Packaging Options for Vinyl

There are many different ways that you can have your records packaged.

The cheap and simple option is a white paper bag or you can step it up a bit and have a clear PVC/plastic bag. If you want to enhance the look and add value to your Vinyl, you can go for printed sleeves or disco-bags. Like labels the print process can be done CMYK, pantone colours or a combination of both.

A Disco-Bag is a bit like a giant CD card wallet that does not have a spine. A Vinyl Sleeve generally has a 3mm spine but this can be thicker depending on how many records your want to fit in.

Which Packaging is Right For Me?

Board weights will vary depending on what printer is used. Typically, a Disco-Bag will be printed on around 250-300 micron (280gsm) and a Vinyl Sleeve is printed on around 450 micron (350gsm). Disco-bags and Sleeves are available with or without centre holes and we ask you to specify this on your order form to us.

You can of course have plain white / black Disco-bags or Sleeves. There are a number of different finishes that you can choose from such as printing on reverse side of board for uncoated finishes, Gloss UV finish, Matt UV, Gloss Laminate, Matt Laminate, Spot Matt /Gloss varnish, embossing, de-bossing and special die-cuts to name a few.

You can also have Gatefold or Twin Record Sleeves if you want to hold more than 1 record. Please ask your Amstore representative for more ideas on Vinyl sleeves based on your design. The dimensions for these are available on request and be careful as dimensions vary for 10”, 12” and 7” Vinyl and also forvarious different printers.

When you send us your artwork for these, we will check they are ready for print (set up correctly) and then send you back a PDF to approve (just in case we have had to make any alterations). See Supply of Artwork for Vinyl pressing.

 Turnaround Times

When you approve the PDF’s in writing, we will send the artwork off to the printers. It usually takes around 7 working days to get the print back from the printer and once received at the factory they are put in storage until the Vinyl is ready to be hand packed to finished product. It is not uncommon that you will need to order and pay for 1000 sleeves or Disco-Bags even if you only need 250 or 500 records but check this as we often have special deals on.

To protect your discs from falling out you can have your records shrink-wrapped. This will add a day or so onto your lead-time and costs a little extra.