A Step-By-Step Guide to Printing Your Own Coloring Book

A coloring book is more than just a collection of images—it's a gateway to creativity and tranquility. The printing process of a coloring book is just as much an art form as the illustrations it contains. Every choice, from the type of paper to the binding method, influences the overall quality and experience of the book. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring that your custom coloring book captivates readers with its exceptional quality and charm.

1. Select a Trim Size Before Printing a Coloring Book

Purpose and Audience: Determine the target audience for your coloring book. Is it for children, adults, or a specific age group? The trim size may vary based on the intended users and their preferences.

Content and Illustrations: Consider the complexity and size of the illustrations in your coloring book. If the designs are intricate or detailed, you may want to choose a larger trim size to allow for better coloring experience and ease of use. Conversely, if the designs are simple or intended for younger children, a smaller trim size may be more suitable.

Portability: Think about the practicality and portability of your coloring book. Smaller trim sizes are generally more portable and convenient to carry around, while larger trim sizes offer a bigger canvas for coloring and may be more visually appealing.

Cost and Market Standards: Printing costs can vary depending on the trim size and the printing service you choose. Research the pricing structures of different printers and compare the costs associated with various trim sizes to find the most suitable option for your budget. Additionally, consider the market standards for coloring books in terms of trim sizes, as conforming to these standards may make it easier to distribute and sell your book.

Common trim sizes for coloring books include 8.5 x 11 inches (21.6 x 27.9 cm), 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm), or 6 x 6 inches (15.2 x 15.2 cm). However, these are just examples, and you can choose a custom your own coloring book size.

2. Design the Coloring Book Cover

The cover of your coloring book is the first impression for potential customers, making it essential that it is visually appealing and representative of the content within.

To create an outstanding cover, focus on both the design elements and the materials you choose. Your design should reflect the theme of your book, whether it features serene nature scenes, intricate abstract patterns, or something else entirely. Ensure the title stands out and is easy to read, and consider including a colored sample to inspire and attract buyers.

Regarding materials, you’ll need to choose between a glossy and a matte finish. Glossy covers are bright and vibrant, enhancing colors and drawing attention on bookstore shelves. In contrast, matte covers provide a more understated and elegant appearance, which is often favored by adult audiences.

3. Typesetting the Interior Pages

Once you have finalized the cover design, it's essential to shift your focus to the interior pages of your coloring book. The layout and typesetting of these pages are crucial for ensuring a positive user experience.

Effective typesetting plays a key role in making your coloring book user-friendly. It's important to have wide margins that allow for easy coloring near the spine. Thoughtful positioning of the images will help maximize space and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the book.

Ensure there is enough blank space around each drawing to prevent any bleed-through and to allow for easy removal or framing of individual pages, if desired. Additionally, select a legible font for any text included in the book, ensuring it complements the overall design.

Remember, the interior pages should provide a seamless and enjoyable coloring experience, so careful attention to layout and typesetting is crucial.

4. Consider the Paper Type for Printing Your Coloring Book

Paper Weight
90-120 GSM: Good for standard coloring books; light enough to flip pages easily but sturdy enough to handle colored pencils.
120-200 GSM: Thicker paper, suitable for watercolor or marker use, as it reduces bleed-through.

Texture
Smooth Finish: Ideal for markers and gel pens; allows for easy coloring.
Tooth Texture: Better for colored pencils, as it helps grip the color better.

Brightness
Choose a brighter white paper for vibrant colors, or opt for off-white or cream for a softer look.

Acid-Free
Ensure the paper is acid-free to prevent yellowing and degradation over time, preserving the artwork.

Sustainability
Look for recycled paper options if you want an eco-friendly choice. Check for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

Bleed-Through Resistance
If using markers, verify that the paper is resistant to bleed-through. A slightly thicker paper will usually perform better in this aspect.

Recommendations:
For colored pencils: 150-200 GSM paper with a slightly textured surface.
For markers or watercolor: 200 GSM or heavier, smooth, and bleed-resistant paper.

5. Choosing the Binding Style

Saddle Stitching Binding:
Description: Involves folding sheets in half and stapling along the fold.
Features: Cost-effective and ideal for thinner books (typically up to 64 pages). Allows for easy opening and flat lay.

