Catalogue Printing in Riga: Saddle-stitch, Perfect Binding and Spiral Binding

Catalogue printing in Riga (Kandavas iela 29A) starts from EUR 2.20 for an A5 catalogue with 8 pages (170 gsm paper) and EUR 3.50 for an A4 catalogue; from 250 copies, the price drops to EUR 1.20 and EUR 1.90 per piece respectively. There is a one-off setup fee of EUR 15.00 per job, and the standard production time is 3–10 business days depending on the number of pages, binding type and print run. All prices are indicative and exclude VAT.

Three binding types and what each one is for

The binding affects not only the look of a catalogue, but also how thick it can be and how it will lie open on a table.

Saddle-stitch binding (staples in the spine)

Sheets are nested inside one another and fastened with two staples along the fold. This is the most economical solution for 8–48 page publications — product brochures, price lists, seasonal offers, event programmes. The page count must be divisible by 4. A saddle-stitched catalogue opens flat, so images can span the full spread. From around 52 pages, the staples start to "push out" the middle pages and the edge needs trimming — at that point it's better to switch to perfect binding.

Perfect binding (soft cover, square spine)

Sheets are trimmed, stacked and glued to the cover with hot-melt adhesive. The result is a square spine on which you can print the title — which is why this option is chosen for product catalogues, annual reports, and restaurant menus with a large number of items. The practical minimum is around 40 pages (spine at least 3 mm), with a maximum of about 400 pages. A perfect-bound catalogue doesn't open completely flat, so a larger inner margin is needed — 15–18 mm.

Spiral binding (metal or plastic)

Holes are drilled along the edge and a spiral coil is threaded through. The catalogue opens a full 360 degrees and stays open on a table — important for work instructions, technical specifications, training materials, menus held by waiting staff, and price lists where pages are swapped out later. Spiral binding works for anything from 12 to around 300 pages, including an odd number of pages. The downside is that no text can be printed on the spine, and the result looks more like a working folder than a representative catalogue.

Prices and print-run tiers

Below are indicative prices for an 8-page catalogue on 170 gsm paper (full-colour, double-sided printing throughout). The setup fee of EUR 15.00 is added once per job.

Example: 100 pcs of A5 catalogues = 100 × 1.50 + 15.00 = EUR 165.00, excl. VAT. 250 pcs of A4 = 250 × 1.90 + 15.00 = EUR 490.00, excl. VAT.

The effect of binding type and page count (indicative, added to the block price):

These additions are indicative — the exact price depends on the print run, thickness and paper. For other print jobs and current prices, see our printing services section.

Paper and covers

The standard solution for an 8–16 page catalogue is a single paper stock throughout — 170 gsm coated paper, matte or gloss. It's dense enough that the print doesn't show through the page, yet affordable enough not to drive up the cost of a print run.

Thicker catalogues usually use two different papers: 250–300 gsm laminated stock for the covers, and 130–170 gsm for the inner block. Lamination protects the covers from wear — it's essential for menus and catalogues that travel around in sales reps' bags. Matte lamination looks more understated, while gloss lamination makes colours pop.

Preparing your files

• Format: PDF, CMYK, 300 dpi for images, text converted to outlines or fonts embedded.
• Bleed of 3 mm on each side; keep important elements at least 5 mm from the trim line.
• For a saddle-stitched catalogue, the page count must be divisible by 4; send files as single pages, not spreads — we'll arrange the spreads for you.
• For perfect binding, leave an inner margin of at least 15 mm so text doesn't disappear into the fold.
• Set black text to 100% K rather than composite black — otherwise small type will look blurred.

If you don't have artwork ready, we can prepare it from your materials; design work is quoted separately based on scope. Always send vector graphics (.ai, .eps, .pdf) in the original format rather than as an image.

Turnaround times

For a saddle-stitched catalogue of up to 200 copies, 3–5 business days from artwork approval is usually enough. Perfect binding needs 5–8 business days, as the adhesive has to set before trimming. Spiral binding takes 4–7 business days. For large print runs and thicker publications, allow up to 10 business days. We can take on urgent jobs by separate arrangement, schedule permitting.

Catalogues are often ordered together with business cards and flyers — in that case, we produce everything in one cycle so the colours match across all materials. See also business cards and flyers and posters for shelf and display decoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum order for catalogue printing?

We also work with orders of just one piece — for example, a prototype or a sample for a client. Keep in mind that with a single copy, the EUR 15.00 setup fee makes up most of the invoice, so print runs from 50 pieces are more cost-effective.

Which binding is the most economical?

Saddle-stitch. It carries no extra charge on top of the base price and is the fastest option. Perfect binding and spiral binding cost from EUR 0.45 and from EUR 0.90 per copy extra, respectively.

How many pages can each binding type handle?

Saddle-stitch: 8 to 48 pages (divisible by 4). Perfect binding: from around 40 to 400 pages. Spiral: from 12 to around 300 pages, including an odd number of pages.

Can I get a sample before the full print run?

Yes. We can produce a digital sample (one copy on the final paper stock, but without binding or with a simplified binding) within 1–2 business days. This is recommended if the print run exceeds 250 copies or if precise corporate colours matter.

How long do I have to wait for a quote?

We prepare a quote with an exact price and timeline within one business day, provided the format, page count, paper, binding and print run are known.

Send us your file or a short description at info@attaprint.lv, call us, or message us on WhatsApp at +371 25776699 — project manager Madara will reply, and we'll prepare a quote within one business day. Contact details and address: Kandavas iela 29A, Riga — attaprint.lv/kontakti.