Open-spine

Leidinių nugarėlės-spaustuvė KOPA
Leidinių nugarėlės-spaustuvė KOPA

PRINTING ON BOOK SPINES: RISKS AND CHALLENGES

While the saying goes that we judge a book by its cover, seldom do we contemplate that the spine, the most frequently visible part on shelves, holds equal significance. The distinct colours, embellishments or text on spines dictate where our attention is drawn, resonating with the prevailing era of aesthetics, precision and the synthesis of beauty, art and creativity through meticulous details. This importance is particularly pronounced in the print domain, where publications not only convey informative and qualitative content but also contribute an intrinsic aesthetic value. The spines of printed materials grace our bookshelves, reserved for precisely designed publications that symbolise beauty, leaving no room for errors.

Yet, spine printing poses a formidable challenge for publication designers. To address this, we have outlined three technological considerations crucial for producing high-quality publications.

Limited spine area 

The spine typically houses pivotal information – authorship, title or publication year – making it imperative to allocate sufficient space when designing the layout of the cover and spine. KOPA's printing experts recommend steering clear of stark backgrounds and text extending to the spine edges, both vertically and horizontally. This mitigates the visibility of technological errors inherent in the automated process. For those averse to abandoning a strict background completely, an alternative involves a transitional introduction by extending the cover's background colour onto the spine or, vice versa, by blending the background of the spine into the cover. Technologists emphasise that, despite the risks associated with limited spine space and the adoption of desired solutions, supplementary technical operations can minimise errors.

Riboto nugarėlės ploto pavyzdys

Repeatability of publications

In periodicals or multipart publications, there exists a risk of design element non-uniformity on the spine of the printed matter. Although the problem may not seem significant, this issue becomes conspicuous and aesthetically displeasing when publications stand side by side, so that a focus on consistent design details becomes very important. A meticulously crafted publication may seem orderly and of high quality individually, but when placed next to the others on a shelf, it accentuates inevitable technological errors. For periodicals, it is advisable to consider these factors by slightly offsetting objects from the spine edges or eliminating graphic elements that span horizontally. This avoids visually displeasing solutions when publications are arranged side by side. Alternatively, one may opt to accept the minimal risk of error visibility.

Leidinių pakartojamumo pavyzdys

Choice of finishing method

When conceptualising a publication and envisioning the final product, it is crucial to recognise that certain finishes may incur damage or breakage at bends. This depends on two primary factors: the cover material and the subtleties of the design. Hence, we recommend testing this combination. Although the chosen UV varnishing poses a risk of breakage, this should not deter the use of this method. Properly prepared cut-outs in the layout can prevent UV varnish breakage, ensuring the successful application of the desired finishing method without compromising aesthetic appeal. Risks extend beyond UV varnish finishing, however, making it essential for the project manager or technologist to assist in comprehending and assessing potential technological risks associated with individual finishing methods.

Innovative and creative design solutions – coupled with intriguing publication ideas – help to stand out, but it is the meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful execution in the printing process that underpin the assurance of a high-quality result. While automated processes inherently minimise errors, a thoughtful approach and heightened attention to challenges play pivotal roles in minimising any potential risks. Our dedicated team at KOPA Printing House is always available to offer expert guidance and assistance, addressing any queries or concerns related to book spines. Our commitment is to see all your publications grace the bookshelves in a visually appealing manner!