Recordable CD Blank Discs

If you're looking for the best prices and widest selection of quality recordable CD media & printable CD blanks, you found it! We carry a complete selection of blank recordable CD-R media from the industry's leading suppliers - CD Dimensions Brand, Imation, MAM-A, Primera, Ritek, SKC, Taiyo Yuden, and Verbatim . You'll find the style of printable recordable CD media you're looking for to meet your specific CD recording, duplicating and printing needs right here. We'll even custom silk screen blank CD-R media with your graphics.

Recordable CDs come in a wide variety of top surfaces or "final finish". "Branded" discs have the manufacturer’s logo and other printed information silkscreened onto the top surface of the disc at the factory and often provide lined areas for handwriting information onto the disc. "With Logo" can be on both branded and printable CD surfaces as it applies to the center hub showing the manufacturer's logo. ""Printable"" surfaces, on the other hand, allow you to print directly onto the disc. There are currently three different CD DVD disc printing technologies available- thermal transfer, thermal re-transfer and inkjet (sometimes called ‘thermal inkjet’).

Thermal Printable CD surfaced discs are used with printers that heat and then transfer a wax based image, from a printer ribbon, onto a CD-R. Thermal printable CD media requires an extra coating on the top surface in order to protect the disc from the heating process. Discs that are designed for multi-color thermal transfer (printing more then one color on a disc) must have several protective coatings on the disc surface. That’s because when using these printers, the disc is heated multiple times thereby increasing the chance of damage or unsatisfactory printing results.

Many ""blank"" CD discs are coated in a final layer of lacquer and are often referred to as ""shiny"" discs. These lacquer top surface discs can provide satisfactory results for single color thermal printing, but for multicolor thermal printing purposes, we strongly recommend using ‘thermal color approved’ media. These products have a additional layer (or two) making the surface more stable against high heat from the thermal and thermal retransfer printers. Some examples of thermal printers are the Rimage Prism Plus and Teac P-11

Everest Printable CD discs refer to discs specially formulated to work with Rimage’s Everest printer, and their patented thermal retransfer printing method. They require a special surface because of the rigors of this unique printing process. Thermal retransfer uses a special ribbon called a ‘retransfer roll’ to blend multiple colors for a more photographic reproduction of an image. This unique printing process requires disc surfaces that are specially formulated for the Rimage Everest printer.

Using other thermal or inkjet printable surfaces in an Everest printer can result in the top surface and reflective layer being ‘torn’ off the disc. Unfortunately, some people try to use media not certified for thermal retransfer printing, and end up with damaged discs. Does this happen every single time? No, but given the time, money and per disc print costs, is it worth it? Everest certified media costs more because it’s made differently. The additional, specially formulated top surface layers add to both material costs and production time.

Inkjet Printable CDs surfaced discs are specifically designed for use in inkjet disc printers. These are the most popular printers used with recordable CD-R discs. Their low cost makes it much more affordable for general office use and low production run requirements. These discs have special surfaces designed to absorb the ink and typically cost a little more then a lacquer or branded discs. Top surfaces come in several colors, with white printable and silver printable being the most popular.

Each recordable CD manufacturer has a unique top surface formulation for inkjet printable CD media so you will see differences between brands in color accuracy, ink absorbency, printed color vividness, and ability for the disc to dry quickly after being printed.

Lower priced CD-R brands tend to absorb ink slower, not blend colors as well, dry slower, and sometimes smudge more easily. A special dye is used for the recording (or "burning") layer and that can be sub-standard in a cheaper disc. Something else to consider is the payment of royalties. There are several patents on recordable CD and printable CD disc technology. Some companies do not pay the royalties and thus are able to offer a less expensive product. The only problem is it is a violation of U.S. Patent laws and thus illegal. This opens up a whole can of worms with liability to all the purchasers of the product.

In addition to our exceptional pricing, you'll also get professional advice from our knowledgeable sales team. Go ahead and give us a call toll free @ 888-395-6396 or email us for a quote, and let us help you select the right recordable CDs for your CD recording, packaging & printing needs. We even offer blank cd-r bulk so if you need a million pieces we can ship it to your location. One hundred or one million we treat you right.

To learn more about recordable CD media, request our free online Buying Guide.