When purchasing a book, there are several important factors to consider. One of these is the quality of the pages. Unfortunately, there are various ways to determine whether a book’s page quality could be better, including fading, foxing, and grade. These factors can make a massive difference to the overall reader experience.
Fading
There’s no question that the best way to display your wares is to go for a hardcover or softcover incarnation. The same goes for the ilk on your bedside table or mantel. And while at it, consider a nifty little invention called a Textile Storage Kit. You’ll be glad you did!
Foxing
Foxing is a type of discoloration of the surface of books and other paper documents. It is a brown stain caused by iron impurities in the paper. Although the causes of foxing are unknown, several factors contribute to its development.
In this study, a survey on foxing stains in three Portuguese collections was carried out. The surveys were conducted on papers dating from 1560 to 1975.
In addition, an image-based quantitative analysis of foxing stains on paper was developed. This approach could be used for the automated characterization of foxing stains on printed paper documents. Ultimately, the technique can help to document the effect of a conservation environment and storage conditions on cultural properties.
The images were analyzed by examining the distribution of foxing stains and quantifying the affected regions. Blue arrows highlighted the areas of the pages that were affected. For each affected area, the brightness of all pixels in RGB colors was calculated. Line graphs on the left side of the image show the average brightness levels in the range of 0-255.
The results showed that foxing stains increased in specific periods and decreased in others. The authors linked the increase in foxing stains to the leaf’s moisture absorbency and iron-containing impurities.
Color
The color of your choice is not the only factor determining how your book or pamphlet looks. Other factors include the size of the fonts, paper type, and page count. A good printer will work with you to ensure your book looks its best. In addition to a top-notch quality paper, consider the best print finishing options, such as matte and gloss coatings. There are several choices to choose from, and each one will accentuate your unique design. Choosing the best option for your project will go a long way toward making your finished product stand out from the crowd.
One of the easiest ways to check your proofs is by using a color-proofing specialist. A knowledgeable person to guide you through the process will make your life much easier. This can be an invaluable service, especially if you’re a first-timer in the publishing industry. In addition, your printer may have a list of reputable firms in your area, or they can make recommendations based on your specifications.
Brittle pages
Brittle pages are a type of paper that is very fragile. They can become cracked, creased, or even detached if mishandled. This makes them very difficult to handle. When you find a book with brittle pages, it’s essential to identify the defects and damage to keep it in good condition. Luckily, there are damage prevention strategies to help you deal with this problem.
Some minor defects to look for are a loose centerfold, a missing staple, or a piece of a page that is detached from the book. You can also find small tears or rust migration on the pages. However, a tan or brown page is a much more severe condition.
Book staining, soiling, and smoke can also lead to the degrading of the book. Often, these issues can be remedied with dry cleaning. However, occasionally, the staining or smoke will come from the cover. To prevent this, be sure to use a climate-controlled off-site storage facility.
When you open a comic, be sure to examine the pages carefully. The color of the pages can affect the book’s value. Typically, books with white pages are in the highest grading level. Those with cream or off-white colors are not. In addition, it’s essential to look for light creases less than two inches. A large tear will severely affect the book’s value.
Grade
It’s no secret that the quality of the paper in a comic book directly impacts its overall value. As a result, the quality of the paper in a comic is not something you should take lightly. The best way to ensure that the pages in your collection are of the highest quality is to get them professionally graded. In the process, you’ll have a much easier time weeding out the trash and gaining the confidence of your peers. This is especially true if you’re looking to sell your collection to the masses.
There are many more subtle ways to improve the quality of your comic books, so be sure to pay attention to the finer points of the trade. One of the best ways to do this is to avoid putting your books in direct sunlight and, if possible, in a humidity-free room. A drier environment also reduces the risk of staple damage and moisture, two common culprits in the comics world. Likewise, using a high-quality comic book cover is a good idea and will help keep the pages intact.
