I have been trying several different methods to get a satisfactory process to print on DVD-R media. I was not happy using the Stomper type adhesive labels for my latest project which is a 4 disc set on How to Build a Leading Edge Gliders EPP RC Slope Sailplane. We are charging $54.95 for the set and I wanted the delivered product to look professional without having to get 500 each of 4 discs replicated. Because of the niche nature of the target market for this project, that much inventory sitting around would not have been cool.

So, the search started for a printer that can print on to DVDs. After some research I settled on the Epson R260. So far so good there. The printer works well. Funny thing is it costs less to buy the whole printer with ink than to get a replacement set of ink so I have another on the way. For about $70 I have printed about 120 DVDs. The printed results are great. Very high quality, clear and look even better than screening but with a caveat! The media being printed on is critical to the durability of the finish. Regular printable DVDs look fine but have no moisture resistance. In the extreme running them under a tap resulted in smeared and running ink. Not good! I wanted my product to be more durable than that so the search for suitable media ensued.

I did a bunch of discussion board lurking to learn what I could. It would seem that either, like many discussion boards, the posters never actually tried the products mentioned and just regurgitated what the read from someone else, who likely had no practical experience either, or results vary, A LOT! Anyway, I actually use the stuff and have first hand info and having tried Memorex, Verbatium, Optical Quantum and Taiyo Yuden. Which brand is the only one that worked for me and mu Epson R260? Oddly enough the company that invented and produced the first DVDs. Taiyo Yuden. I do know that they manufacture for many other brands so there may be otehrs that are out there that work. Once I stumbled on the type that works for me I quit searching.

The Taiyo Yuden Water Shield DVD-Rs are great. After the obligatory 24 hours to make sure they are thoroughly dry I can run them under a tap for several minutes with no running of the ink. If I let the DVD sit flat with pooled water on it there is a very slight mark after the water evaporates but I think this is not likely to happen. After all, if you are using a DVD for a coaster it is likely that you have bigger problems with the disc that the printing.