Book Edge Gilding with Blue Foil

This factory video shows blue foil being applied to the three exposed edges of a book block.

Key moments

What this video shows

The operator starts with the top edge of the book block. The foil is placed over the edge, then heat and pressure are used to transfer the foil onto the paper edge.

After the top edge is finished, the book block is rotated so the fore edge can be foiled. Then it is rotated again for the bottom edge. Each edge is done one at a time so the foil can sit cleanly and evenly on the finished book. This is one type of decorative edge treatment for finished books.

Why does the book block need to be clamped so tightly?

The book block has to stay solid while the foil is applied. If the pages move during the process, the foil can shift, break, or transfer unevenly across the edge.

The clamp holds the pages together like one firm surface, so the heat and pressure can work across the book edge.

What temperature is used for edge foil gilding?

The working temperature is usually around 120 to 150°C, but it is adjusted based on the foil and the paper. Different foil materials and paper edges can react differently, so the setting is not always the same.

Before this step, the edge is usually sanded smooth so the foil can stick cleanly. Before applying foil to the actual books, the operator usually does several test runs. This helps make sure the foil sticks cleanly before running the actual books.

Will the foil make the pages stick together?

Yes, the pages can lightly stick together at first because the foil is applied across the whole book edge while the book block is clamped.

After the book comes out of the clamp, the operator loosens the pages by hand. They slide through the page edges and fan them slightly. This separates any pages that lightly stuck together during foiling, so the book can still be opened and used normally.