Perfect Binding:
Description: Pages are glued together at the spine with a soft cover.
Features: Suitable for thicker books (usually over 40 pages). Offers a sleek, professional appearance but may not lay flat.

Spiral Binding:
Description: Uses a plastic or metal coil that runs through holes punched along the spine.
Features: Excellent for books that need to lie flat when open, making it ideal for coloring books. Allows easy flipping of pages.

Glued on Top Binding:
Description: Pages are glued at the top edge, usually for mounted sheets.
Features: Often used for individual sheets or pads. Pages can be easily torn off, but it's less common for traditional books.

6. Prepare the Artwork/File

Preparing the artwork for your coloring book is a detailed process that demands careful attention. It's crucial to ensure that each image is clear, crisp, and properly sized for your selected trim dimensions. Using a high resolution (at least 300 DPI) is vital to prevent any blurriness or pixelation in the final printed product.

File format is equally important. Most printers prefer PDF files because they maintain the formatting and ensure compatibility across various computers and software.

Be sure to include all fonts, images, and any specific instructions within your file. If you're unsure about preparing the file on your own, it might be a good idea to hire a professional graphic designer or take advantage of assistance from your chosen printer, if they offer such services. Taking these steps will help ensure a polished and professional final product.

7. Proofing

Before printing the final version, proof your coloring book. Review the layout, text, and images for any errors or design issues. It’s beneficial to print a sample page to check the paper and colors. This step can help you catch any mistakes before committing to a full print run.

8. Pick a Coloring Book Printer

Choosing the right printer is the final and perhaps most critical step in the printing process.

At Sese Printing, we understand that your coloring book is more than just pages—it's a canvas for creativity. Our custom printing services give you the power to bring your unique designs and concepts to life. Whether you're an artist, author, or educator, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality, vibrant prints that captivate imaginations.

Why Choose Sese Printing?
Tailored to Your Needs: We offer fully customizable options for sizes, binding styles, and finishes. Create a one-of-a-kind coloring book that reflects your artistic vision and meets your audience's desires.

Exceptional Quality: Our state-of-the-art printing technology ensures each page bursts with color and detail. From intricate illustrations to bold designs, your artwork will shine beautifully.

Fast Turnaround: We know how important deadlines are. Our efficient production process allows us to deliver your orders quickly without compromising on quality.

Eco-Friendly Options: We care about the environment. Choose from our sustainable printing options to produce your coloring books with eco-friendly materials and processes.

Personalized Support: Our team of experts is here to guide you through every step of the printing process.

9. FAQ About Coloring Book Printing

What are the different binding options for coloring books?
Common binding options include saddle stitching, perfect binding, spiral binding, and glued-on-top binding. Each has its own advantages, such as lay-flat capability or a professional finish.

What paper types do you recommend for coloring books?
We recommend using heavier paper (around 70-100 lb) with good opacity to prevent bleed-through from markers or heavy ink. For coloring books, uncoated or cardstock paper works well for easy coloring.

Can I print custom sizes for my coloring book?
Yes! We offer a variety of custom sizes to suit your specific needs, from standard sizes to unique dimensions that fit your designs.

How long does the printing process take?
Answer: The printing time can vary based on the complexity of your project and the quantity ordered. Generally, our turnaround time is between 5 to 10 business days, but we also offer rush services if needed.

What file formats do I need to provide for printing?
Answer: We typically accept files in PDF format for printing. Please ensure your files are high resolution (300 DPI) and include any necessary bleeds for edge-to-edge printing.

Do you offer environmental printing options?
Yes, we provide eco-friendly printing options, including recycled paper and sustainable ink. Feel free to ask about our green printing practices!

Can I request a sample before placing a large order?
Absolutely! We offer pre-production samples so you can evaluate the quality, paper, and colors before committing to a full print run.

What kind of support do you offer during the printing process?
Our dedicated team is here to assist you at every step, from design consultation and file preparation to answering questions throughout the ordering and production process.

How do I get a quote for my coloring book printing project?
You can easily request a quote through our website or by contacting our customer service team. Please provide details such as size, page count, binding type, and quantity for an accurate estimate.