Hi,

I will be handing out finished copies of my DVDs on standard black DVD cases with plastic sleeves on the outside http://www.lowcostcomputersupplies.co.uk/images/prodimg/datawri202.jpg I am designing my first template and was wondering if anybody can recommend the best paper to print on?

I know it will go behind the plastic but I still want to give it a professional look.

I find it usually is better if you use the genuine paper from the manufacturer..we run Epson 730's so for the DVD case I found that Epson Photo Quality InkJet Paper gave me the best result and wrapped around the case nicely...glossy photo paper was just too heavy!!

Chris

I use Canon Matte Photo Paper. I get 50 sheets in a pack for like $10. Anyway i do like the matte finish over the glossy.
The Canon part Number is MP-101

There is not really a best paper for this job, more a case of what you find acceptable. I normally use Fuji high gloss paper, but I just picked up a pack of 235g glossy paper, 25 sheets for £1.20 in a local cheapo shop. Amazing for the price, printed out an A4 shot of my grandson checking out the new springer puppies. I really cant tell the difference between this and prints on far more expensive paper. And the prints look great when slipped into Amaray cases

I'm currently using high gloss sheets that i get from Sam's Club ~$13 for 75 sheets printing on epson 560 with CIS.

Believe it or not, Plain printer paper using a lazer printer at Kinko's (Now FedEx) does a fantastic job. Cost is around $.85 ea. Just take in your image on a cd and they will take it from there. You will be in and out of there in 10 minutes.

I print my own since I have a wide body Epson 4800 pigment ink printer - overkill for the job obviously - and use Ilford Smooth Pearl Photographic paper.

But I can't see any issue with using straight photos from a lab of your choice. They won't have a standard DVD size print but you could make your own template at 7.09" x 10.71" and then just overlay it onto a suitable standard print size, trimming it when you receive it.

I prefer the clear cases rather than the coloured ones. I get both singles and doubles from Riviera Multimedia - good value and very quick to deliver:

Blank Media & Packaging Specialists: DVD Cases: CD Cases: Blank CDs: Blank DVDs (http://www.rivierapublishing.co.uk/)

Pete

I definitely prefer the Kinko's / FedEx Office solution for larger quantities due to the hassle of trimming. But for under 20 pcs it just doesn't pay, time-wise. It's a 45 minute proposition at best - roundtrip. Sometimes they're busy and it's a 2 trip deal.

I use Kirkland (Costco) photo paper. I orient my design on the top left corner of the page. Then with Epson borderless printing, I only need to trim the bottom and right side of the page with xacto knife. Works very well. I also make my template here you can download.

DVD cover design and DVD label printing | L.A. Color Online Blog (http://lacoloronline.com/blog/?10037-DVD-cover-design-and-DVD-label-printing)

Just done one yesterday
same as Dan I use Canon Matte Photo Paper 170 g/m2 (MP-101) running off a Pixma 2000 Pro, probably not suitable for big runs.

if your doing the layout yourself remember that those DVD covers only have a 7mm spine, so you'll have to adjust your width to 267 mm instead of the usual 272 mm

Photo lab for long runs would be good except the cropping problem

heres the one i did yesterday
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/members/rob-cantwell-albums-dvd-cover-picture734-dvdcover.jpg

Rob

I use Kodak Brilliant Gloss photo paper. Doesn't run, dries instantly, and looks very professional in high gloss.

Nice work Rob!

thanks
that one was just for the stills, have to do another one for the video!

Epson Presentation Paper Matte, Overview - Epson America, Inc. (http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/ProductMediaSpec.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&infoType=Overview&oid=-17122&category=Paper%20&%20Media)

Epson Presentation Paper Matte

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At the minimum, this paper with an Epson inkjet. (Otherwise, Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper.)

Prints nice and crisp, good contrast, vivid, and thin so it doesn't cause trouble under the plastic.
You can go with higher quality inkjet medium, but at a higher cost that will not likely affect the final presentation much. You'll have to decide.

I use EPPM for DVD covers since everything's behind the plastic and they're not likely to be pulling it out. I use EPGPP for CD-case covers since there's nothing but the paper there in the front when they open it - double-sided, glued or folded over so both sides have something printed for the front CD cover. Plus, the CD-cases have a clearer plastic, so you use a higher grade paper.