To label or not to label a CD or DVD-ROM

[dougsturgess]

Any opinions/experiences with affixing a custom-made label to a DVD or CD? I like making custom labels as it makes them easy to identify and they're just ugly when marked with a Sharpie.

I'm concerned about any long-term damaged caused by adhesive, etc. Thanks for any input.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I have audio CDs I burned back in the days of my Phillips 2X SCSI burner.. (yep,. $600.00 for a 2X in thise days :shock: )

..back then I took the time to make spiffy lables.. 8)

All of them still play fine. The only drawback is with data CDs the label can throw them "off balance".. forcing the CD-rom drive to read @ really slow speeds (like 1X in most cases that a label causes trouble)

[John_T]

It is better to avoid labels unless you definitely know that the adhesive will not interact with the CD plasitcs. And even then I would avoid it.

There are supposed to be some permanent pens that are ok, but you can't be sure about that either because nobody really cares.

There are many factors with CD longevity, storage temp, humidity, light, absence of any vapors, solvents or air pollutions. Plastic sleeves or even jewel cases may emit polymers or other vapors.

If they are really valuable, the best is to copy your CDs every five to ten years onto the latest medium.