introduce board book
Professional Book Printing and Binding Services
Custom book printing offers endless possibilities for authors and publishers to bring their stories to life. Whether you choose hardcover binding, spiral bound printing, or any other option, remember that the quality of the printing and binding will greatly impact the overall impression of your book. With the high quality at a reasonable price, our clients are always satisfied with our book printing quality.
- Competitive price
- A wide range of customized options
- Professional quality printing
- Truly customer-centric customer service
- Fast delivery
- Worldwide shipping
A board book is a type of book specifically designed for young children, typically aged 0-4 years. Unlike regular children’s books, its pages are made from thick cardboard, with two layers glued together for added durability. Board books can have a self-cover or a hardcover, and they feature a specialized binding method that makes them sturdier and more resistant to wear and tear. Their durable construction makes them ideal for little hands to explore without easily getting damaged.
Material for Board Book Printing
Coated one-side paper is commonly used for board book printing because it offers a good balance between print quality and durability. The coated side provides a smooth, even surface for printing crisp and vibrant images, while the uncoated side provides a surface that is more receptive to glue and binding. This makes it easier to successfully bind the pages of a board book without cracking or tearing the paper.
Coated one-side paper is more resistant to moisture and stains, which is important for a book that will be handled frequently and by young children who may spill liquids or food on it. The lamination can also provide some protection against scratching, which can help to extend the life of the book.
Coated one-side paper is a good choice for board book printing because it offers both high-quality printing results and added durability for a book that will be used repeatedly by young children.
The most popular paper weight we recommend for custom children's board books is 350gsm/16pt C1S paper, if you want thiner feel or consider budget, we often recommend 250gsm/12pt C1S paper, or 300gsm/14pt C1S paper also a good choice.
Some common paper weight for board books printing:
Two sheets of 250gsm C1S paper laminated together
Two sheets of 300gsm C1S paper laminated together
Two sheets of 350gsm C1S paper laminated together
Multiple sheets of C1S paper (3, 4, 5, etc.) laminated together
Other options, such as C1S paper laminated onto two sheets of 1mm greyboard
These variations provide different levels of thickness and durability, allowing for customization based on design preferences and budget.
Boardbook Printing Sizes
The standard size of board books printing can vary depending on the publisher, but there are several common sizes that are widely used in the industry. Here are some of the standard board book sizes:
Square size
6 x 6 inches
7 x 7 inches
8 x 8 inches
8.5 x 8.5 inches
Square sizes are popular for board books designed for infants, toddlers, and young children. The square format allows for equal space to display illustrations and text, making it ideal for books with simple designs or illustrations.
Portrait size:
5 x 7 inches
6 x 8 inches
6x 9 inches
Portrait sizes are taller than they are wide and are often used for custom board books that have more complex illustrations or longer stories.
Landscape size:
7 x 5 inches
8 x 6 inches
9x 6 inches
Landscape board books are wider than they are tall, making them ideal for panoramic illustrations or layouts that spread across two pages.
Board book sizes can vary based on the publisher and project requirements. Custom sizes are often chosen to best suit the book's audience, content, and design. Generally, board books range between 4 to 10 inches, offering a balance between usability and durability for young readers.
You can design differen from compact to oversized editions. Contact our team to explore the best options for your project.
Board Book Binding Options
There are two common types of board book binding: self-cover board book binding and hardcover board book binding.
Self-Cover Board Book Binding
This binding uses the same material for both the pages and cover. The cover is typically printed on thicker board stock to enhance durability, while the inner pages are printed on a similar grade of cardboard, often laminated for extra protection. During the binding process, each page is assembled using two sheets of paper and glued to the cardboard. This method provides sturdy construction, making it suitable for books designed for young kids.
Hardcover Board Book Binding
Hardcover board book binding involves attaching a rigid, traditional hardcover to the book. The inner pages are made by joining two sheets of paper and then affixed to the hardcover using the case binding method. This offers enhanced durability and protection for the book, though it tends to be more expensive than self-cover board book binding.Each binding method has its pros and cons. Self-cover binding is cost-effective and lightweight, making it easier to handle, while hardcover binding provides a more premium feel, greater durability, and protection. The right choice depends on your specific needs and goals for the book.
If you need other binding,spiral binding is another option we offer for custom board books.
Custom Board Book Finish Options
Custom board book printing is a popular choice for creating children's books and other publications that need a strong and durable construction. This process incorporates various techniques, such as rounded corners, lamination, spot UV, die-cutting, and more, to enhance the book's durability and visual appeal. These crafts help to ensure that the final product is not only sturdy but also engaging and functional for young readers.
