Welcome to Grays Thesis Binding

Our dedicated bookbinders are experienced in hand binding books just like yours and therefore we pride ourselves with the highest quality work. We have the ability to match all UK University specifications and can turn your thesis print and binding around in no time, at a competitive price.
Allow time for your thesis to be made

Do not rush last minute print and binding as you need to allow enough time to convert the document to a PDF format and have it printed, bound and delivered.

Check the examination board's specifications

If there are specific examination board specifications then you need to let us know when placing your order.

Page options

We will print your thesis on standard 100gsm copier paper unless instructed otherwise. When completing your order, please select whether you would like this single sided or double sided. You do not need to leave a blank page between each page to be printed.

Minimum margins

All text, graphics, tables, graphs, page numbers, foot notes, headers, etc. should have a 2.5cm (1 inch) minimum margin around all edges to allow for sewing or gluing and trimming once printed.

PDF conversion

Once you have finalised your thesis document, please convert this to a PDF. Suggestions with how you can convert your document are:

Saving in PDF format - When you Save As, change the file format to PDF.

PDF Converter - You can convert your documents on the below websites:

https://smallpdf.com/pdf-converter
http://www.pdfonline.com/convert-pdf

Note: We can take no responsibility for checking or changing submitted files before printing. It is your responsibility to ensure that there are no typographic errors, margin issues, problems with page numbering or omissions from the document both before conversion and after you have received the file in PDF format. Grays Bookbinders has no link or responsibility for external sites and these are simply suggestions for resources to help you create a PDF document.

What should I do if my PDF file size is too large?

Send us a wetransfer link (www.wetransfer.com) of your document with your Name (Thesis) as a reference to: bespoke@graysbbb.co.uk

Can you print my thesis on different quality paper?

Yes, we use a 80gsm copier paper as default, but we can print on an alternative paper if you like. Please let us know if you would like this printed on another paper. Please note that this may affect turnaround times.

What is Hard Binding?
Hard cover binding example

All hard bound books are sewn/glued with a hardback cover, covered in the coloured cloth that you specify.

What is Soft Binding?
Hard cover binding example

All soft bound books are sewn/glued with a softcover, covered in the coloured cloth that you specify. This is like a paperback book.

What is Wirobinding?

Holes are punched through the pages of your document near the bound edge, and held together using coils. This is mostly used for simpler University documents (e.g. dissertations) but for if you desire something more formal and bound then hard or soft back is your answer.

What are your foiling options?

Gold and Silver are the 2 foiling options.

What lettering should be foil blocked on the spine and/or the front cover?

Most universities will have their own requirements which they can provide you. If there are no strict requirmenets, then an example could be:

On the spine
Degree - Year - Name

On the front cover
Title of Dissertation and Name

Can I post/drop off my printed sheets book to you to be bound?

Yes you can, please enclose all your contact details.

Do you delivery across the UK?

Yes, we can deliver to any address across the UK. Common delivery locations are London, Manchester, Nottingham, Birmingham, Newcastle, Portsmouth and Cardiff.

Are you open at weekends?

We are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm

What are your turnarounds?

24 hours - From submission of your order, it will take 24 hours to complete your order which will then be despatched to be with you and arrive with you the next day (depending on your choice of delivery). If you are collecting your thesis, then you can collect it 24 hours from submitting your order.

2-3 days - From submission of your order, it will take 2-3 days to complete your order, which will then be despatched to be with you and arrive with you the next day (depending on your choice of delivery). If you are collecting your thesis, then you can collect it 2-3 days from submitting your order.

What delivery options do you offer?

Next Day Delivery - Once your goods have been despatched, you will receive them the next day. You will receive a confirmation of the despatch of your order.

Next Day pre 10am - Once your goods have been despatched, you will receive them before 10am the next day. You will receive a confirmation of the despatch of your order.

Collection - Once your order has been completed, you can come and collect your order, depending on the turnaround you selected, from Windsor House, 26 Willow Lane, Mitcham, CR4 4NA.

VAT

There is no VAT payable on your thesis printing and binding as the service is currently zero rated by HM Revenue and Customs. VAT is charged on packaging and delivery charges at the standard rate.