The term "perfect binding" is the process of gluing a wrap-around book cover to the content or "book block". If you are using plain paper for both the content and cover, achieving strong binds is easy. But if you have coated paper, you should roughen the spine to expose as much paper fiber or surface area to the glue as possible. The best way to roughen the spine is to mill or grind off a small amount of paper, then put perpendicular notches into the spine that will be filled with adhesive.

A majority of perfect binders use EVA hot-melt adhesives applied at 250-360 degrees. It’s important to know the EVA cure time so that the books can achieve maximum strength before opening or trimming. The glue should stay liquid for sufficient time to allow for it to penetrate the paper fiber.

Some large perfect binders use PUR adhesive. But some PUR glues are adhesive and they require that it be cleaned out of the machine completely within a matter of hours.