|
Help printing on CDs with an Epson
|
|
|
grovery3
Newbie
|
10. December 2005 @ 19:10 |
Link to this message
|
|
I just got an Epson R200 specifically for the purpose of printing on inkjet printable media. I must be looking in the wrong places, because I can't find answers for what seem to me like obvious questions!
1. How far to load the printable CD/DVD tray into the printer. The manual shows you how to load the discs into the removable tray, but not how far to insert the tray into the printer! If I keep pushing, it keeps on going farther back into the printer.
2. Is there no way to use a DIFFERENT labeling program (instead of Epson's), but still print CDs on the Epson Printer?
3. There's no preset template for a "full-faced" or "hub-printable" CD or DVD? I'm supposed to measure and enter the dimensions myself? If I'm off by a mm, it will throw the whole thing off. I don't even have a ruler that shows freakin' milimeters!
Any help would be appreciated. My "Christmas Projects" are in limbo :)
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
|
Senior Member
3 product reviews
|
11. December 2005 @ 04:12 |
Link to this message
|
|
The CD tray and the printer guide both have indicating triangles on them.
Line the white ones on the tray with the black ones on the flip down guide.
As for the disk size, there is an icon for changing the size of the outer and inner diameters.
I usually set the inner to 20 and outer 119 mm for full face and inner to 39 mm for others.
The worse you can do is leave a white line on a disc or print over the edge if you get it wrong.
The latter won't hurt, just wipe it away, the former can be reprinted with a new setting if you don't remove it, it will still line up.
I don't think your going to get a better print software for that printer.
It is very easy to use and easy to import from scanned images or from files.
Using the resizing function just expand any imported image to cover the template.
|
|
littlegun
Member
|
13. December 2005 @ 06:50 |
Link to this message
|
|
I am looking at buying one of the Epson CD/DVD printers and maybe someone can shed some light. I currently have a Lezmark 5150 all in one printer/scanner. Now if I want to copy an image of a DVD lets say Mr & Mrs Smith. Will I do this with the Lexmark Scanner and then transpose thru the Epson SW and then onto the disk or is there an easier / different way?
|
Senior Member
3 product reviews
|
13. December 2005 @ 08:17 |
Link to this message
|
|
The Epson Print CD software has the option to print from imported image.
Click the twain button and it will activate your scanner and display on the disc template.
You will then need to expand the image to the correct size of the template and away you go.
If I get a disk with a crap picture i.e. a silver finish with just black writing, then I tend to download a cover from www.cdcovers.cc which has one of the best online covers libraries.
So you could just use this download method as the preferred choice to make things easier, but the scanning is quick and easy as well.
|
|
littlegun
Member
|
13. December 2005 @ 08:25 |
Link to this message
|
|
BigDk...
Thanks soo much. I have seen that CD/DVD librabry and are pretty impressed. Now if I understand correctly the Epson SW will work with this CD library?
I use Databecker and this will not interface with the CD library...
|
Senior Member
3 product reviews
|
13. December 2005 @ 08:38 |
Link to this message
|
Yes, I use it all the time.
Just download the image to PC and then in software, select import image from file and select the downloaded picture.
Another place to look for covers is here, as it lists all the host sites:
http://www.dvd-covers.com/
|
|
rooster33
Suspended due to non-functional email address
|
13. December 2005 @ 08:57 |
Link to this message
|
|
bigDK really has this down, but i'll throw in my 2 cents anyway.
once you grab the cover from cdcovers.cc, you can import the image to the printCD program. then you'll need to stretch it onto the template. i usually over-stretch it a little to make sure i get the whole thing and so i don't have the cd border printed onto the disc.
also, you might want to spray some clear coat on the disc when you're done, just so it won't smudge
cdcovers.cc easily has the biggest selection, but sometimes the quality isn't the best. look for "custom" labels that people have made, those usual come out looking great.
hirescovers.com is the best site for newer dvd releases and has all custom covers in extremely high res. you have to register, but its free.
covers.to is another site, not great, but sometimes they'll have a custom cover that cdcovers.cc doesn't have
you just need practice doing this. i've done over a hundred and have it down to a science, i'm sure you'll get there in time also.
|
|
littlegun
Member
|
13. December 2005 @ 09:48 |
Link to this message
|
|
Rooster...great info and thnaks for the sites...
"Clear Coat" something you buy at Home Depot or what exactly....first I have heard of this...
|
Senior Member
3 product reviews
|
13. December 2005 @ 11:18 |
Link to this message
|
|
I use Ghiant Ink Jet Satin fixative spray.
Buy mine from SVP in the UK.
I suppose you should be able to find a suitable alternative for where ever you are located.
