Offset Printing:
Offset printing applies four layers of ink (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) onto a CD or DVD disc surface. For each layer, a reverse image of the page is placed on a roller in the printing press. Ink is applied to the non-image areas on the roller, so that as the roller presses against the disc surface moving through the press, the proper image is left on the disc.

When should offset printing be used:

• With layouts containing photographs, especially skin tones
• Intricate detailed images/illustrations
• Designs using light colours or half tones
• To achieve crisp text

Silkscreen Printing:
In the silkscreening process, ink is applied to a screen and is forced through holes in a stencil to create an image on the surface of the CD or DVD disc. Silkscreen printing can consist of up to 5 single colors, or it can use the 4 color process (CMYK).

When should silkscreen printing be used:

• Appropriate for 1, 2, and 3 color designs - especially ones that require PMS colors
• Solid ink coverage areas