Paper or Plastic: The Difference Between Binding Covers

Binding covers not only come in a variety of colors and dimensions, but there are also different materials to consider. The majority of covers are either paper or plastic, but some varieties combine the two.

Which binding cover should I use for the front of my book?

Clear PVC covers are the most popular choice for a book or presentation's front cover since it is simply a protective transparent layer that completely exposes a book's first page. This variety gives the most flexibility in terms of customization. Most are clear and glossy while some can have a texture on one side.

Window-cut binding covers are mostly a solid textured plain or vinyl coated paper binding cover with a small window shaped hole in the front that exposes a report or document’s title (like a label).

Some 12 Mil or 16 Mil polycovers come in a Clear variety, which can add a unique style to your book. For example, our 16 Mil Clear Hologram texture covers are similar to textured privacy glass where they somewhat distort the protected image yet still give a clue as to what it is.

Which binding cover should I use for the back of my book?

Most binding covers used for the back side of a book or presentation come in many colors and fall within three material types: polycovers, paper binding covers, or composition covers.

Polycovers are made of 100% flexible plastic and provide excellent strength and protection to a book.

Lightweight paper binding covers offer basic coverage and blend well with bound documents. They are about the same thickness of a file folder and come in either a leather grain texture or linen fabric texture, offering a hint of sophistication.

Composition binding covers are unique as they are both paper and plastic at the same time: they are inherently a paper stock cover with a vinyl coating on one side. They are less durable than polycovers but offer more protection against a sprinkle of water or coffee than paper binding covers.