CD/DVD labeling systems -- do they work?

[Kaspar Hauser]

I've got a bunch of no-longer-blank DVDs now, but they look pretty ugly written on with Sharpies. I noticed at Staples there are quite a few products that offer software to design labels, the labels themsleves, and a little machine that centers them and stamps them onto the discs.

I wonder, though, whether the labels really stick or whether they screw up playback. Anyone have any experiences with these?

[fishbicycle]

I used to use them when I first got a CD writer in 1999. I took all kinds of time to design really nice looking labels. By 2002, the adhesive had dried out enough to start curling up at the edges, and you could hear it going 'fwap-fwap-fwap' inside the drive as the disc spun. That's when I stopped using them. Fortunately, I was able to peel the labels off without damaging the data layer. But that might not always work for everyone, depending on the type of disc.

Now I use a Sharpie, and only write around the outer rim, where there is no data underneath the writing.

[Kaspar Hauser]

Does Sharpie ink seep through the disc or something?

[Atrael]

I've also just started burning some stuff to DVD's so took a look at those labeler kits. What I noticed in fine print was the warning that for DVD's, you should only use the really tiny labels that just go around the inside ring, and aren't more than 1/2 inch or so wide. So instead, I just got the pre-perforated paper for my jewel cases. I figure as long as the jewel case has a decent cover so I can easily see what's what, I don't care about the DVD itself.

[fishbicycle]

Does Sharpie ink seep through the disc or something?
I'm not sure, but I don't know what to trust. I read on these boards about somebody having written on their CD with something, and the hole in the A fell right out of the disc, due to something in the ink having eaten right through. So just in case, I write around the edge. Otherwise, I design jewel cases and print them on card stock. Works well, and you can be as basic or as detailed as you like.

[Kaspar Hauser]

I'm not sure, but I don't know what to trust. I read on these boards about somebody having written on their CD with something, and the hole in the A fell right out of the disc, due to something in the ink having eaten right through. So just in case, I write around the edge. Otherwise, I design jewel cases and print them on card stock. Works well, and you can be as basic or as detailed as you like.

Wouldn't a hole anywhere on a disc screw up playback?

[rjung]

I use Neato CD decals with a template that I dink with in Photoshop. Never had a problem yet.

[fishbicycle]

Wouldn't a hole anywhere on a disc screw up playback?
Definitely.

[Cleophus]

Wouldn't a hole anywhere on a disc screw up playback?

Not necessarily. The damaged foil may be in an area that has not been written to (in which case there will be no playback issues at all), or affect some, but not all, of the files on the disc. You'll want to back up ASAP, since damage tends to spread as more and more foil flakes off.

[Kaspar Hauser]

Thanks for the replies, everybody.

[Giraffe]

Huh, I've had nothing but good luck with the labels for both CDs and DVDs. I've made probably 100 each of labelled CDs and DVDs, and have never had a problem. Basically, the labels I use are just big stickers you print to and then slap on the CD/DVD. Easy as pie, and the ones I've used so far have all stayed well-adhered.

[ftg]

CD/DVD labels 101:

1. Don't use stick on labels.
2. Use a felt tip pen with a water-based ink.

There are printers that print directly onto discs, note that some discs are sold as capable of being printed on.

[Kaspar Hauser]

CD/DVD labels 101:

1. Don't use stick on labels.
2. Use a felt tip pen with a water-based ink.

There are printers that print directly onto discs, note that some discs are sold as capable of being printed on.

I take it Sharpies aren't water-based?

[caphis]

CD/DVD labels 101:

1. Don't use stick on labels.
2. Use a felt tip pen with a water-based ink.

There are printers that print directly onto discs, note that some discs are sold as capable of being printed on.

Errr... which discs would those be?

[Mr. Blue Sky]

Errr... which discs would those be?

Examples (http://cd-dvd-supplies.com/cgi-bin/smart_cart2.cgi?category=plus-r%20media&submit_request_button=yes&sc_db_max_rows_returned=20&cart_id=smart_cart2.none.1137263_18117)

[TonyF]

There's also the LightScribe stuff. HP was advertising these a few months ago. It seems to be analogous to burning a CD, except you're doing it to the label.

Unfortunately you need special CDRs and drives to do it.