10 Questions You Should to Know about holographic paper

I want to print CCG cards with holographic backgrounds and names but at the moment don't know the ins and outs of how its done. Do I need a laser printer to do it?

NovaVision stocks direct metalized material and material which is laminated with holographic film. Both products have special coatings to enhance printability.

We offer these general printing tips and frequently ask questions to highlight key areas. Printers should consult with their ink supplier and press manufacturer for final printing recommendations.

1. Inks

The graphic design determines number of ink layers and opacity. For example, to achieve a shiny, glossy shade, transparent inks should be used. For a solid appearance, opaque inks are recommended. Using both ink types can create a vivid, three-dimensional appearance. Your best resource for selecting printing inks is the ink supplier. Formulations are readily available which are specifically designed for metalized papers or laminated film.

When printing on UNCOATED both sides, inks dry by absorption. When printing on COATED backsides, metallic surfaces or film, inks dry by oxidation.

A final clear coating on the holographic side is recommended to cap printed materials and prevent offsetting. Either aqueous or UV-cured over-coatings are recommended. The final overprint coating should be selected for clarity to minimize any impact on the holographic brightness.

Although conventional inks work well, UV-cured inks are ideal. Potential problems associated with offsetting and drying are avoided by using UV-cured inks. Inter-station UV curing is the most successful way of printing holographic paperholographic paper and board.

Additional tips for conventional inks on metalized or film surface:

a. Conventional inks dry by oxidation more than absorption. Inks must be made from fully oxidizable materials.

b. Viscosity can generally be used as supplied by the ink manufacturer and adjustments should be made according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

c. The use of mineral oil, paste and gel reducer should be avoided.

d. Ink tacks should be 16 or less using an inkometer tack tester. On multi-station presses, the first station should have a tack of 14 with each successive station delivering inks with successively lower tack levels.

e. Additional driers in the ink are recommended where tolerable to ensure hard drying.

f. Low ink coat weights are recommended to facilitate the drying process

2. Flexographic Printing

Generally, no additional special procedures are required for flexo printing

3. Offset Printing

Offset Ink systems perform best when these guidelines are followed:

• Fountain solution: 15 % minimum recommended alcohol content, 25% maximum.
• Tack: 14 or less. In multi-station presses, the first station ink should have tack of 14. For each of the succeeding stations the tack should be lowered one point. ph range: 4-5.
• Blanket: Conventional low tack; quick release type. Using special blanket hardener at start-up will prevent sticking and reduce picking.
• Inks: Foil type inks are recommended
• Wet-trapping: Ink can be wet trapped on metalized paper for multiple color printing. This is possible because of metalized paper's absorption qualities.
  

When printing web offset, excessive heat (104F maximum) can adversely affect the quality of the hologram; also certain press controls may give erroneous reading when reflected onto the holographic material.

Small 11 inch x 17 inch offset presses could be a concern because of less control with the fountain solution rollers.

Tips for water damping:

• Where possible, plain water should be run in the fount.
• Fount solutions should not be too acidic (ph 5.5) and should be used sparingly as excess use will inhibit the drying process.
• Processes with low print take-off may require the addition of up to 12% isopropanol to reduce the surface tension and minimize the amount of water delivered to the paper surface.
• Additives may be used in the damping solutions to aid the drying process. All additives should be used according to the manufacturer's recommendation.
• Sheet damping must be even across the sheet especially avoiding excess water at the edge of the sheets.

4. Gravure

Gravure inks on holographic metalized paper may be solvent, UV cured or water base in formulation. Inks must be made from fully dried materials. The viscosity can generally be used as supplied by the manufacturer and adjustments should be made according to the manufacturer&#;s recommendations. Large amounts of DOP plasticizer in gravure inks may interfere with proper ink adhesion. For best results, test adhesion of ink systems.

5. Screen Printing

Avoid excessive heat (maximum 104F) which may accumulate in printed stacks. Excessive heat may cause matting or diminish the holographic effect. Tests should be conducted to determine the drying time and temperature necessary to give acceptable line speeds without diminishing the holographic effects.

