need new labels for genesis carts

[mas]

Well I don't own a printer and I was willing to pay someone to make them but I don't want people to get in trouble so I guess I have to just wait to I find another copies of my games and sell my crappy copies of games on ebay. Ahh the hell with it I bought everything for only 18.00, should I really bother to wine about the labels? The games work well after I cleaned them. Time for some contra action

[Ziggy]

I also need some new genny labels, the problem isnt getting them printed (since I actually work for a Fedex Office, formerly Kinkos) but finding the file to print from. I searched online and could only find a couple, but none for the games I have.

I just recreate them in Photoshop. Usually when you find a label online, it's not good quality anyway, or the proportions are off. I'll get the cover from The Cover Project (or elsewhere if need be), then do a Google image search to see what the label looks like, then I'll just recreate it. If there are some games you need labels for, let me know, in most cases it only takes me a few minutes to create a label in Photoshop.

should I really bother to wine about the labels?

It's up to you, but in my opinion, it's not a big deal either way. I have a bunch of carts with crummy labels (haven't had the chance to make new ones for them yet) and some with new labels that I've made.

But it's late, I'll post more info when I get home from work tomorrow.

I'm looking forward to that, because I've got a couple of genesis labels that need to be changed.

If you have your own printer, then you're pretty much all set! I'll make it short and sweet:

First, decide if you wanna remove the old label or not. I've put new labels right over the worn labels on Genesis carts before, and it doesn't look bad at all (if you take the time to center the label perfectly over the old one). Removing it is probably wiser. When I remove old labels, I usually use a box cutter blade to get the bulk off then I soak what's left with Goo Gone. Wait a minute for the Goo Gone to start working, then the rest should come off very easy with the blade. You just have to be careful when you're using the blade on the cart not to make cut marks, especially outside of where the label is.

An alternative that I've heard about, but have not yet tried, is to stick the cart under a blow dryer and leave it for 5-10 minutes. After it gets heated up, the label should be able to peel off easily. Then use Goo Gone to remove any sticky gunk left behind.

Either method, you're gonna be left with a gunked up cart. Even when you remove all the sticky residue left by the sticker, Goo Gone will make it all oily. At this point, I take the cart plastic to the kitchen sink and use dish soap on it. Preferably a soap that is a degreaser. Wash it until you completely certain that you've removed all the oil from the Goo Gone. It has to be completely clean for the new label to properly be applied.

As for making the label, I've already said above how I make mine. If you need me to make a label or two, let me know, I don't mind! This is not an advertisement for the entire Internet to message me with label requests! Just for my buddies here on Racketboy!

As for printing them, I've been using an adhesive backed glossy photo paper (see the picture in my last post). You can also use an Avery label, which I have used before, or any kind of sticker paper for that matter. The photo paper has a glossy sheen to it, so it looks nice as a label. The Avery labels don't, but you can do the "tape trick" if you wish. Basically, use super clear packing tape to cover the label. The tape will mimic how a real label looks.

Photopaper has obvious draw backs. It's less resilient to abuse than anything else. Still, it will look as nice as your printer can print on photo paper. Another draw back is photo paper is usually thicker, which makes it harder to bend the label for the top side. If you don't do it just right, the top part of the label will pop off the cart and you'll have to glue it back down. Avery labels and such are thinner, so you can bend them easier.

I wouldn't mind printing up replacement labels for you guys, but currently the best printer I have is an ink jet printer. Ink seems to get sucked up quickly, and the 3 carts this printer takes are expensive. I really wanna get a nice laser printer, but alas, I'm not made of money.

That being said, you don't have to use a sticker paper. You can use any kind of paper then get a paper glue to adhere it to the cart. I haven't tried this yet, but if/when I get a laser printer, this is what I'll be doing. Most Avery labels are for inkjets or laser printer, but you have to be careful. Laser printers heat up a lot, if a paper isn't rated for a laser printer, it could melt inside. Especially photo papers, which is probably why I couldn't find a sticker photo paper rated for laser printers. But at any rate, like I said, you can just use a paper glue and regular paper/photo paper.

[mas]

I also need some new genny labels, the problem isnt getting them printed (since I actually work for a Fedex Office, formerly Kinkos) but finding the file to print from. I searched online and could only find a couple, but none for the games I have.

I just recreate them in Photoshop. Usually when you find a label online, it's not good quality anyway, or the proportions are off. I'll get the cover from The Cover Project (or elsewhere if need be), then do a Google image search to see what the label looks like, then I'll just recreate it. If there are some games you need labels for, let me know, in most cases it only takes me a few minutes to create a label in Photoshop.

should I really bother to wine about the labels?

It's up to you, but in my opinion, it's not a big deal either way. I have a bunch of carts with crummy labels (haven't had the chance to make new ones for them yet) and some with new labels that I've made.

But it's late, I'll post more info when I get home from work tomorrow.

I'm looking forward to that, because I've got a couple of genesis labels that need to be changed.

If you have your own printer, then you're pretty much all set! I'll make it short and sweet:

First, decide if you wanna remove the old label or not. I've put new labels right over the worn labels on Genesis carts before, and it doesn't look bad at all (if you take the time to center the label perfectly over the old one). Removing it is probably wiser. When I remove old labels, I usually use a box cutter blade to get the bulk off then I soak what's left with Goo Gone. Wait a minute for the Goo Gone to start working, then the rest should come off very easy with the blade. You just have to be careful when you're using the blade on the cart not to make cut marks, especially outside of where the label is.

An alternative that I've heard about, but have not yet tried, is to stick the cart under a blow dryer and leave it for 5-10 minutes. After it gets heated up, the label should be able to peel off easily. Then use Goo Gone to remove any sticky gunk left behind.

