A CD is one of the best ways to store your digital photos. To ensure the long-term safety of your memories, it’s important to care for your CD’s properly. A CD is made of layers: polycarbonate (plastic), dye, metal (silver, gold or aluminum), then lacquer. Our CD's offer an additional "Diamond Coat" layer over the "industry standard" lacquer coating for additional protection not offered by other manufacturers.

Most people believe it’s the clear plastic underside that’s most fragile, when in fact it’s the side with the label. A scratch on the bottom must be fairly deep to cause damage, but a scratch on top can easily penetrate the data layer. The pressure of a ballpoint pen is enough to make a CD unreadable. If you must write on your CDs, use a soft water-based or alcohol-based marker.

Rewriteable CDs, as opposed to write-once discs (CDs), should not be used for long-term storage, because they contain a heat-sensitive layer that decays much faster than the metal layer of a write-once CD. When you order a CD at Color Services, the date and a selection of your images will be printed on the label for easy identification. For maximum longevity, only handle your discs by the edges. Store your CDs vertically in a protective sleeve or case, in a cool, dry, dark place (away from temperature extremes).

Quick List for Storage and Handling:

• Handle your CD by the edges only.
• Store vertically in a protective case.
• Protective cases should be rigid and contact the disc at the center hub only.
• Store in a cool, dry, dark location.
• For labeling, use a water or alcohol based marker on the top of the disc; or write in the clear center hub with any marker.
• Never flex a recordable disc.
• Do not subject them to rapid changes in humidity or temperature.