Metallic Ink Printing on CD and DVD Packaging

Why simulate metal when you can print it?

We can print your packaging with one or more Pantone Metallic ink. We can even print discs with metallic inks.

Examples of Metallic Ink Printing
Setup of Special Effects in the Disc or Packaging Artwork

The majority of special effects are set up as separate layers in your favorite graphic design or layout program. Call or e-mail to be walked through the process depending on your program of choice, or have one of our graphics specialists setup the special effects for you (may incur additional cost).

One of our favorite titles for show & tell is the Deva Film Reel as it actually has all of the effects; hot foil stamping, embossing, debossing, spot UV glass & lamination. Be sure to check our the full spec for the special printing effects on Deva's Featured Title page.
Metallic Ink Printing on Discs and Metallic Floods on Packaging

Metallic inks are a great way to add some sparkle to your discs, or to match your packaging, while not as shiny as the foil stamping. The Pantone library has a number of metallic inks, with a great range of color. Metallic inks are setup as Spot Colors in Illustrator or InDesign, and as a channel in Photoshop.

Here are some examples of flood silver metallic ink, often described as Apple like packaging:

Examples of gold and copper metallic inks:

Minimal use of metallic ink can serve to highlight certain features or words on a package, like these titles:
Comparing Metallic Ink and Foil Stamping on Fiberboard

Here are some neat side by side comparisons of silver metallic ink printed on fiberboard, and hot foil stamped silver on fiberboard:

Silver metallic is flat, matte. Foil is very shiny.
Using Metallic Ink on Discs, Silver Substrate, Disc Spot Varnish

Clients who use metallic ink on the printed paper packaging often ask about using a metallic ink on the disc surface. Keep in mind that metallic inks are matte - they are not shiny as many people thing. However, the disc material itself is quite shiny. So consider using combinations and knockouts to the substrate like these titles:

We did a test disc comparison for this title with a white flood coat, and without. Both versions are neat!

Of course metallic isn't limited to silver ink. Here's an example of gold metallic on the disc to match the printed packaging:

An alternative to metallic inks or substrate knockouts, is to use disc varnish. Here's a gorgeous example:

See also special tips & tricks for disc printing
Setting up special effects printing

The majority of special effects can be easily set up as separate layers in your favorite graphic design or layout program. Whatever color you use for embossing, have everything that needs the effect in a single color, at 100% ink. Call or e-mail to be walked through the process depending on your program of choice, or have a graphics specialists set up the special effects for you (may incur additional cost). Here are some pages that may help you with ideas:
Special Printing Effects
Hot Foil Stamping
Embossing and Debossing
Spot UV Gloss
How to set up Spot Colors
How to set up PIPS or reverse side printing
Custom Die Cuts
Unusual Folds and Shapes
Metallic Ink printing
Spot White Ink on Fiberboard Stock
Special Disc Printing
Uncoated Paper(Matte)
Fiberboard Paper (brown, kraft)

One of our favorite titles for show & tell is the Deva Film Reel as it actually has all of the effects; hot foil stamping, embossing, debossing, spot UV glass & lamination. Be sure to check our the full spec for the special printing effects on Deva's Featured Title page.

Ready to Manufacture?

If you know what you want to manufacture, send us your detailed spec and we can help you with the costs.

SPEC:

Qty: (300/500 is the min order)
Media:
Media Packaging:
...Dimensions & Construction Sketch or Photo:
...Paper Stock / Finishes:
...Printing:
...Special Printing Effects or Die Cuts:
...Other Printed Items such as a Booklet or Slipcase:
Proofing Needed:
Assembly:
Product Weight if known:
Shipping: standard 5-7 days, US address (let us know if different)

Source media: replication ready /formatted disc image file (or for usbs & video screens, usb & video content) & print ready artwork laid out on our templates. We will create the templates for you as part of the project.

Manufacturing Quote

Need Spec Development?

If you need some help defining your spec, we do have packaging engineers on hand that can assist you at an hourly rate. They can help you with ideas and develop your packaging / printing spec plus give you multiple production estimates if you need them. If you are working with your graphics artist, generally they will provide the packaging / printing spec for you.

Request Spec Development Consulting