What paper do you use for your DVD covers?
 

At first I bought some premium high gloss photo paper.. It looked great before putting it into the DVD cover. Once inserted inside however all of the ink seems to stick to the plastic, and end up looking pretty bad. I've now switched to satin photo paper. It doesn't have much of a gloss. I know there is something better out there though. I use a Epson RX580 for print.

i use premium glossy with an Epson R265....once left to dry for 20 mins the ink never comes off.

Is it definately inkjet glossy?

I am on the verge of buying the below "EPSON A4 PREMIUM GLOSSY PHOTO PAPER" paper. Do you think it will suffice? Am a little worried after hearing your story about the ink sticking!

My main concern is that, once I fold the Photo-Page twice to accommodate the 14mm spine, the image could 'break', if you know what I mean. Like, the white paper beneath might show through a crack/seam in the inkjet-photo image where I've folded it...

Normal 'Blockbuster' DVD covers aren't printed on normal glossy photo paper, are they? I'm not sure myself, and totally new to this. Any suggestions appreciated.

Here is the paper I'm on the verge of buying for my DVD covers:

EPSON A4 PREMIUM GLOSSY PHOTO PAPER: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Hi Vince, Novatech are pretty expensive when it comes to shipping to Northern Ireland and cost nearly as much as the Epson paper, so I thought I'd just give the Epson stuff a go while I 'start out'. Thanks again for the Novatech tip though. By the way, if you order from them via the 'top cashback' site you'll get 3% cashback.

I use HP Everyday Photo Paper

It's Semi gloss. This paper dries right away, so you can put it to use immediately - and without sticking. Try it.. you won't miss all that gloss stuff for a second. Since it goes under that plastic film (on the dvd case) it looks just as good as the glossy expensive paper, but without the cost and without the sticking.

One more thing to add.. I use an epson R340, so the HP paper works great with my epson. I have not had good luck with Epson paper for the applications we use it for.

The HP Everyday Photo Paper to me is very similar to the paper in blockbuster DVD cases. Feels the same, looks the same, weighs the same. I'm sure they are not the exact same, but to me it's very close.

Peter

I used to fold the paper also for the spline, but there really is no need, just insert the cover in flat and when you close the DVD case, it does the folding for you.

Cheers
Darren

I use these: Merit-Line | Glossy Insert for DVD Case - 50 Sheets | 161005

It's glossy and perforated the size of the case. The edges break of very cleanly. It can also be trimmed for the thinner cases, but no perf for that.

I can insert them into the case within a few minutes of them coming out of the printer and for over 100 cases I've never had one stick. This is all done with an Epson RX595.

I don't know what 50 pieces of photo paper cost, but I don't think these are much more expensive, if at all. It's definitely worth it for time saving it provides.

I use the Memorex Xpress It software (free) for printing. The graphics are created in Photoshop and the resulting TIFF file is dropped into Xpress It. Align it with the guides for the spine and edges and it's perfectly placed every time.

I'll give these a try... It sounds like they work well and are priced very well. thanks for the info.

Wow, those covers are almost as expensive as a DVD blank. I use 24# bond for my covers. I trim it with a paper cutter, but anything that's placed under the clear plastic takes on a glossy appearence, so I'm not sure a glossy paper is need. I'm going to go back and experiment with some glossy or semi-glossy stock.

DVD paper
 

Just wondering if anyone using the Discus software for the Mac, I have had the most difficult time finding the right preset for a dvd cover. What do you guys use or have you designed a preset for it to share?

For you Mac guys:
I've been using Disc Cover 2 from Belight. This software has made creating the cover art and disc art a breeze. It will assist you in creating art for just about any type of media - even those disc "business cards" that I would never put in any of my players. I can print directly to my Primera publisher as a one-off or save the art as a pdf and use that to print the discs when doing a large order. Everything I used before was a pain in the butt.

Belight also has an App for business cards that I would never be without. Flawless alignment every time.

I just wish I could find a printer that I would be happy with - I've been through a bunch of them and they all have reliability issues. From clogging heads on this model to paper jams on that model, or lack of driver support for models they don't sell currently. I guess you just have to buy a new one every year or so...

And don't get me started on the price of ink!

Also you would think they would standardize the cartridges for their entire line so instead of selling 100 different cartridges they would use one for each color that would be used in all their printers. I bet the stores that have to stock them would love to have to only have stock 6 to 8 different cartridges per manufacturer. That would have to save a bundle on design, manufacturing, stocking and shipping costs.

Sorry for the rant but I get so P.O.'d with printers.

I use this product: Jewelboxing - Super Jewel Box Packaging System - CD and DVD Cases

The paper is thick and soft like cotton.

I use premium glossy with my Epson 1800-R, no drying times and no sticking.

