How Do You Label Your DVDs/CDs?

[Keebler Elf]

What type of marker do you use? I've read that Sharpies can degrade the data on the disk over time.

I've used water-based pens in the past but they're so fine the quality of the writing is poor and I'm looking for something better.

 

[esoterica]

What type of marker do you use? I've read that Sharpies can degrade the data on the disk over time.

I've used water-based pens in the past but they're so fine the quality of the writing is poor and I'm looking for something better.

LiteScribe

 

[WoodPeckr]

Nothing anymore.

Used to use Fellowes Neato stick-on labels that you could print out with your printer in the past but stopped after reading warnings. Now a couple of those old labeld CDs won't open/play anymore.

 

[tuborg]

Inkjet printable CDs > Litescribe

 

[Mack Bolan]

Keebler, get the printerable CD/DVD and a Epson printer.
They have a special tray for the CD/DVD that allows you print on the cd/dvd.

Please keep in mind that you can scan or download DVD lables/covers.

 

[Keebler Elf]

I'm not looking for anything fancy. Just pens that will work half decently.

 

[The Bandit]

Look at Staples, they should have markers that say they're for CD/DVD.

 

[viewsonic]

good ol permanent makers will do the trick

 

[WoodPeckr]

good ol permanent makers will do the trick

That's a bad choice.
Over time the permanent ink will bleed through the media layers making them unplayable.

 

[Bale]

These work pretty well : http://www.brother.ca/en/p-touch/index.asp

 

[LurkingInMyTent]

I've been using the Staedtler Lumocolor markers for about six years now and just checked one of my old CDs - still works fine. The markers are available in Fine and Medium thicknesses and a variety of colours. Staples sells them.

 

[tboy]

Sharpies come in water based washable inks as well. Just use them......and sharpies are available in different grades too, not just fine.

 

[Disturbia]

What type of marker do you use? I've read that Sharpies can degrade the data on the disk over time.

I've used water-based pens in the past but they're so fine the quality of the writing is poor and I'm looking for something better.

I used to label them in a very fancy way until I learned my lesson!

I've been using "Fellowes NEAT CD Marker" since almost 6 or 7 years now. It's kind yellow color and bought it from Staples. No problem so far.

 

[enyaw]

staedtler non-permanent lumocolor, from grand and toy. But I've been thinking recently, these aren't rewritable disks so wtf. It is a fine point marker. Good luck with whatever you choose

 

[tuborg]

These work pretty well : http://www.brother.ca/en/p-touch/index.asp

You may want to think twice about using any sort of stick on labels. It will cause the disc to become unbalanced and if the disc is damaged it may shatter inside the drive.

 

[Cycleguy007]

Been using a regular black sharpie for years... Never had the degradation issue you are referring to.

 

[tuborg]

Been using a regular black sharpie for years... Never had the degradation issue you are referring to.

I just pulled out a CDR that I burned in '95.. still good. Duke Nukem anyone?

 

[Keebler Elf]

Been using a regular black sharpie for years... Never had the degradation issue you are referring to.

You've been lucky.

Sharpies are the last thing I'd use.

 

[cypherpunk]

You've been lucky.

Sharpies are the last thing I'd use.

Blah blah blah. I wouldn't go around marking up archival media with a felt tipped anything (or thermal transfers or stickers or ANYTHING), but I go through hundreds of DVDs a year (and yes, they're actively used) and they all get the Sharpie treatment. I've never had a coaster that could be blamed on labeling. And if you're wondering, accepted accelerated aging for DVDs is not the same thing as accepted accelerated aging for marker ink, so you'll want to take the controlled test(s) with a grain of salt.

It would be far more dangerous to stick DVDs in a CD jewel case or to store a spindle on its side.

 

[shakenbake]

That's a bad choice.
Over time the permanent ink will bleed through the media layers making them unplayable.

I have found over the years that Sharpies are reliable. Especially because they are acid free, to my knowledge and experience.