Printing CD/DVD Labels

[stogiedude]

Never had any need for this before so I don't know anything about it. I know there are new lightscribe drives and special disks, but for right now what I need to know is it possible to print directly to the surface of a CD/DVD or do you need a paper or plastic label? If labels, what brand of labels do you use or recommend? I have a Lexmark X6170 multifunction inkjet printer.

 

[SrDriver]

Rule #1 Don't use paper or plastic labels! They cause lots of problems.

Lightscribe disks cost more.

Buy an Epson printer that will print on CDs - DVDs and inkjet printable disks. Have seen them at Office Max, Office Depot, Sams Club, etc.

Problems abound with stick on labels as they will cause DVDs not to work in some stand alone players.

CDs with the paper or plastic labels can cause problems in car radios because of thickness, bubbles in labels, the list goes on.

An Epson Stylus Photo R280 can be had for under $80.00 if you shop around.

I have an Epson R220 that prints on inkjet printable disks and it works just fine!

A quick search on the net will give you some sites that sell discounted ink cartridges too.

 

[stogiedude]

Thank you.

Can you describe how the disk goes into the printer and what disks specifically to look for that can be printed on directly? Is the package labeled saying that they are printable?

 

[SrDriver]

The Epson printer has a flat tray that you place the inkjet printable CD/DVD in. It comes with some very easy to use Windows software that allows you to design what you will print to your hearts desire.

For the inner settings I use 39 on the large hub disks and for the ones that are printable to the hole in the center, use 22.

Sam's Club, and others have inkjet printable disks. Make sure that it says inkjet jet printable on the package. The 50 pack of CD's runs around $16.00 for CDs and $18.00 for DVDs.

They come with both the silver and white printable surfaces. I like the silver when available. Both work fine.

If you watch the sales at Office Max, Circuit City, you can also find them even cheaper.

Just make sure it says inkjet printable. There is a thermo printable disk too that will not work with an inkjet printer.

The only printer that I am aware of in the United States that has this feature is Epson although in other countries there is other brands available too.

You end up with a good looking product of professional quality in my opinion.