Labels and Packaging 101. Here's the basics on the basics:
Labels:
The label is the paper circle in the center of each vinyl record. Although sometimes referred to as a 'sticker', it's not. It is adhered to the record during the pressing process through intense heat and pressure. Labels indicate side 'A' or 'B', and track listings. Each record must have a label.
The standard size of a label is 1/4 inch for both 12" and 7" records. Larger holes are 1.5 inches.
The look of your label is up to you. Simply send us the artwork, and we're good to go!
Inner Sleeves:
The inner sleeve is the paper sleeve that the record is inserted into, before being packaged into it's cover (jacket). It's sometimes referred to as the 'dust cover', and helps to protect the record. The most basic inner sleeve is either white or black, with a hole to show the label. We can, however, print full-color artwork and/or text of your choice.
Our custom inner sleeves are printed on 100lb semi-gloss stock, with the more-desirable rigid straight-edged corners, allowing for easier insertion and decreasing the likelihood of bunching. We also offer polylined inner sleeves, which delivers even greater protection for the records against scratching and scuffing.
1 and 2 Panel Inserts:
Inserts are added with the record into their covers (jackets). Essentially, they are semi-gloss paper that display additional information such as lyrics and song credits. The 1 panel insert is one square, like a single piece of paper, that is printed on one or both sides. 2 panel inserts are a 24x12 rectangle folded in half like a booklet, giving you 4 pages to print on. Both are printed on 100lb semi-gloss paper.
We also offer posters and stapled booklets to accompany your records.
Jackets
The custom printed card stock jacket is the most common form of packaging for records. Simply put, it's a big pocket that just about every record is packaged in.
Our jackets are printed on 20 point board stock. We offer vibrant full color printing on both front and back sides, as well as spine options: no spine, standard spine or wide spine.
Paper choices include the standard semi-gloss finish, matte finish, or premium non-recycled craft board. For an extra charge, we also offer the Ultra UV high gloss finish- widely accepted as the glossiest finish available on the market, as well as spot UV coating, spot Matte coating and Embossing.
We can also provide embedded high-end metallic platinum/silver or gold foil. Here, platinum or gold is embedded directly into the paper giving it a truly commanding appearance.
Finally, a center hole can be cut into the jacket as well, if desired. And of course, all of our packages come shrink-wrapped.
Gatefolds
Custom printed card stock gatefolds are considered to be the Rolls-Royce of vinyl packaging. They're similar to jackets but can hold either one or two records. They resemble a book that opens with a pocket on each side. For one record, one side is glued, and for two records, both pockets remain functional. We can even customize the gatefold into a six-panel variation that holds three records- this version folds twice and has three pockets. Our six-panel gatefold is almost 40 inches in length!
Similarly to the jackets, our gatefolds are printed on 20 point board stock. We offer vibrant full color printing on the front and back as well as the inside panels.
Paper choices include the standard semi-gloss finish, matte finish, or premium non-recycled craft board. For an extra charge, we also offer the Ultra UV high gloss finish- widely accepted as the glossiest finish available on the market, as well as spot UV coating, spot Matte coating and Embossing.
We can also provide embedded high-end metallic platinum/silver or gold foil. Here, platinum or gold is embedded directly into the paper giving it a truly commanding appearance.
Finally, a center hole can be cut into the jacket as well, if desired. And of course, all of our packages come shrink-wrapped.
