File Upload Instructions

We use an uploader built directly into the cart. While placing your order, you’ll see a section where you can click or drop your files using the “Hot Pink” button.

Accepted file types:

• .wav — Audio
• .aiff — Audio
• .png — Artwork
• .pdf — Artwork / Labels / PQ sheets
• .jpeg / .jpg — Artwork
• .zip — Bundled files

File Requirements

• Format: WAV or AIFF for audio
• Sample rate / bit depth: 44.1 kHz, 16-bit or higher
• Maximum total size: 200 MB
• One file per side — Side A & Side B

Stereo & Mono Policy (Important)

If you want your record cut in mono, please send a mono audio file.

If your audio is sent in stereo, it will be cut in stereo by default. If a file requires mono compatibility for safe cutting, we will convert it to mono during pre-mastering as needed.

Naming Your Files

Please name files clearly so we can match them to your order:

• Artist_SideA.wav
• Artist_SideB.wav
• Double-disc projects (4 sides): Artist_SideA.wav, Artist_SideB.wav, Artist_SideC.wav, Artist_SideD.wav

Upload Limits per Checkout

Our cart uploader is designed for one record master per checkout:

• Upload up to 2 audio files per checkout (Side A + Side B for the same record).
• If you are ordering multiple copies of the same record, you only need to upload the files once.
• If you are ordering multiple different records (different audio per disc), please place separate checkouts for each title or contact us to arrange a multi-title / label project.

Files too large? Send via WeTransfer.com to info@lathecutvinylrecords.com .

Important: If your side includes multiple songs, your audio file must already include track spacing. Please allow ~2 seconds between songs (or use natural spacing for seamless transitions). Songs that exceed the maximum time per side may be faded out at the end to ensure the cut fits the disc.

Optional: You may attach a PQ sheet / track list (order + timings) as a PDF or text file. If you’re not able to split your audio into Side A / Side B (or want help preparing vinyl-ready files), we also offer vinyl mastering — email us and we’ll guide you.

Each record is handmade, cut, and assembled in-house with care and precision. Printed components such as jackets, inserts, or specialty finishes are coordinated through our trusted print partners. Production time varies depending on whether your order includes custom artwork, engraving, or additional assembly steps.

• Standard Vinyl Records: 7–14 business days once your final audio is approved.
• Assembled Vinyl Editions (with Jackets or Stickers): Orders that include printed artwork, jackets, or applied stickers may require an additional 1–2 weeks for design setup, proofing, and print approval before cutting and assembly. Turnaround depends on artwork complexity and approval time on your end.
• Engraved Discs: Engraving is completed before audio cutting and may add up to one additional week to your turnaround if combined with custom artwork or assembly.
• Vinyl Postcards (5×7″): Typically ship within 7–14 business days. Vinyl postcards are mailed via stamped letter mail rather than USPS parcel service, which means delivery may take longer and does not include tracking. Postcards with printed backers or custom artwork may add up to one additional week for print setup.
• Label & Artist Editions: Production windows vary by project size, color complexity, and label scheduling. Estimated timelines are provided during booking.

We’ll always email when your order moves into production and again once it ships. Every project is handmade — please allow for these timeframes to ensure accuracy and quality.

Note: Choosing faster shipping does not shorten production or print approval times. Shipping speed applies only after your order has been completed and dispatched. Vinyl postcards are sent via stamped mail and may arrive later than tracked USPS shipments.

Artwork Files, Workflows & Assembly Policy

We operate first and foremost as a vinyl disc mastering and dubplate cutting house. Artwork is offered where it supports the record — not as a replacement for the music.

While we offer CNC engraving and select high-quality artwork options, we do not operate as a print shop. Our work begins and ends with the record itself.

Accepted Artwork File Types

• .png — Artwork
• .jpeg / .jpg — Artwork
• .pdf — Artwork / Center Labels
• .zip — Bundled files (multiple assets)

High resolution is always preferred, but perfection is not required. If you’re unsure — send what you have.

Flexible Artwork Requirements (Important)

We do not require press-ready artwork with bleed, trim marks, or complex print specs. Artwork requirements are specific to each product and are listed in the product details.

Requirements can be intentionally loose. If you’re unsure whether your artwork is “correct,” send it anyway — we’re happy to review, adjust, or answer questions.

Artwork Quantity & Design Rules

Artwork produced as physical components is made in batches of 10 per design. This applies to center labels, picture disc stickers, and CNC engraving.

• x10 is per design. Each unique design requires its own batch.
• Multiple designs (for example, different artwork for Side A vs Side B) require separate batches.
• Artwork may ship assembled or loose depending on the product.

Fully Assembled In-House Production

The following options are fabricated and assembled in-house and shipped as complete records:

• CNC engraved records — engraving completed before audio cutting
• “Make a Vinyl Record” — priced to include in-house assembly of the record, in-house center label, and in-house jacket

Managed Third-Party Production (Shipped Complete)

Some specialty processes are completed by trusted local partners and coordinated by us. These records ship complete but are not fabricated entirely in-house.

• UV printed records — audio is cut by us, then UV printed locally (currently single-sided only)

CNC Engraving — Material Differences

CNC engraving is performed in-house.

• Clear records: strongest light-through / sun-catcher effect. Clear engraved records are single-sided only.
• Black records: engrave cleanly with a matte, texture-based finish. Black records may be single- or double-sided and can be paired with stickers or other artwork.
• Best use: clear, single-sided records for maximum visual clarity.

