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What printers does everyone use for printing discs and artwork?

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My Canon MG 5300 series just died on me after 5 years of use. I’m looking for an upgrade. What does everyone use? My old one printed on inkjet writable discs and loved that feature. I’d also love to create cardboard box sets based from what is seen on here. Are there any that print 11x17 paper as well? Mostly, I’d love to do my custom artwork without ever stepping foot into a kinkos self service and having anyone point out copywrite. Anyways Thoughts?

-kurosawafan

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I’ve printed dozens of custom covers at Staples without getting any copyright crap from them. The only time that happened to me there was I took a Laserdisc cover to be scanned to one Staples and they refused due to copyright yet I took it to another Staples and they did it without questioning. I have them print them on Elite Gloss paper if that helps. You can also have them printed through their site and just go pick them up.

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I’ve been using a Canon Pixma IP8700.

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I’ve been going to my local library, they have pretty nice laser printers that look pretty good all said and done and I only pay 25¢ per page

“You can’t polish a turd. But you can shape it to look like candy.”

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thehawk said:

I’ve been using a Canon Pixma IP8700.

Same here, does the discs as well as 13"x19" printing.

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I use a Canon Pixma MX922. Does disc label printing as well.

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stealthboy said:

I use a Canon Pixma MX922. Does disc label printing as well.

What is the biggest paper size it will print?

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There are some useful info and guides for printing covers and disc art - as well as making box sets etc in this thread - link - just scroll down to the ‘Guides / Video Tutorials’ or ‘Generic Custom Cover website links’ sections…

There are also lots of quality guides on youtube and on online search engines too…

 

Designing your own covers - templates and previews…

A great site for sizing up art for a dvd, blu ray or cd jewel case - along with choice of width of spines is…

http://www.printdvdcover.com/

^ It is free and easy to use, does the sizing for you - and gives you an overall view of what your cover will look like - including a pdf format download ready to print.
 

There are also free downloadable templates for dvd, blu ray and cd jewel cases, and various measurements here:-

http://www.printdvdcover.com/cover-layout-measurements.php
 

There are other quality sites out there that offer similar free templates and previews 😃
 

It’s also worth noting that UK and US blu ray covers have different size spines (only a couple of mm):-

http://www.ronyasoft.com/products/cd-dvd-label-maker/articles/popular_dvd_case_dimensions/

 

Printing covers - for those that don’t have a printer…

Independent print shops are usually very good - for both price and expert/knowledgeable help & advice - and will usually also be willing to do a couple of free test-runs as well if you’re ordering a few copies/prints from them.

The chain stores are also worth a go too.

Staples in the UK is now online only (http://www.staples.co.uk/) - with all their physical shops sadly sold off… Many of these have become ‘Office Outlet’ shops (https://www.officeoutlet.com/) - and do have a dedicated Printer Centre section. Hopefully they’ll be quite decent and as helpful as Staples once were…

…if not it’s always worth a try at your local independent print shop - or even trying an online print store - even your local library or internet cafe etc.

 

Type of paper to use for printing DVD / Blu Ray covers…

For those that don’t like cutting the covers down to size from a piece of A4 paper there is the option of buying some perforated paper for dvd and cd covers:-

https://www.shop.mediasave.co.uk/ourshop/prod_1677481-25-Gloss-DVD-Case-Inserts-Glossy-DVD-Covers.html

https://www.amazon.co.uk/PressIt-A4-DVD-Case-Inserts/dp/B00009ETXA/

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50-Datasafe-Matt-DVD-Case-Inserts-Inlays-Covers/290279444888
 

I’d used mainly semi-glossy, photo or premium paper for covers over the years - though will likely give the matt dvd cover paper a go too soon - https://refreshcartridges.co.uk/phoenix-120gsm-perforated-matte-dvd-case-inserts/

Obviously using standard A4 letter paper will look quite poor - the ink runs through to the other side, the paper warps and looks awful - even on minimalist white inksaver covers.

