Do you write on a CD label BEFORE burning?

[Muse]

Before or after? I've always avoided this and wonder if I'm being overly cautious.

Do you use a special marker? I'm using a marker that was provided with my 2nd CD burner, an 8 speed Creative. I hated that drive because the noise was worse than a jumbo jet. I actually RMA'd it and the replacement was just as bad. The writer is still going strong, though.

 

[AmberClad]

Personally, I label the disks with a Sharpie permanent marker after they're finished burning. I don't really have the patience to wait for the ink to dry before popping the disc into the drive.

 

[Blain]

I use a printer for labels.
Most of the time I print after the burn is done.

 

[DaveSimmons]

I use a soft-tip sharpie first, against the million-to-one chance that the marker will somehow dig through the surface to damage the dye layer.

Not that it's ever happened, but that way the burn-and-verify takes place after I've (not) done any damage.

 

[ZetaEpyon]

After, using a TDK cd marker.
Sharpies work too, but I like these particular markers better. Sadly, I don't think they're made anymore.

 

[jae]

I use a sharpie, sometimes before, but usually after. It really doesnt make a difference, the ink dries quickly.

 

[CDC Mail Guy]

Sharpie...after. MAin reason is to make sure CD/DVD is burned properly, and has whats "supposed" to be on it.

 

[corkyg]

I cvan support both ways. I often burn with a pair of Lightscribe drives, and while one is burning the contents, the other is burning a label on a cherry disk. Then, I switcvh them and end up with two copies that I can give to clients without looking amateurish.