Creating an interesting DVD or CD cover is half the battle for many artists. A unique cover can cause fans to sit up and take notice of a CD among other CDs in a crowded rack.

The question in CD printing has always been between whether to use thermal printing or CD screen printing. Well, there are advantages and disadvantages to both systems of CD printing.

Thermal printing on CD is a quick and inexpensive way to print on a CD or DVD. The label is usually monochromatic, and is thermally printed onto the CD or DVD. This CD label is waterproof, smudge proof, and looks just like one color CD or DVD screen printing except that it costs less due to no films or press setups are needed for this kind of CD and DVD printing.

Another reason to use thermal CD printing is that you can overprint on an already existing screen printed CD. This comes in very handy when the basic CD or DVD artwork stays the same except for a version number change. An unprinted area is created in the CD or DVD screen-print, so that the CD thermal printer can print onto the CD or DVD.

The only problem with thermal CD printing is that it is too slow for printing on large runs of CDs or DVDs. Also the CD or DVD can only be one color, and is usually best for text and simple line art graphics.

Screen printing on CD is one of the best ways to get professional looking printed CDs or DVDs. Pantone colors can be printed on the CD or DVD, as well as CMYK printing. CD screen printing is the best choice for CD or DVD artwork that contains large areas of solid color/

Screen printing on a CD or DVD is also ideal because the inks are set with ultraviolet light. This makes the inks very hard, and waterproof. It is very difficult to scratch off screen printing on a CD or DVD. The resulting label is glossy and professional looking. Just like the CDs or DVDs that you purchase in the store.

If you are designing artwork for CD or DVD screen print, or thermal print, it is best to use a professional graphic design program for your CD or DVD label art. A CD or DVD replicating company or CD and DVD Duplicator prefers these file formats, and will have templates available for you to download and utilize.

CD printing is the best way to produce a professional looking CD or DVD. Paper CD labels, or CD inkjet printing look like a product produced at home. There are some inexpensive CD thermal printers for CD and DVD printing at home. However, screen printing on CD or DVD at home is not possible because the equipment is very expensive.