Introduction
Scratch-off ink is a functional covering ink for scratch cards, PIN layers and security covers. Its core requirement is to cover firmly yet scratch cleanly: the layer must have enough opacity and light-blocking power to hide the information underneath, while also peeling away smoothly without residue and without damaging the base paper or the print below.
Features
- Strong opacity — effectively hides PINs and prize information
- Light-blocking, preventing read-through from the back
- Smooth scratching with no residue or flaking
- Water- or oil-based options by substrate and opacity need
Processes & Substrates
Mainly screen printing on paper scratch cards; the oil-based system suits non-absorbent substrates or where higher opacity is needed. A matching primer or barrier layer is recommended to avoid reaction with the base ink.
Applications
- Scratch cards and lottery tickets
- Top-up and gift card PIN layers
- Hidden information covers on courier labels
- Anti-counterfeit covers for pharmaceuticals and consumer goods
Customization & Printed Proofs
Scratch feel (brittleness/toughness), opacity and color can be adjusted. A full proof set including base print and scratch layer is available for press validation before volume production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Selection, detection, printing and ordering — answered.
What are the features of scratch-off ink?
Strong opacity, smooth scratching and no residue left behind, with good confidentiality and light-blocking performance that prevents reading prize information through the back of the card — the core material for scratch cards, PIN layers and security cover layers.
Water-based or oil-based — how do I choose?
Water-based is eco-friendly with low odor and suits most paper scratch cards; oil-based offers stronger adhesion and better weather resistance for non-absorbent substrates or where higher opacity is needed. Proofs of both can be supplied for comparison.
Can the scratch feel be adjusted?
Yes. The brittleness and toughness of the layer are tuned by formulation to achieve a clean scratch without flaking — avoiding incomplete removal, dust or tearing the base paper.
Which process and applications?
Mainly screen printing, for scratch cards, lottery tickets, top-up card PIN panels, hidden information on courier labels, and anti-counterfeit covers on pharmaceuticals and consumer goods.
Will it react with the underlying print?
Compatibility between the base ink and the scratch layer matters — a matching primer or barrier layer is recommended. A full proof set (base print plus scratch layer) can be supplied for a press trial to confirm opacity and scratch performance.
