An edition's edges provide a fun extra space for adding design elements, alongside the more traditional artwork found on the cover and spine.

In many ways, sprayed edges have become synonymous with special editions - lovers of fantasy book boxes may think an edition is incomplete without them!

But sprayed edges aren't the only technique used to add an extra creative flair to editions. In this article, we explore the various ways edges can be enhanced, and the differences between them.

Sprayed edges

Sprayed edges involve (as you may have guessed) spraying the edges of the book with paint or ink. Books with sprayed edges might just have the outer edge sprayed, or may also have the top and bottom edges sprayed.

This can be done through digital printing and might include a single colour, like in the dreamy blue edges of the Knockemout special editions, changing hues such as the ombre-sprayed edges of Joe Lycett's Art Hole, or even simple sprayed illustrations.

Stencilled edges

Stencilled edges involve using a physical stencil to apply paint or ink in a particular design to a book's edges. This can allow much more detailed artwork to be added to the edges, such as with the stencilled edges of Louise Penny's Still Life anniversary edition.

This is a more manual and time-intensive process than sprayed edges, but stencilling can also occur alongside spraying techniques.

Gilded edges

Editions have gilded or 'gilt' edges when a foil is applied to the outer edge of the pages. This creates a metallic sheen that catches the light, adding a further level of luxury to the edition. An example of this can be found in the anniversary edition of The Cuckoo's Calling.

Deckled edges

Sometimes, physical effects can apply to the edges of paper themselves. In the case of deckled edges, the edges of the paper are rough and uneven, creating a tactile quality. This can either occur naturally, when traditional papermaking techniques are used that are less uniform than mass-produced paper, or can be applied artificially to evoke this feeling while still using modern paper-making and printing techniques.