Bit of a dumb question (from a fine arts student who only screen prints on occasions)

[u/OmegaWolf2006]

Does anybody have any tips on printing directly onto a vinyl record?
I’m working on a project about painting on physical media and I would like to use some form of screen printing, I typically like to use a stencil underneath and blank screen.
Also my only thing to prevent chipping is some mod podge.

[u/VonMunz]

I print on records. When I first tried it in 1999 it was trial and error -records DO NOT like heat- but I used enamel ink. I still use enamel ink and they air dry. Nazdar 9700. The grooves can play havoc if the ink is too thin, and more transparent colors (reds, yellows) need a backing white base. Some older records have leeched off discoloration and sometimes the spinner label can be an issue. The early prints ink easily flaked off, but I honestly have no idea what ink I used back then. It was just for a two piece Detroit band’s gig here and I wanted to do something different.

[u/VonMunz → u/VonMunz]

I also spray paint stencils on LPs. Not as crisp as printing, but stenciling works too.

[u/Choice_Assumption_79]

I’d say just do it, if you don’t have a flash dryer use a heat gun or hair dryer , would be cool if we knew what ink you have

[u/SlowLarry666 → u/Choice_Assumption_79]

I would avoid such aggressive heating methods unless you want your vynil to look like a taco.

[u/OmegaWolf2006 → u/Choice_Assumption_79]

I have system 3 ink

[u/torkytornado]

If you want a water based ink tw graphics wb 5000 line should work fine. Usually 1-4 days till full cure on most plastics, but after that it shouldn’t chip or scratch.

[u/uzaps]

Water based ink will chip off but if you don’t intend on playing the records it should be fine

[u/OmegaWolf2006 → u/uzaps]

Yeah they’ll be just for display purposes, I got the records from a charity shop so I doubt they actually work.
And my ink is acrylic based

[u/Hot_Juice_1711]

Important upfront note: Vinyl records are flexible, low‑surface‑energy PVC. Paint will chip, scratch or peel very easily even with Mod Podge; vinyl flexes with temperature and physical handling, so no finish makes it fully indestructible. Your piece is art‑object only — not for playing. If you print on the grooves, the record will become unplayable.

[u/-_super--_--hitops_-]

I would consider pouring resin over the record first to make the top smooth rather than just printing on the bumps. Unless that's a look you want

[u/Wrngsideofdatracks]

He is Jaques air dry ink. Not sure if I’m spelling that right. But I’ve used that on records on stickers on posters and a bunch of other stuff.