 

A decent list of printers that print ‘direct to disc’ can be found here:-

https://www.videolane.com/printers-with-direct-cd-dvd-disc-printing/

https://www.printerbase.co.uk/cd-printing-printers.html

https://www.staples.com/cd+dvd+inkjet+printer/directory_cd+dvd+inkjet+printer

along with the Brother MFC-J825DW, Brother MFC-J835DW, and Brother DCP-J925DW printers, and HP’s Photosmart C5200, C5500, D5100, D5300, D5400, D7560, and HP Premium C309a and C309c printers - though am sure there are a few more out there from differing brands too…

A quick amazon search should help get some more info on the printers - and hopefully some of the reviews may help get some info on which printers print to discs more reliably or in a good quality…

https://www.amazon.com/Inkjet-Printers-CD-printing/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=n%3A172646%2Cp_n_feature_browse-bin%3A5527623011

It’s also worth giving some consideration to the cost of ink cartridges for various printers - ink isn’t cheap 😉

 

Printable Discs…

I’ve always opted for Verbatim discs - both dvd and blu ray - a quality brand, great value for money and only had a couple of failures in using them over 13/14 years.

Something like 50 dvd discs for £10 - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Verbatim-43533-DVD-R-Printable-Spindle/dp/B0009U6V8Q

and 25 blu ray discs for £15 - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Verbatim-43811-Datalife-Inkjet-Printable/dp/B00DHS9F5I
 

When burning discs with content always do so at the lowest possible speed - to ensure a good quality burn of and fewer expensive coasters lying around the place 😉

 

A kind member on here has made a generous offer for those wishing to use his at-cost Disc Printing Service - especially useful for those without a printer with a ‘print-to-disc’ function - the details for which can be found here…

Captain Danielsan’s Blu Ray and DVD Disc Printing Service Thread - A project for all:-

http://originaltrilogy.com/topic/Captain-Danielsans-Blu-Ray-and-DVD-Disc-Printing-Service-Thread-A-project-for-all/id/59006

 

Another kind and generous member here has offered to provide disc labels and label resources for the community at large to use with your preservation or fan edit projects etc.

More info can be found here…

One69chev’s disc art and label extravaganza’:-

http://originaltrilogy.com/topic/One69chevs-disc-art-and-label-extravaganza/id/59192

 

Adhesive Disc Labels…

I’d stay clear of the adhesive disc labels - they are more trouble than they are worth - causing issues for many people using them; usually resulting in bubbling on the disc, players refusing to play them, excessive noise coming from the dvd player due to balance issues, chemicals in the adhesives running through onto the disc… and over time… the disc being ruined.

http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/media/2159-never-sticky-label.html

http://forum.cakewalk.com/labelling-CDs-amp-DVD39s-with-paper-labels-m2334527.aspx

https://www.supermediastore.com/pages/inkjet-printable-dvdr-cdr-ink-print-media-faq

 

Disc Cases / Boxes…

Amaray seem to be held in very high regard when it comes to storing your discs in cases - lots of choices, colours, for dvd and blu ray - in various sizes.

They also do cases which hold up anything from a couple of discs up to around 23 discs each - link
 

Though ebay, amazon and likely your local stationery shop or market store also stock other quality cases too.
 

A couple of decent discussions on the differing sizing of cases:-

http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=102650 & http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=80758
 

Criterion blu ray cases are the same height as a normal blu ray case - though has a 14mm spine (unless specified otherwise):-

http://www.casetopia.com/Criterion_Single_Disc_Blu_ray_Case_14mm_p/br1-cri.htm
 

Casetopia has had some good reviews from members on here buying replacement / alternative cases too - http://www.casetopia.com/

 

Alternative options to store your Star Wars content on…

‘A Star Wars USB Drive Box, Case, Tape, Tin, Frame, Figure & Cover Thread…’ - link

 

Jackpumpkinhead’s superb ‘Guide for How To Make Your Own Custom Box Set - for DVD / Blu Ray’ etc

http://originaltrilogy.com/topic/GUIDE-How-To-Make-Your-Own-Custom-Box-For-DVDAVCHDBLURAY-Sets-Work-in-Progress/id/57844

 

Personally…

I’m still using my old trusty Epson R300 Printer - which prints ‘direct to disc’ and also prints on the usual A4 size paper for DVD / Blu Ray covers.

