OT: Printing DVD Slicks

TeeJay wrote on 7/26/2006, 7:09 PM

I know this is totally off topic, but i respect the opinions of this board and have ALWAYS received great advice.

So with that said, normally when i complete a project, i get the disc replicated and slick printing done by a professional printing house.

My latest project is a very small quantity, probably 20 to 30 copies and it's just not cost effective to send the job out for replication, so i am looking at making my operation a little more self sufficient when it comes to smaller runs.

I have a Wytron 9 stack duplicator for duping discs and my Canon MP760 does great disc prints, but whilst it also does great DVD Sleeve (slick) prints, i find that the print never really loses its tackiness, in that it sort of sticks to the clear plastic case cover, giving it a 'wet' look. I use 150GSM Gloss stock and have tried a variety of media but it all remains slightly tacky. Not tacky to the touch, but only when the sleeve is inserted into the case cover.

My Canon MP760 is a bubblejet. Does anyone have any tips for preventing this? Is it just the nature of bubblejet printing? Would getting a colour laser be a better option for printing smaller runs?

Kind regards,

T

Comments

jrazz wrote on 7/26/2006, 7:51 PM

You could change your paper stock to something other than glossy. I used glossy inserts, etc, but they always stuck to plastic casings or sleeves. I changed my paper stock and no more stick.

j razz

DrLumen wrote on 7/26/2006, 9:03 PM

This is a bit off the wall but it might work... You could try using a translucent powder to keep it from sticking (eliminate the tack). You can get translucent powder at a costume or theatre supply.

Not really sure of the results - just a thought...

farss wrote on 7/26/2006, 9:10 PM

Tried gloss, same problem, sticks to plastic unless sprayed with lacquer, then too fiddly and expensive.

Just use matte paper.

Here's a tip for a really smick slick. Use paper and OHP transparency film for a 3D look.

Grazie wrote on 7/26/2006, 9:19 PM

In the past I've used transparent on silver. Now, if you print say black and blue and purply-red - Kewl!!

PeterWright wrote on 7/26/2006, 10:21 PM

I use hp premium choice paper (120 gsm) which bring out the colours very nicely, then slipping it into the transparent case cover gives it the gloss look - gloss not needed underneath.

Grazie wrote on 7/26/2006, 10:25 PM

Sorry! Slicks . .slicks . .slicks . . DUMMIE! NOT disc labels - apologies to everyone!!

TeeJay wrote on 7/27/2006, 2:45 AM

Thanks guys...
I bought some Canon 170gsm Matte, and it does look excellent in the plastic sleeve. Peter, I'll try the HP 120Ggsm cos the 170 seems a little thick for a slick.

Well, all in all, looks like problem solved! Cheers guys,

T

BowmanDigital wrote on 7/28/2006, 9:10 PM

I'd use a colour laser, even if you get it printed somewhere else. Much cheaper!

TeeJay wrote on 7/29/2006, 7:58 AM

Actually, i did look into getting a laser, and whilst it certainly seems like a much cheaper option per sheet, the media options are limited.

I know that they run too hot for glossy stock/media, but does anyone know whether they are suitable for Matte stock?

Coursedesign wrote on 7/29/2006, 10:14 AM

Yes, the right lasers are great for matte stock.

I saw printouts from a Samsung CLP-600N color laser printer yesterday, the quality shocked me.

I've been looking at print samples from color lasers for more than a year, never saw anything I thought was good enough.

I particularly disliked the waxy color printing of some.

The Samsung instead really looked like the best of offset printing. Good gamut, great saturation, 14 cents per print (typical 5% coverage) at full price for toners. Its text printing, even at small point sizes, was razorsharp (another weak area for many of the others)

This printer cranks 21ppm in color or b/w, and has an Ethernet interface built-in. 50dBA noise level (that is really quiet).

Not bad for $399 after Easy Rebate (no mailing in anything, just enter data online) at Staples, with a 2 year service contract included as part of a limited promotion that ends tonight.

Added: It does print 8.5"x14" paper for DVD slicks.

Edited printer model #.

TeeJay wrote on 7/29/2006, 5:39 PM

Thanks for that info Coursedesign.
In your travels, did you happen to check out the Canon 5200c or Epson AL1100 ?

Coursedesign wrote on 7/29/2006, 10:14 PM

No, I didn't see either one of those. The Canon doesn't seem to be widely distributed, the Epson seems to be a very good multifunction machine for twice the price and one fourth of the color printing speed. The Epson seems to have very sharp output also, but its printer drivers generated major customer complaints, and specs indicate that it can't handle legal size paper.

I have seen some decent color lasers for 20 times the cost of the Samsung CLP-600N, but I didn't think they were better in print quality (they did have advantages in duty cycle, etc. though).

I bought the Samsung tonight, and was pleasantly surprised that it comes with drivers for every version of Windows from 98 through NT 4.0, 2000, XP, and 2003, as well as Mac and Linux!

In the U.S. it is important that printers can handle legal size paper, because that's the only standard size paper that works for DVD slicks.

Btw, there are several glossy papers available for color lasers. So far I don't like any of them, the finish is more like "semigloss" really.

BowmanDigital wrote on 7/30/2006, 4:53 PM

These slicks are going into clear dvd cases right? you'll find that behind clear plastic a matte or semigloss finish will be fine. The other thing about using a colour laser is that you can print 2 sides without over saturating paper with ink. Make sure you use a blade or paper trimmer to cut and not sissors also. There are som metallic stocks which look great laser printed also.

TeeJay wrote on 7/30/2006, 5:45 PM

So far, with this current job, i have managed to get some photo quality matte to print with my bubblejet. I will definately invest in a decent laser before the next job though as it will work out a lot more cost effective per sheet.
My biggest problem is finding a good range of cost effective media/paper here in Australia. Any Aussies know where i can buy from? There is Officeworks (Oz office supply chain), but they don't have a great range and they're certainly not that cheap.

Coursedesign wrote on 7/30/2006, 6:43 PM

Bowman,

What metallic stocks did you find to work with lasers? Sounds interesting.

Note re Samsung's color lasers: the CLP-510's output is not nearly as good as the CLP-600's ditto, and it has only a USB interface (no Ethernet). It's also only $249AR...

Staples still has the CLP-600N for $399AR, but the 2-year (onsite!) service contract now costs $49 which is still amazing.

Another thing I liked about the Samsung is that their printers were top rated by owners in a PCWorld survey for reliability and product support.

Michael L wrote on 7/30/2006, 6:57 PM

I use an Epson printer (R200) I have had great luck with the office depot professional glossy paper. Dries instantly and has none of the tackiness. Seems to be a paper issue for me. I have experimented with different inks and the same result. Good luck with your projects.