NovaVision stocks direct metalized material and material which is laminated with holographic film. Both products have special coatings to enhance printability.

We offer these general printing tips and frequently ask questions to highlight key areas. Printers should consult with their ink supplier and press manufacturer for final printing recommendations.

1. Inks

The graphic design determines number of ink layers and opacity. For example, to achieve a shiny, glossy shade, transparent inks should be used. For a solid appearance, opaque inks are recommended. Using both ink types can create a vivid, three-dimensional appearance. Your best resource for selecting printing inks is the ink supplier. Formulations are readily available which are specifically designed for metalized papers or laminated film.

When printing on UNCOATED both sides, inks dry by absorption. When printing on COATED backsides, metallic surfaces or film, inks dry by oxidation.

A final clear coating on the holographic side is recommended to cap printed materials and prevent offsetting. Either aqueous or UV-cured over-coatings are recommended. The final overprint coating should be selected for clarity to minimize any impact on the holographic brightness.

Although conventional inks work well, UV-cured inks are ideal. Potential problems associated with offsetting and drying are avoided by using UV-cured inks. Inter-station UV curing is the most successful way of printing holographic paper and board.

Additional tips for conventional inks on metalized or film surface:

a. Conventional inks dry by oxidation more than absorption. Inks must be made from fully oxidizable materials.

b. Viscosity can generally be used as supplied by the ink manufacturer and adjustments should be made according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

c. The use of mineral oil, paste and gel reducer should be avoided.

d. Ink tacks should be 16 or less using an inkometer tack tester. On multi-station presses, the first station should have a tack of 14 with each successive station delivering inks with successively lower tack levels.

e. Additional driers in the ink are recommended where tolerable to ensure hard drying.

f. Low ink coat weights are recommended to facilitate the drying process

2. Flexographic Printing

Generally, no additional special procedures are required for flexo printing

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3. Offset Printing

Offset Ink systems perform best when these guidelines are followed:

• Fountain solution: 15 % minimum recommended alcohol content, 25% maximum.
• Tack: 14 or less. In multi-station presses, the first station ink should have tack of 14. For each of the succeeding stations the tack should be lowered one point. ph range: 4-5.
• Blanket: Conventional low tack; quick release type. Using special blanket hardener at start-up will prevent sticking and reduce picking.
• Inks: Foil type inks are recommended
• Wet-trapping: Ink can be wet trapped on metalized paper for multiple color printing. This is possible because of metalized paper's absorption qualities.
  

When printing web offset, excessive heat (104F maximum) can adversely affect the quality of the hologram; also certain press controls may give erroneous reading when reflected onto the holographic material.

Small 11 inch x 17 inch offset presses could be a concern because of less control with the fountain solution rollers.

Tips for water damping:

• Where possible, plain water should be run in the fount.
• Fount solutions should not be too acidic (ph 5.5) and should be used sparingly as excess use will inhibit the drying process.
• Processes with low print take-off may require the addition of up to 12% isopropanol to reduce the surface tension and minimize the amount of water delivered to the paper surface.
• Additives may be used in the damping solutions to aid the drying process. All additives should be used according to the manufacturer's recommendation.
• Sheet damping must be even across the sheet especially avoiding excess water at the edge of the sheets.

4. Gravure

Gravure inks on holographic metalized paper may be solvent, UV cured or water base in formulation. Inks must be made from fully dried materials. The viscosity can generally be used as supplied by the manufacturer and adjustments should be made according to the manufacturer&#;s recommendations. Large amounts of DOP plasticizer in gravure inks may interfere with proper ink adhesion. For best results, test adhesion of ink systems.

5. Screen Printing

Avoid excessive heat (maximum 104F) which may accumulate in printed stacks. Excessive heat may cause matting or diminish the holographic effect. Tests should be conducted to determine the drying time and temperature necessary to give acceptable line speeds without diminishing the holographic effects.

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