OVI Optically Variable Ink vs Laser Ink: What’s the Difference?
In anti-counterfeit packaging and premium printing, OVI optically variable ink and laser (holographic) ink are the two most common visual security technologies. They are often confused, but their color-change principles, visual effects, security levels and applications are completely different. This guide explains everything from principle to selection.
What is OVI Optically Variable Ink
OVI optically variable ink contains special multi-layer optical thin-film pigments. The pigments reflect different wavelengths of light as the viewing angle changes, so the same print shows two colors at different angles. The most classic combinations are gold-to-green and copper-to-green. This color shift is visible to the naked eye but cannot be reproduced by photocopiers, scanners or cameras – because any imaging device records only a single angle. That is why OVI ink is called banknote-grade security technology: it is used on banknotes, passports and premium cigarette and wine packaging in more than 100 countries.
What is Laser Ink
Laser ink (also called holographic ink) contains fine holographic fragments or uses a holographic transfer process to produce a rainbow luster on the print. As you tilt the print, the rainbow effect flows and shifts, with a clear metallic, decorative look. The color change of laser ink is caused by light diffraction/interference producing iridescence, not by the pigment itself switching colors – visually it is more decorative gloss than a defined color change.
Five Key Differences Between OVI Ink and Laser Ink
| Comparison | OVI Optically Variable Ink | Laser Ink |
|---|---|---|
| Color-change principle | Multi-layer thin-film pigment selectively reflects light; color switches with viewing angle | Holographic fragments diffract/interfere light, producing flowing rainbow luster |
| Visual feature | Clear two-color switch (e.g. gold to green) | Rainbow/metallic gloss, no defined two-color switch |
| Security level | Banknote-grade (high); cannot be copied by scanning | Medium-high; mainly visual security |
| Verification | Tilt and observe the color shift with naked eye | Observe rainbow luster; magnifier for micro-structure |
| Typical applications | Banknotes, passports, cigarette packs, wine labels, cards, high-security documents | Decorative packaging, labels, stationery, gifts |
When to Choose OVI Ink vs Laser Ink
Choose OVI ink for scenarios requiring clear security level and naked-eye verification – cigarette packs, wine boxes, banknotes, ID documents, bank cards, tickets, security labels; especially where clear color switching, simple inspection and high imitation difficulty are required.
Choose laser ink for decoration and brand recognition – cosmetics packaging, gift boxes, cultural creative products, greeting cards, children’s toy packaging, where rainbow luster enhances premium look and security is a bonus.
The two are not mutually exclusive: many premium products combine both – laser ink for decorative background and OVI ink for the main security mark, forming a multi-layer security system.
OVI Ink Selection Checklist
- Color-shift combination: gold-to-green, copper-to-green, green-to-blue – choose by product positioning and verify with samples;
- Printing process: screen (air-dry/UV), gravure, flexo, offset – each requires a different ink system matched to your equipment;
- Substrate compatibility: paper, PVC, PET, metal, glass have different coverage and adhesion requirements;
- Compliance: REACH for EU exports, EN71.3 for children-contact products;
- Supplier capability: prefer manufacturers with independent R&D and custom formulation.
FAQ
Can OVI ink and laser ink be copied by photocopier?
OVI ink cannot be copied. Photocopiers and scanners record only a single viewing angle and cannot reproduce the angle-dependent two-color shift, which is why OVI is recognized as banknote-grade security. Laser ink’s rainbow luster is also hard to replicate by flat scanning, though some high-precision devices can partially imitate it, so its security level is lower than OVI.
How much more expensive is OVI ink than ordinary ink?
OVI ink costs significantly more than ordinary ink, mainly due to the optically variable pigment. But on a per-print basis the added cost is usually limited, and the payback lies in anti-counterfeiting effect and brand value. SJH Ink offers batch pricing and sample testing – verify with samples first, then order.
Can thermochromic ink and UV fluorescent ink be combined with OVI ink?
Yes. OVI ink is visible color-shift security, UV fluorescent and IR inks are covert security, and thermochromic ink is environment-responsive security. Their mechanisms do not interfere, so they can be combined into a multi-layer security system – a mainstream practice for premium cigarette and wine packaging.
Where can I buy OVI ink? Can I get free samples?
SJH Ink Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen) is an OVI ink manufacturer founded in 2002, offering gold-to-green, copper-to-green standard color shifts and custom formulations for screen, gravure, flexo and offset printing, with free sample testing. Tel: +86 13510998453. Website: www.sjhink.com (product effect videos show the color shift directly).
Custom Formulation & Samples
SJH Ink supports custom OVI ink color-shift combinations, shade tuning and print adaptation per customer sample cards, for screen (air-dry/UV), gravure, flexo and offset printing. Samples are charged by weight with flexible minimum order; fast delivery after confirmation. Send us your sample card or color requirements for free color-matching advice and sample testing.