Printable CD/DVDs

This is very common and there are many products on the market, some of which you have already mentioned (such as special label printers, printable stick-on labels, printable CD/DVDs, CD/DVD drives with built-in label marking (I think)).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inkjet_printable_DVD

http://www.supermediastore.com/article/u/what-is-thermal-inkjet-printing-how-to-print-dvd

etc.

Try a google search for "printable cd" or similar, or try your local computer and stationary store. What you should NOT try is directly painting plastic CD/DVDs with auto paint as it is not a good idea at all. Undercoat will not help either (oh, the mental imagery!)

For small quantity label runs I would STRONGLY suggest printable stick-on labels designed for CD/DVDs. These are inexpensive and readily available in sheet form for modern inkjet or laser printers at stationary stores, art supply stores and large computer stores.

I have to disagree on the labels. They have been known to come off and wreck the CD/DVD Player/Burner completely.....

The idea that this Guy has is the best way to go......but a white paint is needed that will attach itself to the upper surface, but without damaging it....

It also has to be slightly "Matt" finish. to take on the Inkjet ink without allowing it to diffuse sideways......difficult!!

Just out of interest, what images are you trying to put on the surface of the CD/DVDs?

You will need to test for compatibility with the existing coating on the CD. Solvents and catalysts in the stuff you are applying may have a negative effect on data integrity. Aging will have to be considered, also.

I'm sure the OP have by now noticed that his post was not read properly. He wants a product FOR dvd's not the dvd's or a new printer.

I don't know any suitable coatings but have you considered LightScribe as an alternative? The lightscribe discs are now as cheap as many standard ones & the drives are similar prices to common ones. Many newish PCs have the drives fitted as standard.

Yes, I have a lightscribe drive, however the resultant picture is single colour, copy- like. I prefer a photo or good image.

I think LightScribe have plans for better images but I guess they will be expensive to start with. You can get various colours of discs but the burned image is still monochrome.

In view of the many possibilities for ruining the disc and losing the data, I really wonder why you want to do this. It is a common misconception that the data on a CD is on one side and the label on the other, but in fact the data layer is deep inside the CD, separated from the label side only by a thin reflective layer and by a thin layer of acrylic, which is susceptible to solvents. Your data, your loss, your problem, but I would really recommend you print onto labels, or use printable discs.

Try Nazdar screenprinting ink 9700 or polyall. You can get simple screenprinting supplies at a local art store.

Firstly, I think you need to "paint" before you burn the CD/DVD.It also probably needs to be force dried at 50°C or a tick less.....

You may need to use a car bumper/fender plastic paint primer first to allow the final paint of your choice to stick properly.

I would use a Matt finish paint.

I am really interested to see how it goes......