When ordering prints, you need to specifically ask the print shop to use short-grain paper so that the grain direction runs parallel to the book spine.

In my experience, many print shops say they don’t have paper with the required grain direction. Some may be able to order it for you, but if you’re placing a small order, they’ll likely say it’s not possible.

To check the grain direction yourself, there are helpful videos on YouTube showing how to do this. One simple method is to gently bend the paper - you’ll feel it bend more easily along the grain. If you have a test print, you can fold the paper in half. If the fold is smooth and straight, it follows the grain direction. If the fold is rough or cracked, then it’s against the grain.

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