Printable RITEKS and Epson Photo 900

[arcorob]

Just thought I would touch back with folks on the results from the recnt purchase.

Epson Photo 900 Printer for CD/DVD
100 Ritek Printables

I use Riteks because they are stable and consistant. Never having a problem with writing or reading as long as I stick to the 4.37 gig mark as we all know.

Previously had a DVD+R drive , DVRW2412Pro by AOPEN which is really a Ricoh drive. After purchasing the 100 Printable Ritek's, finding them to be DVD-R's instead of +R and seeing the limited availablity of +R printables(ask Meritline who cancelled an order as out of stock then search search)
I purchased a SONY DRX-500UL external so I could take advantage of both media.

On to the EPSON
Epson gives clear, precise instructions, provides a DVD/CD guide plate, and software for printing to your DVD's or CD's. The weakest link being the software but passable.

First, I burned some movies using DVD SHRINK. Made sure they were playable. Then, following the EPSON instructions, proceeded to print to the DVD's.

They came out excellent. Since there is a DVD/CD settings, it knows enought to be gentle and not OVER INK the thing. The result is a nice, matte finish type picture.

I then decided to SEAL the ink using a INJET FIXER spray. Before doing so however, I checked playablity. Worked fine.

Now I had to devise a proper spray method to FIX the ink without making a mess of the DVD.

Here is the process.
Find SOME DVD or CD case that when you press in the DVD completely encircles the DVD so that the edges are recessed IN , no exposed thumb holes or openings. A DVD case that LOCKS it in works best.

Find some thin foam sheet (I used a piece of whisper walk from a pergo floor ) and cut to just the size of a DVD. Glue this into your DVD holder that will be your future spray holder.

Now when you insert the DVD in and LOCK it in, it is actually PRESSING into the foam and leaving no room for particulates to enter from the space between the rim side and the underside of the DVD. Remember, aerosols are easy to get into any crevice.

Once locked in, I use a CENTER foam plug from a CD spindle to cover the very center ring.

Now spray. Carefully, not like doing your old 74 buick. Just enough. Let dry for a while, pop the dvd out and the result is awesome.

Thank you EPSON for making it easy and inexpensive.

[ncgoldwinger]

arcorob,

Thanks for the post and the great idea about sealing the blanks. I never knew there was such a spray made for inkjet prints. Can I ask you where you got it from? I did a search and found that Micro Mark on the web has something listed like that..

http://www.dxmarket.com/micromark/products/82858.html

I have my eye on the Photo 900 as well to title my DVD & CD blanks. I was originally looking at the Photo 960 for this but it was way more than I wanted to invest in a CD/DVD printer. I am glad to see Epson made a cheaper model to accomplish the same task.

Have you by chance tried printing on blanks that aren't made for printing? I just wondered how they did as most of my blanks currently doesn't have the printable surface.

Regards,
Rick

[arcorob]

No that was not it...Though it might work.

I can't remember for the life of me here at work, but when I get home I will re-post the brand.

I know it was like 18 bucks a can and I wound up buying 2 to meet a minimum and save on shipping. Arrived quickly.

NO do not print on plain DVD blanks whew.....That would be murder I think ...Sort of like spraying paint made for unfinished wood on Tephlon instead..MIGHT RUN A BIT...LOL

The 900 by epson is a bargain.

By the way, the seller on ebay with the DVD-R printables is looking to get rid of several hundred. They are perfect. 60 bucks for 50 (plus 10 shipping but he only charges 10 once so...130 for 100 printables is cheap.

R

[arcorob]

Okay, here is what I bought

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/product/186412/GEIJFG/REG/862

I had to buy 2 but worth it.

You can also do a google search on GEPE INKJET FIX SPRAY

[ncgoldwinger]

arcorob,

Thanks for the link. It looks like B&H has upped their minimun order to 12 cans. I did a search and found a few places that carries the GEPE INKJET FIX SPRAY. Lord knows I won't need a dozen cans of the stuff..
Thanks again for the informative original post and am gonna pickup a 900 when they show up here locally.

Regards,
Rick

[arcorob]

Geeze..I should have posted the right link...SORRY..I only boughttwo cans ELSEWHERE but at 19 bucks each !! Yikes...

I have printed over a dozen PERFECTLY aligned DVD's since last night. Awesome. And to think I fought for labels,,,,LOL

[BJ_M]

good it worked out for you -- i use the same riteks and they print real nice .. looks very good ..

[arcorob]

Thanks...Do you think I need the fixer spray ? They seem pretty well PRINTED..But I have not attempted to touch with a WET finger....?

[BJ_M]

within a couple hours of printing full coverage ... if you touch with a wet finger it will be a finger painting mess ..

if you do a heavy black area -- it seems to take forever to dry i found out ..

after a day - they seem pretty good though ..

the fixing spray not a bad idea for long term protection .. i think anyway .. i would wait a little before spraying to let them dry a bit though .. or whatever the directions are .. i have sprayed some and i just lay them on a really flat surface and spray them ..

