Seal security features
Modern security stickers and seals are not only used to label products, but primarily to protect them from counterfeiting and unauthorized tampering. The combination of classic and highly technical elements – from numbering and personalization to microtext, guilloche patterns, holography, and special watermarked papers – enables a unique level of security and aesthetics. Each of these elements can be tailored to a specific application to create an unmistakable visual and protective feature that confirms the authenticity and originality of a product or document.
Security features:
- Microtext
- Guilloche
- Holography
- Microperforation
- Numbering and personalization
- Protective paper
- Protective watermark
- Special foil colors
Microtext
One of the protective and security features of holographic stickers is microtext. This is microscopic text that is illegible to the naked eye and only visible under high magnification and in daylight. It can be an infinitely repeating text, or a company name or product designation.
For maximum security, deliberate errors known only to the client are also used. The text on holographic seals is only legible under a magnifying glass and may also be outlined and contain a unique error, creating a three-dimensional effect. Microtext – microprinting as a security feature is usually printed in depth, on the surface, or in relief. It can be applied across the entire sticker or only in part.
Guilloche
Guilloche (from French guilloche) is a very fine line curve, pen drawing. This decorative line graphic, engraving is created on a metal base, most often of an ornamental nature. It is created by hand or, nowadays, also by machine. Guilloche is found primarily on securities, banknotes, stamps, bonds, stocks, and other important documents as a means of protecting their authenticity and preventing counterfeiting. Guilloche patterns are also found as decorative elements on jewelry, watches, decorative objects, glass, and textiles.
Above-standard security features
Other highly sought-after security features that we often apply in the custom production of security stickers and seals.
Holography
Holography (from the Greek holos – whole and graphy – recording) is a method of recording and three-dimensional rendering of an image based on the interference of highly coherent laser light. It allows three-dimensional images to be obtained. These images are obtained without the use of lenses, which is why this method is sometimes referred to as lensless photography.
We offer holographic medals in a print combination with guilloche and hatching. Now your documents will be truly original and completely unmistakable. We print the security feature for holographic seals/medals using embossed printing with metal foil either directly on the document or on a pre-cut shaped sticker (medal), which can also serve as a seal. We are also able to add micro-embossed text, including error graphic elements, to holographic medals (stickers) – making them completely impossible to copy!
Microperforation
Destructive protection – mechanical disruption by microperforation. Incorrect handling may result in destruction or damage. Perforation is also used as a paper self-adhesive seal on devices under warranty (PCs, telephones). It is generally well known in the case of highway toll stickers. Intentional mechanical disruption of the sticker with one or more shaped perforations. After sticking and attempting to remove the security sticker, the protective part of the seal is disrupted and visibly damaged due to micro-perforation.
What is numbering and personalization?
Each individual sticker can be numbered – personalized. It is possible to number them using traditional letterpress printing with a letterpress numbering machine (even with special inks – fluorescent, thermochromic). Digital printing can also be used to personalize printed materials. However, specific consultation is always necessary.
Protective paper
We offer a wide range of special graphic, watercolor, textured, and ribbed papers containing cotton, linen, and hemp fibers. Another special paper is security paper. Its composition has specific characteristics and also contains linen or abaca fibers. It also has different physical properties – higher wear resistance. The structure of this paper contains polyvinyl alcohol or gelatin. New products include paper with chips, metal fibers, or paper with nanofibers.
Protective watermark
Speciální papír opatřený vodoznaky – průsvitkami. Může se jSpecial paper with watermarks – translucent patterns. These can be:
- custom-made – directly for a specific customer (for larger orders).
- commercial – national emblem, hatching, waves, circles,
When held up to the light, these handmade papers reveal a logo, text, or graphic. This is essentially due to differences in the density of the paper pulp. In the Czech Republic, it is produced by the Velké Losiny handmade paper mill, with which we have a long-standing close partnership.
Special foil colors
Protective elements can also be printed with special metallic colors – so-called print refinement. Almost 75% of industrial products have decorative or functional surfaces. We divide them into high-gloss, matte, partial, textured, and with optical elements. We work closely with KURZ and TFP Universal.