Board Book Printing 101
Understand the basics of preparing print-ready board book files
Board books are an increasingly popular category among children under five, thanks to their durability and engaging interactive elements. No other type of book can withstand little hands and curious mouths!
In this blog, you'll learn about the board book printing process, the most common sizes, page counts, finishes and custom features available.
First off, how are board books made?
A high level explainer
The printing process for board books requires specific equipment and specialist knowledge to avoid warping. Essentially, printed pages are glued to thick white or grey cardboard to create the board book. Unlike other children’s books, all four corners are typically rounded to prevent injuries.
Since children ages 0-4 tend to be rough handlers (and chewers), it’s important to choose an experienced printer that understands the complexities of constructing board books and the specific safety requirements.
For example, the cover and inside spreads of a board book must use child-safe ink (we only uses soy based ink) for printing and gloss UV varnish for protection. An experienced printer will know the ink and production specifications that are internationally accepted, so be sure you partner with a credible company.
It’s also worth noting that there is no cost-effective option for printing board books one at a time (print-on-demand). An offset printer is required to print affordably in bulk and to safely print custom features such as cut outs, pop ups, touch and feel pages, etc.
Standard board book sizes
At boardbookprinting.com, we can print any size board book. However, experience has taught us that most board books are printed in the following sizes, so little hands can hold the book independently.
How to count your pages?
The number of pages in your board book must be a multiple of two.
Typically board books are 8 to 28 pages.
You’ll need to know your page count to request an accurate quote from your printer. Remember, DO NOT include the front cover and back cover in your page tally!
QUICK EXAMPLE
A 7.5” x 7.5” board book with 7 spreads has 12 pages (not including the inside and outside cover)
Standard board thickness options
Board books are produced by gluing printed pages onto 40pt (most common) or 60pt WHITE or GREY board. Some authors choose 80pt or 100pt, but this is less common.
Here’s a brief overview of the two most common board book page thickness options.
40pt board book pages
- Thickness: 40pt (0.040 inches or approximately 1 millimeter)
- This thickness is considered standard for most board books. It provides a good balance of durability and flexibility, making it suitable for little hands to turn the pages easily
60pt board book pages
- Thickness: 60pt (0.060 inches or approximately 1.5 millimeters)
- The 60pt thickness offers enhanced durability and sturdiness. The pages are thicker and more rigid, providing extra resistance to tearing or bending.
Both thicknesses are designed to withstand the rigors of little hands and provide a safe, engaging reading experience for young children.
When choosing between 40pt or 60pt board book pages, consider the intended audience and the level of wear and tear the book is likely to experience.
Standard finishes
At boardbookprinting.com, the finishes 99% of authors choose is Aqueous Gloss (Gloss) OR Aqueous Matte (Matte).
Here’s a quick guide to understanding the benefits of each.
Aqueous Gloss:
- Shiny Finish: Provides a bright, shiny surface that enhances color vibrancy and detail
- Excellent Durability: Offers best protection against fingerprints, smudges, and minor abrasions
- Wipeable Surface: Easy to clean, making it perfect for children’s books that often encounter sticky fingers
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Ideal for books with lots of images and illustrations, adding a striking, professional look
Aqueous Matte:
- Smooth Finish: Provides a non-reflective, soft, and elegant surface that reduces glare
- Good Durability: Offers good protection against wear & tear while maintaining a sophisticated look
- Tactile Feel: Adds a premium, velvety touch that feels great in hand, making reading an enjoyable experience
- Subdued Elegance: Perfect for books with a lot of text or minimalist designs, offering a refined and classic appearance
How to choose the right finish for your board book?
Here’s our recommendation:
- If your book features colorful illustrations or photographs, a Gloss finish will make your images pop and stand out
- If you prefer a more understated and sophisticated appearance, the Matte finish will give your book a timeless, high-quality feel
Both finishes provide excellent protection and enhance the appearance of your board book. The choice between gloss and matte ultimately depends on your style preference.
Fun features
When you choose boardbookprinting.com, you can incorporate custom features such flaps, cut outs, sensory fabrics, and more that young readers love. A sturdy board book is the perfect canvas for creativity and making story time interactive!
Scroll through our photo gallery for inspiration and cool features that are possible.
