surface. It makes the book look more exclusive at the first contact.
Hot-stamping and embossing, on the other hand, help highlight the title or selected design elements.
A premium book requires a consistent design
Even the best materials won’t help if the design is not consistent. In practice, premium book printing relies on visual consistency.
Of great importance are:
- typography
- margins
- text layout
- cover proportions
- quality of photographs
Very often it is the simpler, minimalist designs that look more luxurious than covers overloaded with effects.
Premium book printing vs. print quality
Quality control is of paramount importance in premium projects. Even slight misalignments, uneven cuts or color differences are immediately apparent.
That’s why premium books require:
- accurate file preparation
- appropriate color profiles
- control during production
- precise finishing
In many cases, clients also opt for digital proofs or proofs before starting the entire print run.
Premium book printing vs. details
The biggest difference is very often made by small details. They are what make a book look professional and “premium”.
These can be:
- well-calculated back
- appropriately selected coverings
- perfectly matched foil
- high quality cover paper
- embossing
In practice, a premium book is just about getting such details right.
Why premium books don’t always mean the highest price
Many people assume that a premium effect requires a very large budget. Meanwhile, a well-chosen paper and a simple elegant cover often have a better effect than a lot of haphazard enhancements.
Therefore, premium book printing is not about adding everything at once. The most important thing is to match the technology to the nature of the project.
Summary
Printing a premium book is a combination of the right materials, technology and details. Paper, binding, finishing and quality of design preparation are crucial.
It is the sum of these elements that makes a book look professional and immediately make a good first impression. In practice, the “wow” effect very rarely results from a single expensive addition – it is most often built up by a well-thought-out whole.