[timmmay]

I saw the old thread about this a while back and did a good job of holding-off on using my credit card. Seeing this thread again just fueled that burning desire inside of me dammit.. I gave-in and just ordered one from amazon. They got them on-sale for $189.99 shipped.

What store did you guys get the spray again? And I can't seem to find the $65 ritek printables from ebay that arcorob mentioned?

[BJ_M]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/product/186412/GEIJFG/REG/862

but you can get the same thing pretty well from any art store (i did)

[BJ_M]

in EC http://www.meriones.be/printers.htm

the art store spray is called "Blair Spray Fix #150" available from most art stores

[timmmay]

I did a little research and it looks like people had some good results with their epson inkjets using krylon #1305. They're a lot cheaper than the Gepe Spray Fix ($18 vs $4.50). I ordered a couple of cans to see if it works!

http://www.dickblick.com/zz217/03a/products.asp?param=0&ig_id=324

[BJ_M]

oh yes that krylon is good tough stuff .. very popular in canada also ..

[arcorob]

I spoke to the gentleman on ebay. He has about 300 left. I told him I will take another 50 and that when he puts them back on ebay again, I will post a link here.

Hope this helps......

[arcorob]

If anyone is interested in Printable DVD-R's, white top, I bought all 300 from him at cost. I plan to keep 100 and sell 200 (in 50 disk or better lots) Cost was 60 bucks for 50 plus shipping. If someone wants 50 or 100 or 150, the shipping will be one price, not 3.

Just thought I would pass along...

[darkstar127]

Is the Epson Stylus 900 Color printer the same one you guys are talking about that will let you print to CD/DVD directly (no labels). Or are there several different models in existence?

[arcorob]

Yes, thats the one. Works awesome and VERY easy to print on printable DVD's.

Link to printer
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=717999/search=epson%2520stylus...c3004c668fae4a

[dgarrick]

Waita minute, time out. I am also eyeing the Epson 900. But I thought that you could print on ANY DVD+R (in my case) regardless of "printable" vs. "non-printable". I have a stack of 100 DVD+R blanks and have no intention of buying printable DVDs.

So what's the scoop? Will the Epson 900 print on regular blank DVDs or not?

Thanks

[arcorob]

NO. Like trying to get butter to stick to tephlon..very messy. They have to have the printable surface..sorry.

Sell the 100 on ebay and but the printables....thats one option

[dgarrick]

Thanks for the info. So how much do the printables (DVD+R) cost, which brands, and where to get them?

[CloudBurst]

which setting do you guys use to print on the dvd's...after using the cd/dvd media setting on matte coated dvd's (the beall printable) the colors seems slightly faded, especially the black comes out light. The good thing is that it seems pretty dry right after it comes out of the printer :P

[arcorob]

Yes, I too noticed that the printing defaulted to faint. Dries well and somewhat smear proof. To make it deeper, more picture quality, you can select
PRINT
then when the box comes up, go into properties or advanced, I forget which, and set for PHOTO or Best Photo.

I will try at home tonight.

As to printable DVD+R ( I like RITEKS.....RARE BIRD).
Here is one link
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2F&krd=...intable+dvd%5C

I have 400 printables, but DVD-R. I made the switch (bought a SONY external DUAL DRIVE) after someone mistakenly sent me 100 Printable DVD-R. So switched drives and purchased the last 300 from him.

So far, I find no compatibility issues with the DVD-R. Its kinda neat to have both formats. I can take advantage of any media deal goin..Though I am set for a while. With 400 DVD-R printables, and 150 DVD+R regular, I think I will not be shopping media for a while....LOL

[bode]

Has anyone come across an inkjet printable -dvdr disc which does not require fixitive spray?

[Vitus]

Anyone care to take a photo of their printed DVD and show us the result?

[iooi]

Waita minute, time out. I am also eyeing the Epson 900. But I thought that you could print on ANY DVD+R (in my case) regardless of "printable" vs. "non-printable". I have a stack of 100 DVD+R blanks and have no intention of buying printable DVDs.

So what's the scoop? Will the Epson 900 print on regular blank DVDs or not?

Thanks

Well yes it will print on them but wether the ink will ever dry is another matter. For best results you need to buy the proper materials...In this case Inkjet Printable Dvd's/Cd's.....

Has anyone come across an inkjet printable -dvdr disc which does not require fixitive spray?

Never used a spray on any of the printable disks i have used and havent had a problem...Then again i dont let my disks near water...

Anyone care to take a photo of their printed DVD and show us the result?

Do a search for Epson 900 and you will find a thread with some pics in it...Dont really do justice to the results but you will get the idea.

which setting do you guys use to print on the dvd's...after using the cd/dvd media setting on matte coated dvd's (the beall printable) the colors seems slightly faded,

Again look at the other threads about this printer as many of us using have given this advice.....
Use Photo Paper setting instead of dvd/cd...

[ice-berg]

hey arcorob

since you have had the epson for some time now, i want to ask you how many movie dvds have you printed so far, and has any of these given you any playback problems or even notice a loss in quality.