
Fore edge painting: JoyfullyTessaStudios
Book edge treatments include anything that is applied to the edges of a book’s pages. This includes paint or gilding, or even patterns cut into the paper. Some treatments are done during a book’s production at the printer or bindery, and others are applied manually after a book is printed and bound.
We’ve compiled some ideas to inspire you about creative and fun ways to jazz up your books.
A special book edge treatment is an art form in itself, whether it’s done at a commercial printer or by hand. Sometimes a special treatment creates more interest in the book than the text itself! First, let’s look at some book edge treatments that are done by commercial printers or binderies during a book’s production.
Book edge treatments are a great way to make your book look special. Which one will work the best for *your* book? #bookdesign https://tinyurl.com/n7zewxv2 Share on XBook edge treatments done at the printer or bindery

Book edge treatments from top to bottom: deckled edging, edge staining, and gilt edging. Commercial printers or binderies can create these edges for you.
Deckled edging (aka ragged fore edge)
When paper was handmade, the page edges were never the same perfect size for each page, and this produced a deckled look. Nowadays, book pages are trimmed to size, leaving a smooth edge. A deckled edge gives a book a vintage or handmade look. To create a deckled edge, the fore edge of the book block (all the pages put together) is run along a router bit that gives the edge this uneven finish. Deckled edging works best on thicker, uncoated papers rather than thinner, glossy ones.
Edge staining
A dye, ink, or stain is applied to all three edges of the pages by either spraying, brushing, or dipping. This technique is more often done on business cards or wedding invitations, but some printers offer this edge treatment for books as well. You can choose to color just one edge or all three edges. Or, consider applying a different color to each edge.
Gilt edging
Gilt edging is a time-honored tradition whereby metallic foil is applied to the page edges. The edges must be perfectly smooth and the foil applied carefully. Gilding provides a classic look to a book, and is used for special volumes. Metallic foil comes in different colors though, so you’re not limited to just gold.
Book edge treatments done by hand

Hand crafted book edge treatments from top to bottom: fore edge painting that requires fanning the pages to see it (photo credit: Virginia Museum of History and Culture, written by Tennyson, published by Strahan & Co., London, 1869), fore edge paintings with books closed (see this article at Yale News), and marbled edging (photo credit: Recueil d’édits, déclarations, arrêts du Conseil. Paris: P.G. Le Mercier, 1762. Courtesy of Princeton University Library).
Fore edge painting
There are two types of fore edge paintings: 1) fan the pages to see the image, and 2) close the book to see the image. Fore edge painting started in the 17th century, but it’s still going strong. Etsy has illustrators who do this work, and you can also do it yourself. The Awkward Book Blogger explains an easy method of painting book edges with one color, and the National Sporting Library and Museum’s video shows how to paint fanned fore edges and gild them afterwards. There are lots of tutorials online if you’d like to give it a try!
Marbled edging
Marbling is a treatment found on books going back as early as the 12th century. Part of the appeal is that no two marbled edgings are ever alike. Marbled edging can be done as a monochrome (see pic), or using several different colors. Marbling for Fun’s video makes marbling a book’s fore edge look easy. And one from DIY Book Binding shows you how to marble all three book edges as well as a sheet of paper to cover the book or to use as endsheets. I totally want to try this!
Have fun customizing your books
You can include book edge treatments during the production of your book, or add them by hand later (by yourself or hire someone) as an added touch for a special volume. Search for any of these terms online and you’ll find a wealth of information about custom book edge treatments. If you try any of these treatments yourself, please share in the comments!
Read: Creative book cover treatments » ideas to jazz up your cover design
Read more: Book arts: handmade books » a few of Fiona’s handmade books
And still more: Working with a book illustrator » in case you want help with artwork
Just one more: Book binding basics » always good to know the basics
Book Design Made Simple. You can do it yourself.
Thank you for sharing this! I didn’t realize there were so many treatments you could give to book edges or how to create them. I’ve been reading through all your blog posts over the last few weeks, and they are all so helpful to self-publishing authors and book designers! Thank you, thank you!
Thanks for your kind words, Hadley! We’re glad that you’re finding our blog posts helpful. 🙂