Pressing of black or coloured 12'' (33 cm) vinyl records, including printing of labels and packaging into printed or plain cardboard sleeves. Sleeves: outersleeve, gatefold, etc.
Shipping within 42 days (6 weeks) from approval of all materials (audio + print files).
What are the configuration options?
The process of making vinyl records has changed very little since the 1940s, when PVC (vinyl) became the primary material. The first step is cutting the groove into a master, from which a so-called matrix is produced. The matrix is a negative, meaning it has ridges instead of grooves.
Next, two matrices (Side A and Side B) are placed into a pressing machine, where a vinyl “puck” made from molten PVC and the labels are inserted between them. Pressure then forms a double-sided record with grooves, a center hole, and labels.
The record is cooled with water, which hardens the material. The final step is trimming the excess PVC from the edges of the record.
Twelve-inch vinyl records first appeared in 1931, but the Great Depression limited their adoption. The main reason was their high cost, which kept shellac as the dominant material. During World War II, however, shellac became scarce because the U.S. military wanted to supply troops in the trenches with music. Alternatives were sought, and vinyl returned—this time for good.
After the war, a new trend helped solidify vinyl as the main material for records. Classical music compositions, in particular, required more space per side—around 17 minutes, compared to the previous maximum of 4 minutes. In 1948, Columbia Records introduced a breakthrough that still shapes vinyl today: the microgroove. At 33⅓ rpm, it allowed up to 22.5 minutes per side, a standard that remains. The innovation also replaced the traditional metal needle with a tiny sapphire or diamond crystal in the turntable’s stylus, enabling playback of the very fine grooves.
In the following years, experiments increased groove density to expand capacity further. By the 1950s, 33 minutes per side became achievable. Bands pushed this trend to its peak in the late 1960s and 1970s. However, increasing groove density required compromises, such as lowering overall volume or adjusting bass frequencies. Over time, experience showed that the optimal total playtime for both sides of an LP is 30–40 minutes; exceeding this range typically reduces audio quality.
Vinyl records are naturally clear (transparent). To achieve the classic black color, carbon black is added, which also strengthens the vinyl. If a different color is desired, standard liquid dyes are used. These colors do not harm the record, but unlike carbon, they do not increase its durability. You can read more about colored vinyl on our blog.
Currently, we produce vinyl records in 12 colors. In addition to black and transparent, our range includes red, white, yellow, orange, blue, green, brown, pink, purple, and our specialty: marble black & white.
Vinyl Weight
The standard 12" vinyl weighs 140 grams. It delivers full-quality sound at lower production costs. The 180-gram 12" vinyl is designed for audiophiles, fans, or DJs. While the sound quality is similar to the lighter variant, it is sturdier, more durable, and has an exclusive feel.
Download a general color chart + combination options here.
We produce full-color outer sleeves from 300 g cardboard. The surface is typically finished with varnish, with the option of glossy or matte lamination. The outer sleeve measures 330 × 330 mm, with a spine width of 3 mm or 5 mm, depending on the record’s weight. In some cases, the spine width may also be affected by the addition of booklets or inserts.
Download the 12" outer sleeve template – 3 mm spine.
Download the 12" outer sleeve template – 5 mm spine.
We produce full-color gatefold sleeves from 350 g cardboard. The surface is typically finished with varnish, with the option of glossy or matte lamination. A gatefold can feature a single vinyl pocket on the right side with artwork on the left, or both sides can be designed to hold vinyl records or booklets.
Download the gatefold template: 1× pocket, 2× pockets.
Vinyl records are typically stored in inner sleeves before being placed into outer sleeves. A standard inner sleeve is usually a simple white pocket with two holes, made from thin paper. It can be printed in full color, a single color, or with custom designs. The gentlest option for vinyl is an antistatic sleeve, available in white or black. Production of antistatic sleeves incurs an additional cost of approximately 7 CZK per piece.
For printed inner sleeves, we use 200 g paper, and in some cases 300 g, depending on the design and agreement.
Download the 12" inner sleeve template.
Have another idea or want to learn more? Don’t hesitate to contact us.
We also offer the option of scheduling a non-binding consultation. Meetings can take place in person at our office or via phone, Skype, Google Meet, WhatsApp, and more. You can choose a convenient time for your meeting in our scheduling system here.
Need advice on which product is right for you?
Feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help.