I use Canon High Resolution Paper HR-101N. It is easy to fold as it is 106g/m2 and 122 um thick. It's non glossy but it will give the same resault when it goes under the DVD plastic. I let it dry for about 10 min before putting it in the cover. I have tried an expensive thick high gloss paper and while it look better right from the printer than the thin non glossy paper there is no visible difference when it is under the plastic.

Use Matte Paper IMO
 

Hi...

I find glossy paper not ideal as the ink takes longer to dry, colours can fade and as you are sliding it into a glossy (or semi-gloss) case sleeve what's the point?

Much better to use a matte paper. I find this Epson paper very good 'professional' looking quality when used with my Epson printer

Epson A4 Matte Heavyweight Inkjet Paper: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Hope this helps - Pete

I have found my new method! Wow, that looks amazing. Do you have any negative comments about this packaging system?

Not anwering your question, but perhaps a small tip very related.

I use kunaki.com for all my printing needs. Upload your DVD master, cover inserts etc, and you can print 1 or 500 copies on demand whenever you want, shipped to wherever you want. It is around 2$ a DVD for dvd with case cover, innlay, DVD cover, all shrinkwrapped.

With current prices for ink and paper where I live, this is actually cheaper for me, and customers love the touch of having the DVD wrapped. All local printers have much higher costs (near 6$ each for DVD+packaging, 50 copies minimum)

Just a tip, some might want to check it out.

I used to do graphics and shop work for a local print shop so i have access to various papers at wholesale. I prefer to use C1s cover stock (aka heavy card stock) that has an ultra high gloss coating on one side and is standard on the other. I print it full color on my HP color laserjet using a custom photoshop templete I reverse engineered from a job I sent to discmakers (they used to have templates on their website you could download.) I trim by hand for quantities under 10 and insert into clear fullsize cases. Over 10, I take them to a local print shop and have them cut to spec.

dvd covers
 

I buy amps dvd template covers and they are excellent highly recomend if you are in the UK check out apr media for great prices I buy every thing from them.
I also get a white leather style with velvet interior from them also something a little more special for weddings.

Glad you like it! It's a pretty good product overall!

Pros: *Amazing customer service!! If I have a problem (see "cons" they are on top of it ASAP!)
*Tons of options for design!
*I've had GREAT feedback from clients
*Looks really proffessional

Cons: *I have had shipments were the paper had an ink steak on EVERY page!! Or cracked cases on arrival. BUT they send out replacements plus extra ASAP! So no biggie
*Can be tedious casing each DVD for big orders. I had 2 oders for 70+ DVD's and It took HOURS to print/package them.
* The paper is THICK and if I print the case mostly black you can sort of see white on the edge when you "punch iot out". My solution is to run the edge of a black marker down the edge of the paper and it disappears.

Give them a try though!

Re: What paper do you use for your DVD covers?
 

Digging out on old thread here.. what paper do most of you use for inkjet printer?

I need to print both sides because I prefer using a clear DVD case. I've tried glossy & matte but they don't print on both sides (atleast not on the one I bought). So, I've been using a 100 gsm paper.. but they don't look flash, plus the print on the other side is slightly visible from the front.. :(

Anyone got recommendations?

Re: What paper do you use for your DVD covers?
 

I print at FedEx Kinko's and ask for the executive paper 69¢ per print

Re: What paper do you use for your DVD covers?
 

You might look for "Brochure" paper, which is glossy and meant to be printed on both sides.

Re: What paper do you use for your DVD covers?
 

I also use Jewelboxing cases. They are great. Their pre-perforated paper was a real timesaver, but the shipping costs to Europe from Chicago are a bit steep. I now buy the Jewelboxing cases locally, and use Canon High Resolution paper. It's no fun having to cut the paper to size with knives, but the result looks great.

Under plastic, glossy paper is not necessary.

PS. I did try HP photo paper once, but the results were horrible. Does HP put a Canon ink repellant on their stock?

Re: What paper do you use for your DVD covers?
 

Hello Johannes. I find that inkjet is great for disc printing but that most paper finishes are not appropriate for full bleed (edge to edge) 2-sided color printing on inkjet. If you have access to a color laserjet, there are many glossy cardstock papers that will produce nice results via laser. If you do not have access to a laserjet, contact local copy companies to find one using a color laser copier or digital press that can handle short runs. Fedex Kinkos can be nice but check them carefully, they do not often monitor the output and I have ended up with many prints from them that have streaks or other aberrations. I only print in house inserts for runs less than ten. At ten or more, the outsourced pricing is cheaper and the quality is better.

Also, if you have a large full-service print company nearby, call them and ask for the production manager (or similar position) and ask that person if they have any 80# coated cover weight stock that is inkjet compatible. When I used to work in print we would get some in from time to time and often cut it down for a client to pick-up blank sheets. If they do have it, see if they will give you a sheet to test before purchasing any stock outright as inkjet compatible does not mean your ink and inkjet, necessarily...

Good luck!

Re: What paper do you use for your DVD covers?
 

