A lot of work goes into writing a research paper, especially as a final exam. So, you want to make sure everything goes well. It might not seem like it when starting, but printing and binding are as important as any other aspect of your project. When you finish researching and writing, you have to think about the presentation. It would be a shame to create a poor first impression on your supervisor because you didn’t pay attention to the printing or the binding. You risk losing marks for something as simple as the choice of font.
Printing and Binding Your Thesis
You have to be careful about every decision you make regarding how to print and bind your thesis, from the font size to the cover material is vital. As the last step in your project, printing ties everything together. Although it might not seem like it, the several decisions involved can be daunting to make, especially if it’s your first serious college paper. This guide explores the most critical elements of printing your thesis.
Considerations When Printing a Thesis
Although students have different needs regarding thesis printing, a few things are standard. The main questions are:
- Whether to print in white or black
- Which is the best quality paper
- How to print and bind at an affordable rate
Below are some useful insights that should help you when printing your thesis.
| Print colour – only two alternatives are available when it comes to selecting the colour of your research paper. It can either be coloured or black and white. | Tip: Colored print brightens up a document, and can help it stand out. However, too much of it can be distracting and take away the seriousness of the thesis. |
| Paper – 80 g/m2 paper is the standard at copy shops. However, this option might not be the best because it’s too thin. You might have a problem with writing showing on the reverse side. | Tip: 100 g/m2 is better quality due to its sturdiness. A printer may also recommend 120 g/m2 if you intend the printing to be double-sided. |
| Price – the actual work, paper quality and colour are some factors that determine what the service costs. | Tip: Compare services from several companies before deciding which one to use. Note that some services have a surcharge for coloured print. |
Considerations When Binding a Thesis
Not many students think about binding when doing their papers. Picking one option over another can be difficult when you don’t know where to start. The kind of document you need to bind is a vital aspect to factor in. The simplicity of a term paper means that it doesn’t require as much work as your undergraduate or graduate thesis.
A research paper counts for a small part of your program, meaning you can get away with a simple spiral bind. On the other hand, a thesis contributes to a significant percentage of your final mark, requiring more sophisticated binding, such as leather.
Colleges, universities and other tertiary institutions have specific requirements for how to print and bind research papers. Find out if your school provides any instructions on presenting your thesis.
Types of Binding for Your Final Paper
Bindings come in various kinds, making the task of sorting through them stressful. However, knowing which one works best for certain documents, enables you to make an informed decision. The following are the most common alternatives for students.
Leather Binding
Putting together your research paper with leather as the cover gives it an air of sophistication. The material is classy, giving your document an elegant feel. It’s also strong, ensuring your thesis remains intact over time. At BachelorPrint, you get the option of customised embossing for that touch of personalisation, corner protectors and bookmarks.
Leather is ideal for:
• Bachelor thesis
• Research paper
• Master’s thesis
• Dissertation
Thermal Binding
A thermal bind has a clear front and a leather back, which is why it’s versatile. It lets you see the first page while allowing a splash of colour on the back.
Consider thermal if you have to print several copies of your document. It’s also suitable for small papers.
Softcover Binding
For that vibrant, eye-catching look, go for a soft cover. The biggest appeal of this type of cover is the flexibility to design it in different styles. It also has a smooth appearance. You can select from an array of logos, images and fonts to use on the front cover. This freedom to create an original cover is what makes this alternative popular among creatives.
A soft cover goes well with any kind of research paper. The limit on the maximum pages you can bind with it, however, means it might not always be the right pick, particularly for dissertations and theses.
Spiral Binding
The sleek, no-frills spiral bind is the most used among students. It’s simple and resembles a thermal cover. The biggest difference is that unlike in thermal, where pages are glued together, the spiral option holds the document together using spirals. These fastenings can be metal or plastic. The front of a spiral cover is clear, whereas the back can be any colour.
A term paper is one document where a spiral cover works perfectly. Since it’s cheap, you can use it for multiple copies. If you are printing a dissertation or thesis, a spiral cover might not be the best way to present your document.
Picking a Printing and Binding Service
So, you decided on everything about your paper and are confident about your choices. The next step is executing them. For that, you have to hire a printing service to deliver on your expectations. Not every company can do that, hence the need to be cautious. You must be sure that the service you select can meet all your requirements, or at least provide alternatives. Here’s what to focus on when selecting who to print and bind your thesis.
Start by deciding if you want an in-person or online service. Taking your document to the printer personally has its benefits. For one, you can double-check your paper for mistakes before taking it. If you have customisation requests, you can confirm they are met before picking up the final product. An online service is convenient. You can send your document and get it back without going anywhere. If you find the perfect company but can’t reach it physically, doing everything online is practical. You can also consider this option if you are too busy for in-person visits.
Cost is a big factor when comparing printing and binding services. How much you pay for the document you want depends on a few things. The number of pages, type of binding and type of paper are some of those factors. Knowing the cost to bind and print your research document will help you budget. So, take quotes from a minimum of three services and compare them. Watch out for providers offering cheap services. They may be compromising on quality in the name of affordability.
Be sure to check a printing company’s reputation before committing. It’s not enough that a provider promises quality service; you should be certain it can handle the project adequately. BachelorPrint is among the most reputable printers. It not only has state-of-the-art equipment, but a large variety of bindings as well. The online shop makes its services more convenient through free express shipping. You can order your thesis and receive it in good time. You also get a 3D preview of the paper before it goes to print.
Get Your Thesis Printing and Binding Right
Given all the work you dedicated to your final college project, you can’t afford to have everything go wrong at the last stage. Therefore, use the tips we provided to guide you on this journey. Deciding where to go for printing is up to you, but be sure to do your due diligence. BachelorPrint is one of the go-to for research paper printing. The provider offers online printing services that simplify the process for students.