Permanent damage can be seen if you hold a CD/DVD up to a fluorescent light or lamp, if you can see light shine through the ‘play’ region the data layer has been destroyed at that specific position. Foil damage can range from very light pinhole type scratches to deep gouges scoring the topside of the disc. To confirm the data structure has been affected, hold the disc shiny side up (play side) and tilt the disc back and forth until you see a reflection of light pass across the disc. This will cast a small shadow if scratches are on the play side, permanent damage won’t have a reflection and will appear as one line. If you are in doubt, send the disc to us and we can assess the disc for you.

The Reflection Test

Hold the CD or DVD disc, with the bottom or play side up.
While looking at the scratches on the play-side, tilt the disc slightly back and forth.
Now check each scratch for a reflection or double appearance.
Scratches on the bottom of the disc will have a reflection.