Its definately worth the effort to use the fixative, as they look better and don't suffer from smudging.
|
|
rooster33
Suspended due to non-functional email address
|
13. December 2005 @ 11:22 |
Link to this message
|
|
yeah, i've bought it at craft stores, but i'm sure a home depot would have it. i use krylon gloss clear coat and put a couple of thin layers on the disc after i print. others on this forum swear by using Patricia Nomick's spray on their discs.
make sure you put light coats on. you don't want to get it wet and soaked. it will look awful.
|
Senior Member
3 product reviews
|
13. December 2005 @ 11:33 |
Link to this message
|
|
Another problem I've had, is where the disk is not flat enough and spray has got to the underside, this then mucks up the end of the disk.
Been forced to clean with Steel-fix stainless steel pan cleaner, as this works for me every time.
|
|
grovery3
Newbie
|
13. December 2005 @ 18:28 |
Link to this message
|
|
OK, some more questions guys. Does every inkjet printable disc smudge unless you put this spray coat on them, or is it just used as a protectant and not actually necessary? I just printed my first discs on my Epson R200 and the covers have a mostly black background. After 24 hours, I still get black on my fingers when I rub over it. I used a Memorex inkjet printable disc (white) and printed on the "text and image" setting figuring it would use less black ink than if it were set to "photo." On the "print color correction setting" I left it at default. If I make it lighter, will it help the ink dry better and keep the nice quality or will colors look washed out?
My 2 cents: In my experience, covers.cc has the best SELECTION of covers (I only use DVD though, Im not "up" on how their game covers, etc. are). However, I think covers.to has a lot better QUALITY covers and it's interface is a lot cleaner and easier to navigate in my opinion. Usually if I can't find what I'm looking for at covers.to I check .cc!
I'm on my way to check out hirescovers.com now, I haven't heard of this one!
|
|
rooster33
Suspended due to non-functional email address
|
14. December 2005 @ 08:57 |
Link to this message
|
|
i've noticed that a dark cover will smudge no matter how long it dries. this is especially true for printing at higher quality. thats why i started using the spray. and i'm using taiyo yuden printables, which are very high quality. i might watch out for those memorex ones, theres a lot of hatred towards that brand on this forum.
as for the spray getting on the bottom of the disc, i actually print the disc before i burn it (i have that much faith in my plextor), buy also i use the bottom half of a slim jewel case (to mount the disc on) so i know that i'm not ruining the bottom of the disc.
try that out.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 14. December 2005 @ 08:58
|
Senior Member
3 product reviews
|
14. December 2005 @ 10:42 |
Link to this message
|
|
Thanks for the tip.
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most obvious, and then are all too easy to overlook.
|
AfterDawn Addict
|
14. December 2005 @ 14:33 |
Link to this message
|
HP a1118x-b/athlon 64-3300+/BenQ 1650 BCDC/LG 8163B/Modded Wii/Epson-R300 and Ty Watershields!!! |
|
woodbane
Newbie
|
21. December 2005 @ 07:56 |
Link to this message
|
Grovery,
I have found another piece of software that supports direct cd/dvd printing. It's made by Acoustica and supports the Epson printers. It does a FAR superior job, has templates for full face (hub) printable and non-hub (large hole) printable media.
Find it here:
http://www.acoustica.com/cd-label-maker/
|
Senior Member
3 product reviews
|
21. December 2005 @ 08:21 |
Link to this message
|
|
Cheers for the link Woodbane.
I already use a few bits of software from acoustica already so I know they make good programs that are easy to use.
I'll be trying it tonight.
|
|
grovery3
Newbie
|
21. December 2005 @ 22:02 |
Link to this message
|
|
Thanks for your help guys! I realized that the CD labeling program that I always use now supports the Epson R200. I haven't actually tried printing from Surething yet, but did realize (after an update) that I could. I did check out the Acoustica program- looks good. Thanks for the suggestion.
I'm still having trouble with the ink smudging on the printable disks. I've heard people say that their ink dries in 24 hours, but perhaps they aren't talking about the printable CDs (maybe cardstock or some other printing surface). Has anyone found printable inkjet media that doesn't smudge or is it just something everyone has to deal with? I have a disk that's been sitting about a week and I can still rub the black off just by running a dry finger over it. It's not actually WET, it's dry to the touch. So far I've used the Memorex printables and just tried a Verbatim hub printable one. It's only been about 12 hours for that one, but a tried a small spot and got black. FYI, both disks had predominantly black backgrounds and I'm not sure if this is lending to the problem!?
I did go buy the Nimocks spray at Walmart. I now know what you all mean when you say "orange peel." I must practice a couple more times before I really get serious! I just wish it was as easy as I thought it would be, you know? Just stick the disc in and print and in a couple of hours your ready to go...
If I can "master the spray," I guess it'll be OK. I'm sort of worried though that down the line we'll find out that the spray harmed the disk, you know? Has anyone have any info or opinions on this?
Gettin' late, gotta go. Thanks for your suggestions.
|
AfterDawn Addict
|
22. December 2005 @ 02:51 |
Link to this message
|
Quote:
Has anyone found printable inkjet media that doesn't smudge or is it just something everyone has to deal with?