Center Label Artwork (3.5″ Only)

The only center label size we offer is 3.5 inches. You are welcome to send a 3.5″ circle with no center hole. This is often the best approach so we can place and size the center hole ourselves.

Please keep important text away from the center area. Using a bleed line or safe area during design can help prevent text from being cut off.

High-Quality Batch Artwork (Ships Separately)

These artwork components are produced by professional local print partners and ship loose. They are not applied by default.

• Premium full-color center labels (shipped loose)
• Sticker-based picture disc artwork (glue-free, shipped loose)

Double-Sided Picture Discs (DIY Assembly)

We are happy to produce double-sided picture disc artwork, however final assembly is DIY. We do not glue or laminate picture discs together in-house.

Picture disc artwork is typically resized to our ″ picture disc format and includes a small gap around the outer edge. This gap is intentional and allows room for the discs to be aligned and glued together during DIY assembly.

You will be responsible for gluing and aligning the two discs yourself. If you have questions about materials, alignment, or adhesives, we’re happy to help point you in the right direction.

Help, Templates & Resources

We provide templates for all artwork types we offer. If you need a template, just ask.

We also recommend checking out our YouTube tutorials and blog posts covering artwork setup, center label placement, and DIY assembly tips.

Special Artwork Notes

• Liquid disc kits ship unassembled. We provide the components, glue, and instructions, but do not assemble liquid kits in-house.
• Zoetrope records are a type of picture disc. We do not design the zoetrope animation itself, but we can print your completed zoetrope artwork using picture disc or UV printing.

Shipping & Media Mail Notes

Assembled records may qualify for USPS Media Mail when applicable.

Sticker-only shipments do not qualify for Media Mail and ship separately via standard mail or parcel service.

A Note on Philosophy, Presentation & Picture Discs

We offer an in-house “Make a Vinyl Record” package for gifts, one-offs, and short-run projects. It is designed to get close to a pressed-record presentation without the cost and delays of true pressed production.

Fully pressed-style presentation is possible, but comes with a significant economic cost and is often impractical for small runs. Our workflow prioritizes music, speed, and sustainability.

Our UV picture disc option represents a newer, more permanent visual approach and differs fundamentally from sticker-based picture discs.

• Sticker picture discs: highest-quality adhesive-based layers
• UV picture discs: direct-print, permanent visual solution

In all cases, the record comes first. We’re happy to include free white center labels on request — simple labels are historically correct for dubplates and lathe cuts.

Most orders are shipped separately by item type to protect handmade items and comply with postal classifications. Fully assembled vinyl releases (record + jacket + art) qualify as recorded media and can ship together in one package.

• Standard Vinyl Records (7″, 10″, 12″): Shipped in white paper sleeves inside premium vinyl mailers (up to 10 records per mailer). U.S. record orders use USPS Media Mail for affordable, compliant delivery. Priority upgrades are available upon request but do not shorten production times.
• Assembled Vinyl Editions (Gold Records & Jacket Bundles): Products listed as including a record with jacket, sticker, and artwork assembled ship as a single LP package. These qualify as recorded media under USPS and can be mailed via Media Mail in the U.S.
• Engraved Discs: Engraving is done before cutting and ships with the record in the same mailer.
• Vinyl Postcards (5×7″ Playable Records): Shipped flat in reinforced envelopes as letter mail. U.S. postage averages around $1.27 per postcard; international letter postage averages $4.00 USD. These ship separately from full-size records to reduce postage costs and prevent damage.
• Stickers, Center Labels, Jackets, Lyric Sheets (Standalone or Add-Ons): When ordered alone, these ship separately in flat mailers or boxes.
  Important: These items are not classified as recorded media and cannot ship via Media Mail. All U.S. and international shipments use USPS First-Class or USPS Priority Mail International as applicable.
• Label Releases & Artist Editions: All label and artist products are produced and fulfilled in-house using the same shipping process as custom orders.

Orders that include both records and printed materials often ship in two or more packages, except when sold as a full vinyl edition. Each shipment includes its own tracking number emailed automatically when dispatched.

Carrier Coverage: USPS Priority Mail and USPS International services include up to $100 of coverage. USPS Media Mail does not include insurance. Once a shipment is marked “Delivered,” responsibility transfers to the buyer.

Import Duties & Taxes (International): International buyers are responsible for any customs duties, VAT, or import taxes charged by their government. These fees are billed directly by USPS or the destination country’s postal system and are not included in our product or shipping prices. We declare qualifying shipments as “Handmade Vinyl Record – Origin USA” to minimize or eliminate duty whenever possible. Custom-made orders returned due to unpaid import fees are not eligible for refund, but can be reshipped if returned safely and new postage is covered.

Returns & Order Issues

Because each record, engraved disc, postcard, and printed piece is custom made to order, all sales are final. We do not accept returns, refunds, or exchanges once production has started.

If your order arrives damaged in transit or shows a verified production defect (playback or printing), please email info@lathecutvinylrecords.com within 7 days of delivery with clear photos or video so we can review and determine the best solution.

We are not responsible for postal delays, customs processing times, or packages marked as “Delivered.” Tracking numbers for each shipment are provided automatically once your order ships.

By placing an order, you agree to these terms and acknowledge that handmade and custom items are exempt from standard return or cancellation policies under U.S. and international consume