CD Printers Make Labeling Stylish For Less

Burning your own CDs or DVDs has become a popular practice for everyone from students who like creating their own music mixes to business executives who create marketing CDs for their small businesses. CD printers now make labeling CDs and DVDs in high style much less expensive and more efficient than it's ever been.

Until recently, the only reasonably cost-effective way to label CD's was to print the adhesive-backed labels that you would then stick on the front of the disc. These were okay for a short period of time, but they did have serious drawbacks. For one thing, the paper they were printed on generally wasn't designed to take high resolution color printing very well. It was limited by the type of paper that was needed to hold the adhesive on the back and the fact that it needed to be able to stand up to the high heat it would be subjected to in a CD or DVD player. For another, the labels were difficult to handle. Positioning the labels on the discs could be tedious and they often wrinkled while being applied, ruining the look and giving a less than professional appearance.

Paper labels were also inefficient - after repeated use of CDs or DVDs that have paper labels, the labels often begin to peel and curl because of exposure to the high heat of the media units. In fact, some units actually recommend not playing discs that have paper labels.

CD printers make labeling CDs much easier by getting rid of the need for paper labels and printing directly on the disc itself. The technology was originally quite expensive, making it prohibitive for small businesses and individual users. In the last several years, however, the price has come down as CD printers have evolved and the cost of not only the printers but the ink cartridges used in them have dropped significantly in price (the ink cartridges use a specially formulated ink designed to adhere to the material of the disc).

Because the ink is applied directly to the disc and is permanent, you don't have to worry about the artwork or lettering peeling, curling or tearing, so it won't damage any media device you put a disc into. The graphics will be crisp, clear and sharp and will not be affected by repeated exposure to high heat in multi-media players.

The stylish printing and incredible versatility available with CD printers enable anyone to make CDs and DVDs that are gorgeous and professional looking. Many CD printers come with software packages that include templates for dozens of stylish labels from traditional to funky that you can use 'as is? or customize. You can also create your own using almost any graphics design or photo shop program that is compatible with your CD printer. The resulting disc labels will make impressive gifts for friends and relatives (wouldn't your family live to receive CDs of their favorite music custom labeled with family photos?) or ideal promotional CDs for your small business.

For just pennies a disc, CD printers are a great way to add style and professional flair to your personal and business CDs and DVDs.

Andy West is a writer for DYMO, which offers innovative labeling solutions including CD printers.