I tried all kinds of inkjet paper before, and didn't like them because of smearing or long drying times. I'm very happy now with Kodak glossy photo paper. Dries instantly and doesn't smear in the dvd case.

Re: What paper do you use for your DVD covers?
 

I love the look of this too. I just ordered a sample. Thanks Kelsey!

Re: What paper do you use for your DVD covers?
 

An update on my interest in the Jewelboxing solution:

I received the sample I ordered very quickly -- shipping seems to be very fast, so I'm immediately pleased by that. I ordered the larger DVD jewel box, and the sample was a fully-assembled piece, with all inlays printed and placed, along with a printed/labeled DVD with a few clips on it about Jewelboxing.

I'm impressed with the look of it, and will be using them to deliver wedding DVD's/Blu-rays. My only wish is that the sample would have come with the blank sheets, so I could print/assemble one on my own. But seeing a fully-produced one was also helpful, and has solidified my decision to become a customer.

Re: What paper do you use for your DVD covers?
 

I just received my Jewelboxing "King" sample yesterday, too. I thought the case was absolutely terrific -- a relative thought it was "over the top" -- but I was not happy to see white perf marks along every perforated edge on the paper inserts. Those reminded me of why I currently print my own covers (for the standard cheap-o clam shell DVD cases) and use a large paper cutter to cut them down to size. I wondered if someone at Jewelboxing hastily ripped the perforated inserts for my sample! In reality, I think a typical person would not notice the white perforation marks/tears; still, for such a slick looking product, I would think something could be done about the perf marks.

I wouldn't mind printing my own inserts on regular paper, not Jewelboxing's perforated insert stock, but the thought of cutting intricate patterns on at least one those inserts is a strong negative for me.

I'm curious to know whether you saw white perf marks. Maybe I'm OCD...

Re: What paper do you use for your DVD covers?
 

I didn't notice them originally, but upon closer inspection, I do see them. For me, it's not as much of an issue, because I plan on them being mostly white anyhow.

They were clever, though, as I was paying more attention to the nice photography and design than the perfs! :)

Re: What paper do you use for your DVD covers?
 

I use Inkpress semi-gloss duo 8.3" rolls. It has a nice finish and is relatively cheap
compared to the other photo papers.

Re: What paper do you use for your DVD covers?
 

What kind of printer are you using the rolls with and what weight (thinkiness, bond, stock, etc) is the paper? What made you choose to go with a roll fed printer? Do you do photography and photo printing as well?

Thanks! We are considering adding some smaller format in house printing options for our photography at this time and would find these answers helpful.

Re: What paper do you use for your DVD covers?
 

On the Inkpress Roll Paper, I use an Epson R800. I use the roll paper because my catalog
of videos includes 2/3/4 and 5 disc sets all with different case thicknesses. The four disk cases are
an inch thick and that is bigger than a standard perforated DVD insert. Hell, they are larger
than a regular letter sized sheet of paper so its either go roll paper or use A4. Hard to find
A4 in the states here.

Originally I was disappointed with the texture of the perforated inserts and they were expensive
to boot. The texture was never right. The Inkpress is halfway between matte and glossy, about
the right thickness, and it takes the 8-color ink from the R800 very well. It's designed to be a "cheap" proofing paper for magazines which is about the quality one wants for a DVD insert.

The downside of this operation is that it is a lot of work. Loading roll paper into an R800 takes a lot
of finesse and I only really figured out how to do it after I had owned the printer for four years and
tried everything. The R800 can be a bit moody when it comes to changing from sheets to rolls.
Also, you have to cut every insert from the printed roll so you always have to
have the disc-photo cutter handy.

I don't sell very many videos in a year but when I do I want the print quality to be fantastic and
the R800+inkpress semi can do it.

As far as photography, the R800 is fairly serviceable but it is an old model. I chose it because
I can get reliable high saturation images out of it (I shoot fireworks etc.) and not for photographic
quality. You should consult a reputable photography website for advice about high quality photo printing.
I would imagine that any printer that can feed an 8.3" roll will work fine with the Inkpress paper.

Re: What paper do you use for your DVD covers?
 

Thanks for the walk through. I can see why you went with the workflow you have established. They are many of the same reasons I outsource my printing to a local print shop. The quality is so much better than anything I can do at a reasonable price. We do have a large format roll printer (40 inch) we use for photos on canvas and large format photo printing but I have never used it for DVD printing mainly because of the cutting involved.

Re: What paper do you use for your DVD covers?
 

I use Costco Kirkland Photo paper with Epson Artisan 50 photo printer. The result is great! I made my own Photoshop template that I move the paper to the top left. Then with Borderless printing, I just need to trim the bottom and right edge. You can download the template here

DVD cover design and DVD label printing | L.A. Color Blog

get an xacto knife and those "self healing" cutting matt

Staedtler Cutting Mat Clear by Office Depot