It must be getting on for 14 years now - and still prints in a high quality to both paper and disc 😃

An elegant printer for a more civilised age… 😉

 

A little patience goes a long way on this old-school Rebel base. If you are having issues finding what you are looking for, these will be of some help…

Welcome to the OriginalTrilogy.com | Introduce yourself in here | Useful info within : About : Help : Site Rules : Fan Project Rules : Announcements
How do I do this?’ on the OriginalTrilogy.com; some info & answers + FAQs - includes info on how to search for projects and threads on the OT•com

A Project Index for Star Wars Preservations (Harmy’s Despecialized & 4K77/80/83 etc) : A Project Index for Star Wars Fan Edits (adywan & Hal 9000 etc)

… and take your time to look around this site before posting - to get a feel for this place. Don’t just lazily make yet another thread asking for projects.

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Epson xp 640

“You can’t polish a turd. But you can shape it to look like candy.”

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I use a Canon ip8700 WS. Works beautifully for all paper sizes and also prints on discs.

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I’m sure the chipboard slip case boxes are more durable than the v1 ronwilm’s slip case design, but I used Red River’s 88lb Polar Matte Card stock (13"x19")for the inner and out slip covers and they came out awesome.

I also used the 66lb Polar Matte Double Sided (11x17) for the criterion inserts and lobby cards. 68lb Ultra Pro Satin 8.5x11 for mini poster and envelopes.

It was a fun project…came out really nice.

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andyw715 said:

I’m sure the chipboard slip case boxes are more durable than the v1 ronwilm’s slip case design, but I used Red River’s 88lb Polar Matte Card stock (13"x19")for the inner and out slip covers and they came out awesome.

I also used the 66lb Polar Matte Double Sided (11x17) for the criterion inserts and lobby cards. 68lb Ultra Pro Satin 8.5x11 for mini poster and envelopes.

It was a fun project…came out really nice.

It sounds like a quality project. Are you able/willing to post up some pics? I would be interested in seeing the final result. Personally, I have never really been happy with the paper stock that I have been limited to, so perhaps taking a page out of your book may yield better results for my own set.

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epson xp-630 for me, it’s bit of an ink eater though.

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Also, I go to my local library to print covers and art work. They have a really nice laser printer and they do legal and other sizes.

“You can’t polish a turd. But you can shape it to look like candy.”

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Does it matter what kind of paper/card stock is used? Thanks!

“Why Hello There”

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drummerboy275 said:

Does it matter what kind of paper/card stock is used? Thanks!

In my opinion it makes a difference, but not a huge different. There are also other (and more important) factors like a good printer. If you only want to print custom slipcovers, you can actually use white (non-recycled) paper or go with glossy photo paper. As long as you don’t use rather thin recycled paper, you can’t really do anything wrong. The only problem with standard photo paper is, that you can’t really print on both sides. Some covers have artworks on the inside, which are absolutely beautiful and this can be complicated with photo paper. I hope I was able to help you. Have a nice day!

(English is not my native language, sorry for any mistakes.)

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Guess I’m gonna need some help too. The past year or so I’ve been having Staples print these. Although it’s been hit or miss with how they’re printed (sometimes they’re big enough, sometimes they’re not) but when they’re printed right they look perfect (for me at least).

However last Saturday I had one Staples print out two covers and both are slightly smaller than I need them to be. I tried another Staples and got the same result. I went there today and they said the lasers to their printers won’t be able to print them to the size I want. I guess I should have asked them how they were able to get them done right before but I just left.

Anyways the way I had them printed there was on 8.5x11 Elite Gloss paper, I set portrait to landscape, and set the image to fit to page. The first two images shows the edge of the cover where I need it.

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Below is from a cover printed this past weekend where the Image doesn’t come close enough to the edge (more noticeable in the second image).

