In a world dominated by digital convenience, vinyl records have resurfaced as a cherished symbol of artistry and tangible connection. As vinyl enthusiasts, we celebrate the warm analog sound and the aesthetic appeal of these spinning discs. However, there lies an inherent limitation that vinyl presents—the constrained duration of each side, leading to the occasional blank B-sides and D-sides. Yet, within this apparent limitation, a world of untapped potential awaits, and we, have set out on a journey to unleash the creativity concealed within these hidden canvases.

The Dilemma of Duration

Vinyl records have a unique charm, but they come with a spatial constraint. Traditionally, a standard 12-inch vinyl record can hold up to 20 to 22 minutes of music on each side. For shorter releases like EPs or singles, the A-side often houses the entire musical content, leaving the B-side seemingly vacant. Similarly, for lengthy albums that surpass the 40-minute mark, the music spills onto the C-side, rendering the D-side empty.

While this dilemma might have left some bands scratching their heads, we saw it as an opportunity to elevate the vinyl experience, giving rise to something truly special and rare in the world of records.

The Hidden Canvas

Instead of seeing the blank B-side and D-side as an inconvenience, we looked at them as blank canvases brimming with potential. The idea of screen-printing and etching on these hidden surfaces dawned upon us, and with a spark of inspiration, we began to create something extraordinary.

Unleashing Artistry: Screen-Printing on vinyl

After experimenting with different printing techniques we concluded that screen-printing gave the best results on vinyl and added an extra artisanal layer to the already very intensive process of manually pressing records here at dunk!pressing. It perfectly matches the approach of creating something with our hands, record after record, rather than using fully automated machines and losing actual touch with the product. To accomplish this we have some in-house specialists to test your ideas and guide you through the process, making sure the outcome is astonishing and adding up to the overall aesthetic of the album.

The Mesmerizing Charm of Etched Vinyl

As an alternative to this very intensive process of screen-printing every vinyl record we can also offer a more straight forward solution to be used on blank vinyl sides. Etched vinyl is being created by transferring a specific design to a stamper that would’ve been empty otherwise. This results in a vinyl record where one side has the grooves pressed into while at the same time the empty side has a beautiful design pressed onto it. This elevates the unintended empty side to a mesmerizing piece of art in one go.

Conclusion

What initially seems to be an inconvenient limitation to the vinyl medium can actually push the album to a new level when using the blank side as a hidden canvas to be used as an extension of the aesthetic ideas of the artist. What may have appeared as a "partial" package at first, transforms into a remarkably unique and special offering, where creativity knows no bounds.