What You Need to Know About DVD Disc Repair

Restore valuable CD-ROMs, DVDs, or Game Discs. It’s easy and well worth the effort! Most people think that when a Compact Disc or DVDs gets scratched, it is ruined forever. This could not be further from the truth. Scratches on the surface of your discs can create problems, but most can be repaired.


The way a CD or DVD player works is a laser beam is sent through the plastic layer of the disc and reads the data written on the disc. When the laser in your player comes across a scratch, the scratch causes the laser to skip and makes it unable to read your disc. The best example of this is on a music CD, when you hear the skipping sound, the laser is stuck reflecting in a scratch. With a CD-ROM, game disc or DVD, the program will freeze momentarily or it will completely stop.

Most scratches can be repaired, but it is important to understand what kinds of scratches are repairable and how compact discs are made. Where the scratch is determines if the disc can be repaired. The worst kinds of scratches are those that happen to the graphic layer of the disc. This is where the data is written and once it is scratched, this data can’t be replaced. Disc manufacturers take no precautions to help protect the graphic layer. However, there are ways to protect this side of the disc. One of the best ways is to use disc protection labels , which are easily applied to the graphic side of the disc. They will protect the graphic layer from any damage and should be used on all disc media.

When a disc is scratched on the bottom side, the disc is usually repairable. The bottom of the disc is made of polycarbonate plastic. The laser reads through this layer to get the data. If the bottom layer is scratched, it can be resurfaced and repolished and will, in most cases, look and play like new. The Venmill disc repair machine is the best machine for this type of scratch. In 30 seconds the Venmill disc repair machine makes damaged discs look like new. Specialty Store Services carries a wide array of disc repair systems for every budget and use.

A great way to see if your discs can or cannot be repaired is to hold your disc up to any light source with the label side facing the light. If you can see light coming through, nicks or scratches, this disc is scratched on the label side and cannot be repaired. Knowing when a disc is repairable is very important before you attempt to resurface any media.

To keep discs in optimal condition follow these tips:

  • Hold discs by the edges. Do not touch the area on the bottom side of the disc.
  • Remove any dust or fingerprints on disc using a disc cleaning system. Specialty Store Services has a wide selection of disc cleaning systems and supplies.
  • Keep discs away from heat
  • Use only approved cleaning solutions to clean a disc. Specialty Store Services has a great selection of approved disc cleaning solutions
  • Do not bend or drop disc. Protect your discs with cases and sleeves. Specialty Store Services has the best selection of media cases and sleeves for DVD, CDs, and games.

The benefits of disc repair are many, but the most important benefit is that used discs are worth money. Buying and selling used video games and DVDs is a very profitable business. Retailers have made thousands of dollars just from buying damaged discs, repairing them and selling them for twice or three times as what they paid for them. Let your customers know you buy-sell-trade used games and DVDs with our great looking, attention getting store signs.