August 2010 - Making End(sheet)s Meet:
Tips for Smooth Endsheet Planning

Side-Sewn Case Binding, Step-by-Step!
	Are you a visual learner? Then check out our step-by-step tutorial on side-sewn case binding. This quick video shows you exactly how a side-sewn case bound book is produced.

Endsheets are not your ordinary pieces of paper. As the crucial link between text block and cover on case binding applications, endsheets help dictate the strength and longevity of your books.

There's also more than meets the eye when it comes to endsheet planning. Decoration and reinforcement choices must also be considered and communicated. Here are a few tips to help make endsheet planning as smooth as possible.

Endsheet Design Differences
Case binding can be performed on adhesive-bound and side-sewn book blocks. Endsheets for each style have distinct design attributes:

• Adhesive-bound books require a single four-page endsheet "wrap" similar to a soft cover. Two-page flysheets - located between the endsheet and the first and last pages of the block - are also typically included.

• Side-sewn books require four-page endsheets for both the front and back covers. Reinforcement material can be added along the side edge of the spine to strengthen the endsheets at the cover hinge.

Specifying Plain vs. Printed Endsheets
Muscle Bound supplies 80-lb. white uncoated text-weight stock as our standard endsheet material. We can also special-order endsheets in a variety of colors and textures to complement the design of your books. Printed endsheets can help customize the appearance of your books even further.

If you plan to supply your own endsheets, they must be at least 80-lb. offset (100-lb. matte if using a coated sheet) or an equivalent-weight stock. Also, keep in mind that some endsheet stocks will need to be specially-ordered, so preplanning is essential to avoid production delays.

Side-Sewn Endsheet Reinforcement: Blind or Exposed?
Endsheets for side-sewn books can be reinforced by adding cambric (or drill cloth) to the side of the spine at the point where the case hinges to allow the book to open. Exposed reinforcement is often the best choice for white endsheet stocks because the white reinforcement strip matches the color of the endsheet, minimizing its visibility. For blind reinforcement, the strip of drill cloth is placed underneath the endsheet to completely hide it from view - an advantage for applications using colored endsheets.

Reinforcement of printed endsheets follows a different process. Since printed endsheets are supplied to us pre-manufactured, they must be collated with the book block and wrapped with a crepe reinforcement tape. While this extra step adds to the cost and production schedule of your books, reinforced endsheets are significantly stronger and more durable than those without reinforcement.

The Muscle Bound Advantage
Planning case-bound books is a breeze with the friendly experts at Muscle Bound Bindery. From binding style and endsheets to packing and delivery, we'll walk you through each step to be sure you and your customers are thrilled with the finished products. Contact Muscle Bound today to put your next important binding project in our knowledgeable hands.