Either method, you're gonna be left with a gunked up cart. Even when you remove all the sticky residue left by the sticker, Goo Gone will make it all oily. At this point, I take the cart plastic to the kitchen sink and use dish soap on it. Preferably a soap that is a degreaser. Wash it until you completely certain that you've removed all the oil from the Goo Gone. It has to be completely clean for the new label to properly be applied.

As for making the label, I've already said above how I make mine. If you need me to make a label or two, let me know, I don't mind! This is not an advertisement for the entire Internet to message me with label requests! Just for my buddies here on Racketboy!

As for printing them, I've been using an adhesive backed glossy photo paper (see the picture in my last post). You can also use an Avery label, which I have used before, or any kind of sticker paper for that matter. The photo paper has a glossy sheen to it, so it looks nice as a label. The Avery labels don't, but you can do the "tape trick" if you wish. Basically, use super clear packing tape to cover the label. The tape will mimic how a real label looks.

Photopaper has obvious draw backs. It's less resilient to abuse than anything else. Still, it will look as nice as your printer can print on photo paper. Another draw back is photo paper is usually thicker, which makes it harder to bend the label for the top side. If you don't do it just right, the top part of the label will pop off the cart and you'll have to glue it back down. Avery labels and such are thinner, so you can bend them easier.

I wouldn't mind printing up replacement labels for you guys, but currently the best printer I have is an ink jet printer. Ink seems to get sucked up quickly, and the 3 carts this printer takes are expensive. I really wanna get a nice laser printer, but alas, I'm not made of money.

That being said, you don't have to use a sticker paper. You can use any kind of paper then get a paper glue to adhere it to the cart. I haven't tried this yet, but if/when I get a laser printer, this is what I'll be doing. Most Avery labels are for inkjets or laser printer, but you have to be careful. Laser printers heat up a lot, if a paper isn't rated for a laser printer, it could melt inside. Especially photo papers, which is probably why I couldn't find a sticker photo paper rated for laser printers. But at any rate, like I said, you can just use a paper glue and regular paper/photo paper.

Wow ziggy that's cool. But I don't own a printer and It's contra that is so damaged. Other than that the other games just have a rip on the top is worn out so I'm not worried so much. Ialso don't want to trouble you for just a label or two.

[CFFJR]

Ziggy my friend, you are all kinds of awesome.

I might have to bug you for a label or two later if you can, but I'm looking forward to doing this and fixing up my nastier carts. I've got a great printer, so I'm good to go!

[Ziggy]

Wow ziggy that's cool. But I don't own a printer and It's contra that is so damaged. Other than that the other games just have a rip on the top is worn out so I'm not worried so much. Ialso don't want to trouble you for just a label or two.

If you want me to create a label for you, as in the computer file, it's no problem at all. As far as printing one up for you, I really wouldn't mind doing that either (for cost) but currently all of my printers need ink carts. The thing is, if I just print one or two labels it's actually a waste. I print onto 8.5x11" paper, so I can fit some where around 6 labels (give or take depending on size) on it. If I only print out two labels, I'm wasting the rest of the paper.

Ziggy my friend, you are all kinds of awesome.

I might have to bug you for a label or two later if you can, but I'm looking forward to doing this and fixing up my nastier carts. I've got a great printer, so I'm good to go!

No problem!

[jay_red]

Ziggy, with our powers combined we could rid the planet of bad labels! You setting them up, and my access to printers 5 days a week!

On a different note, reading what you said about laser printers brought a tear to my eye, you dont know how many people I have tried to explain the concept of laser printers to, and gotten blank looks back. Then they still ask if I can try their ink jet only paper though my copier. If everyone was like you my job would be much easier!

Seriously though, I can get the prints if you get the files. I currently need Rocket Knight Adventures, Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle, Aero the Acro-Bat, and Dynamite Headdy.

[BurningDoom]

Ziggy, can you make me a Genesis label for coy of Crue Ball, with an actual photo of Motley Crue?

[Mechblue]

i'm glad this topic came up, I've been looking for more info lately. I've used the avery labels before but I think I got the wrong paper, I have an inkjet and I believe the paper was for a laser. Came out pretty faded..

I'm hoping a laser printer will do the trick and i've heard a laminating sheet on top gives it the glossy look.

Hard part is getting the dimensions juuuuust right.

[Ziggy]

Ziggy, with our powers combined we could rid the planet of bad labels! You setting them up, and my access to printers 5 days a week!

What we should consider is if there's any negative aspects of replacement labels. Would a game have the same value with a new replacement label as it would with a torn and/or faded label? If the cart is uncommon, rare, or whatever, will a replacement label be a bad choice? Let's say you have an Earthbound cart with a worn label (50% of the label is missing, what's left is faded) and another with a brand new replacement label. Both authentic carts, both put up on eBay by the same seller. Does one sell for more than the other? Maybe the replacement label would raise suspicion of it being a bootleg?

This is just something I've thought about before. Personally, if it's a $5-10 game and you don't plan on selling/trading it any time soon, I don't think it's anything to consider. But if the game is rare or valuable, I definitely think it's worth thinking about.

I currently need Rocket Knight Adventures, Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle, Aero the Acro-Bat, and Dynamite Headdy.

Let me see what I can do when I get home from work today. I think I wanna make a thread with a guide for replacement labels. The thread could also double as a request thread for labels.

Ziggy, can you make me a Genesis label for coy of Crue Ball, with an actual photo of Motley Crue?

I could! Just give me a link to the picture of Motley Crue that you want me to use.

Hard part is getting the dimensions juuuuust right.

Yeah, usually I'll do a couple of draft prints on regular paper to confirm the size is perfect. But once I get the size just right for a particular label size, I save it as a template for future labels.