My full hub discs dry withing 5 minutes.No smudges.Same goes for my full size case cover-in glossy photopaper. I use Maxell +8x: Maxell-002-00 from Wal-Mart/Office Depot- and also Verbatim +8x:MCC-003.
I posted a replay to a chap in the UK in another forum and he has same trouble with the case cover not drying-smudging-using his r-300.
I get my discount ink at private.abacus and it's just as good as the epson ink.
Quote:
FYI, both disks had predominantly black backgrounds and I'm not sure if this is lending to the problem!?
I prefer the darker covers.They look better.The lighter ones look more faded.
HP a1118x-b/athlon 64-3300+/BenQ 1650 BCDC/LG 8163B/Modded Wii/Epson-R300 and Ty Watershields!!!
|
|
rooster33
Suspended due to non-functional email address
|
22. December 2005 @ 03:37 |
Link to this message
|
|
the spray can be a little tricky to master. you have to use it very lightly. i actually just switched to the nimocks spray, and i just spray (from 1.5 to 2 feet away) a light, even coat, and then let that dry for 10-15 minutes and give it another light coat. they look great, and don't smudge.
|
|
woodbane
Newbie
|
22. December 2005 @ 09:47 |
Link to this message
|
|
It would seem from the trawling around forums I've done that the smudging on inkjet printable media is unavoidable with the water based inks used by most printers. Doesn't matter how long you leave it, it will still smudge.
Incidentally, even a 'dry' finger has skin oils on it and that's enough moisture to cause ink smudging.
Most people seem to agree that a coat of Krylon ClearCoat or the like is the best route to go. I'm all ready to start my little operation, got the R200, got the Krylon, got the movies.......now all I need is the UPS guy to deliver my media!! :o)
If anyone here has some good tips how to prevent the spray from getting on the back (data) side of the media it'd be much appreciated. I've had some thoughts but not sure how effective they'll be.
|
|
grovery3
Newbie
|
22. December 2005 @ 10:10 |
Link to this message
|
|
Woodbane, I can't remember if I read this suggestion on this forum or another, but I thought this was pretty good idea and just tried it myself. Someone suggested using saran wrap (clear cling wrap) to place the discs on. You know how saran wrap works, so it hugs the bottom of the disk until you lift it off. I put about 6 disks on a large piece and gently pushed them into the wrap, but don't leave wide edges of the wrap exposed in case the wind blows (of course I DID and the four corners folded over the discs a little). I'll post after the nimock's spray dries and I run the discs through a scan and check the data.
And Saugmon, are you saying that you print on an inkjet printable Maxell disc with a dark or black background and run your finger over it after 5 minutes and NO color comes off?
|
|
brickdust
Newbie
|
22. December 2005 @ 10:57 |
Link to this message
|
|
Heres a tip for all you guys who spray a fixative cover of whatever type on top of your printed DVD/CD's.
If you can get hold of a spindled base (the type that you often buy bulk disks on) get hold of some blue tack and put a thin film around the outer edge of the base and repeat around the actual base of the spindle, then get hold of an old DVD/CD or (better still as you can see the spread of the blue tack) one of the clear protective cd covers that also come with some bulk buys and press it down onto the base, this has to be done with a fair amount of pressure and with the blue tack as warm as possible, so that the blue tack starts to seap out slightly at the outer edge and around the spindle, once you are sure that all the outer and inner edges are fully sealed you trim of any seapage of the blue tack with with something like a modellers blade.
Then put this in the fridge for an about 20 mins..
The reason for this is to harden the blue tack slightly so that when you actually remove the old DVD/CD or clear cover it does not pull the blue tack from the base and break the seal between the base and the blue tack.
Then remove from fridge and leave to rise to room temperature for about another twenty mins.
Once all this has been done you can safely put your printable DVD/CD on the base using moderate pressure which will give you a good airtight seal for spraying.
The beauty of this is it cost nothing to make and repair if required
and it is very reliable with regards to no seapage of the fixative to the actual playing surface of the DVD/CD.
Hope this is of use to someone (took longer to type this than to carry out the above - well almost!)
|
AfterDawn Addict
|
22. December 2005 @ 13:57 |
Link to this message
|
Quote:
And Saugmon, are you saying that you print on an inkjet printable Maxell disc with a dark or black background and run your finger over it after 5 minutes and NO color comes off?
Yep, within minutes I am handling them-gently though. I still haven't found any that smudged after about 10 mins or so when I put them in the case.
The darker disc covers turn out better for me.The lighter disc covers tend to be more faded.These are maxell full hub inkjet printables.
grovery3: I was searching the web stores for full hub -shiny injet printable and noticed a ton of full hub- white thermal printable.Maybe you got stuck with those thermals? They would definitely have a hard time drying.
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
|
woodbane
Newbie
|
23. December 2005 @ 06:02 |
Link to this message
|
|
Thanks for the suggestions guys! I'll be sure to try those out.
grovery, how did the Acoustica software work out for you?
|
