Make Your Business Promotion Successful with Scratch Off Ink

Scratch off ink isn’t only for lottery tickets or scratch cards- it can be deployed in any retail advertising campaign where you want your customers to be excited about receiving a reward or a discount coupon. Scratch-off waterbased ink is basically a rubberized ink coating that can be implemented via screen printing. This ink hides a message beneath it and maybe scratched away with a coin, fingernail, or any other object.

How Scratch Off Ink Works?

The tickets are first produced, either digitally or lithographically, and then placed on ‘press sheets.’ The prize area is then screen printed with a unique release topcoat. This coating prevents the text from overly aggressive scratching while also ensuring a consistent surface for the scratch-off ink to cling to. The ink is then put on top, followed by an overprint layer for more coverage or as a decorative element, if required.

Scratch-off projects may appear simple, but they are not without their drawbacks.

Tips to Successfully Applying Scratch Off Waterbased Ink

Here are some pointers to ensure that your attempt is a success:

Make use of coated paper

Uncoated coverstocks can consume a large number of topcoats, and the gleeful surface of bare coverstocks can make scratch-off ink hard to erase. For the greatest effects, use coated materials, either glossy or plain.

Use depowder sheets or minimal press powder

Press powder can clog screens and mess with the retention of lacquer and scratch-off ink. If at all feasible, just use it as little powder as necessary. If excessive coverage necessitates the use of powder, try depowdering the sheets after they have dried.

In the same way, many digital printers leave a layer of “fuser oil” on the sheets. This can end up making printing the topcoat impossible because it won’t stick. It’s always a good way to check the varnish coating before performing the complete operation if the tickets are being digitally generated.

Hide the prize message by backing the screen

Scratch-off isn’t completely transparent. To prevent users from spotting awardees through the varnish, make the prize statement as low resolution as feasible. Only 2 separates % shades of black get the best outcomes. Digital printers require particular caution because the toner or dried ink can build up rather thickly, allowing your word to be seen in relief even after both coats have been applied. It’s usually a good idea to test anything.

On the press sheet, make a registration mark

If you’re giving out press sheets to have scratch-off put to them, ensure the grip and direct positions are marked on the top sheet of the stack. It’s critical to use constant registration edges to ensure that everything matches up perfectly.

Different versions of the layout should be identified

Please remember that once the scratch-off is completed, each ticket will have the same appearance. If you have many copies of something (prize money, winners/try again, etc.) that have to be handled distinct, designate them well outside the trimmed area on the design or impression.

Give enough time for drying

Because scratch-off ink isn’t really UV drying, it has to cure before being touched. Make certain to include this timeframe in your project’s plan, — particularly if extra bindery processes like folding or puncturing are needed.

If you take these tips seriously, you won’t have to worry about leaving your scratch-off job to luck! Also, keep in mind that scratch-off waterbased ink is just one of many specialty inks that can be screen printed.

And, if you are looking for top-quality scratch-off ink, you can always rely on DAS Waterbased Ink.