Round Corner
Round corner printing involves rounding the book's corners to give it a sleek and polished look. This process not only enhances the book's visual appeal but also adds a layer of safety, minimizing the risk of damage or tearing. Rounded corners are especially important for board books, as they prevent sharp edges from potentially hurting young children, making it a practical and attractive finish.
Lamination
Lamination is a process where a thin film is applied to both the covers and inner pages of a board book, offering protection from damage and extending its lifespan. This technique improves the overall design, providing either a glossy or matte finish based on the material chosen. For a detailed comparison of glossy and matte finishes, click on "glossy vs matte lamination" to explore their differences.
Spot UV
Spot UV printing is a technique that applies a glossy finish to specific areas of the book, typically to highlight titles, images, or other important elements. This creates a visually striking effect that adds style to the book and directs the reader’s focus to key details.
Die-Cut
Die-cutting is a printing method that creates specific shapes or designs by cutting through the board book material. Common die-cut shapes in children's books include animals, letters, or other themed elements. This interactive feature encourages creativity, allowing children to engage with the book in a playful and imaginative way.
If you want more finishing, please click here.
Board Book Design and Printing Tips
Here are some tips for designing and creating artwork for board books
Board Book Design Tips:
Keep it Simple: Since board books are designed for young children, the illustrations should be simple and clear. Use bold, bright colors and avoid overcrowding pages with too much detail.
Size Matters: Board books are generally smaller than standard picture books. Ensure your artwork fits well on the pages without losing any key elements of your design.
Textures and Materials: Experiment with different textures and materials in your artwork. Children enjoy touching and feeling surfaces, and incorporating texture into the design adds an extra sensory experience.
Age Appropriateness: Consider the developmental stage of your target audience when creating artwork. Younger children may be attracted to high-contrast images and simple shapes, while older children might appreciate more intricate illustrations.
Spread Design: Think about the design in terms of spreads, rather than individual pages. Consider how images, text, and illustrations will flow across two pages when the book is opened, ensuring a harmonious layout.
Test It Out: After finalizing your artwork, test it with children from your target age group to gather feedback. This will help refine your design before printing and publishing the board book.
The goal is to create an engaging and enjoyable reading experience for young readers. For more board book design and printing tips, refer to "design and printing board book."
Board Book Print-Ready File Tips
Preparing a file for board book printing requires specific guidelines to ensure the pages are printed correctly. Here are some steps to follow when preparing a file for board book printing:
Start with the right software
Use professional design software such as Adobe InDesign or Illustrator to create your design. These programs are commonly used in the printing industry and will provide the necessary tools to produce high-quality artwork.
Set up your document
Create a new document with the correct dimensions of your board book. Board books typically measure around 6 x 6 inches, with about 8-20 pages. Make sure to add bleed (extra margin around the edges) to avoid any white space or cutting errors. Bleed often seting 3mm(0.125 inches).
Design each page
Create each page of your board book design individually. Keep in mind that board books are meant for very young children, so use clear, simple designs and bold, bright colors. Besides, please ensure to use high quality pictures (lowest 300DPI).
Save your file
Save your final design as a high-resolution PDF file. This format is common in the printing industry and will ensure that your file is ready for printing.
Once you have created your file, submit it to your printer following their specific file submission guidelines. Be sure to include any necessary instructions and details, such as paper type and binding method.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your file is print-ready and meets all necessary requirements for high quality board book printing.
Helpful link:
Square or portrait or landscape board book?
10 Pop Types Of Custom Board Books Printing
Print Custom Board Book FAQ(part 1)
Print Custom Board Book FAQ(part 2)
What BookPrintingChina’s Mass Production can Bring to You
Free pre-press file checking and free calibrated Epson color proofing
CTP plate making (computer direct plate making)
Large 4-color/8-color offset printing and laminating
Powerful die cutting technology
Rounded corners
Multiple printing and binding lines provide strong production capacity
Various customized size, finishes, paper options to meet different printing requirement
A variety of standard trim sizes and page counts designed to increase the efficiency of our production workflow
Production turnaround time is approximately 2-3 weeks from approved proofing. This may vary based on print quantity, process complexity, etc.
How We Produce Professional Quality Board Books?
Watch this video to learn about how a professional look board book is made by BookPrintingChina.
Ready to print your own board book? Contact us to get instant quote today!