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As you can see it’s a pretty subtle difference especially when looking at the first one but the way I want it like with the first examples above fill up the DVD covers much better and more accurately to a real DVD insert. I also should note that I create all my DVD inserts with the same PhotoShop project so they all come out the same size each time so I know that’s not the problem. So any tips guys?? Is there a printer that will print to where I want them?? Is there another printing place I should take them to??

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Chris - I think you setting the image to ‘fit the page’ may have caused the sizing issue (or could be an issue if Staples’ printer was set to this setting too?)

If the printer has a ‘scale setting’ feature (not all do) - make sure it is set to ‘off’ or at 100%.

I usually set the margins on images that I print to 0.5cm on all sides just be sure too 😃 (when I used to print covers I copy the image to MS Word and do a black & white draft quality print - just as a test print to ensure I it correctly sized)

 

If you have any independent printers or copy shops near you that do this kind of service I’d recommend you try them - in general, I find the people at independent print places will likely have more knowledge / experience than those at Staples.
 

Good luck with it mate - and let us know how you get on 😃

A little patience goes a long way on this old-school Rebel base. If you are having issues finding what you are looking for, these will be of some help…

Welcome to the OriginalTrilogy.com | Introduce yourself in here | Useful info within : About : Help : Site Rules : Fan Project Rules : Announcements
How do I do this?’ on the OriginalTrilogy.com; some info & answers + FAQs - includes info on how to search for projects and threads on the OT•com

A Project Index for Star Wars Preservations (Harmy’s Despecialized & 4K77/80/83 etc) : A Project Index for Star Wars Fan Edits (adywan & Hal 9000 etc)

… and take your time to look around this site before posting - to get a feel for this place. Don’t just lazily make yet another thread asking for projects.

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@oojason I don’t think the fit to page option is the problem as I had used that feature prior and they came out the way I wanted them to. Also if I don’t use that options portions of the cover will cropped off.

As far as the printer settings, these are done behind the counter so as to what settings they have the printers on I have no idea of and likely never will.

I actually don’t have a printer at home to do any testing with so I guess I’ll have to try to take this somewhere else other than Staples. I might discuss this with my stepdad as he might have knowledge on this. Thanks guys! Wish me luck!

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Even though this is an aging thread, for those pondering the purchase of a printer for direct to disc printing, I found this list helpful. They are all models of printers that are capable of direct to disc printing. I can personally vouch for the quality of the PIXMA TS9020.

The video link at the bottom was the source of this list.

A small note about the video. The poster says something near the begining about using these printers for “projects and things that they sell online”. He, of course, is not refering to any of the Star Wars projects here and I would not, in any way, endorse using those printers to create anything from those projects for resale.

Pixma TS9020
Pixma TS8020
Pixma MG7720
Pixma MG7520
Pixma iP8720
Pixma MX922
Epson P400
Epson P600
Epson Xp-630
Epson XP-640
Epson XP-830
Epson XP-860
Epson XP-960

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTOvCyK48eI

The NJVC Custom Bluray Set of Harmy’s Despecialized Editions is available on Mega.

Go to this thread

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 (Edited)

In the past, I use to have a Canon Pixma MG5350 for my printing (discs too), but randomly gave me a Bad printer head error a few years ago, don’t remember exactly what it said but I wasn’t able to fix it, couldn’t print anymore after that. Got a MG7760 now which does pretty much the same job.

Still need to try glossy HQ paper though, best I’ve used is standard paper that is slightly thicker and quicker for drying than ordinary A4 paper.

FINISHED Projects: Chronologically LOST HD

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DragoonClawNZ said:

Still need to try glossy HQ paper though

Since you are using a Canon Pixma MG5350, make sure your paper is inkjet compatible. Glossy inkjet paper has microscopic holes in the plastic coating that allow the ink to get in and adhere to the paper underneath.

Since paper for laser printers doesn’t have these holes, it won’t work, because the ink will still easily smudge off even after drying.

The NJVC Custom Bluray Set of Harmy’s Despecialized Editions is available on Mega.

Go to this thread