Optical Variable Ink...
- Thread starter Goodwolf
- Start date
Mike J.
Master Member
The short answer is: you can't. Because the real stuff is used in printing currency and other 'secure' documents, unless you work for a security printer, you can't get it.
The longer answer has to do with what kind of effect you're looking for. If you just want some sparkly metallic ink, or iridescent ink or sparkly / shiny color "X", try looking at arts & crafts stores and scrapbooking stores. They usually have artsy ink pads, pens & markers. Artsy-fartsy paints, too.
-Mike J.
The longer answer has to do with what kind of effect you're looking for. If you just want some sparkly metallic ink, or iridescent ink or sparkly / shiny color "X", try looking at arts & crafts stores and scrapbooking stores. They usually have artsy ink pads, pens & markers. Artsy-fartsy paints, too.
-Mike J.
exoray
Master Member
That would be the short answer...
But, it can be convincingly faked with Jacquard Pearl Ex powdered pigments... Multiple layers and custom mixes can get a ton of unique results, that will fool just about anyone if care is taken...
Four ways to apply these pigments to get the effect...
1. Mixed it into a clear base then screen or stamp it...
2. Screen or stamp a clear base or adhesive and dust/power it with the pigment, clean excess when dry...
3. Apply a clear thermal adhesive, powder and hot press it to activate the adhesive, clean excess...
4. Powder the paper, and apply a clear coat over the desired 'save' area by whatever means, clean excess...
Goodwolf
Sr Member
That's what I was afraid of. I was hoping to get a small amount for a Firefly paper prop I was working on. The plan was to get a hand stamp made of the Manhole Alliance logo and stamp the document with the OVI. Figured it would give that retro futuristic kinda feel, y'know? Old timey stamp with hi tech ink.
Thanks guys.
I became a member only to answer this post. I'm a professional fine artist specializing in inks and paints. Forget everything you just read above this post. It's 100% inaccurate. What you are looking for is optically-variant ink. It IS expensive, but you can buy it. There are no regulations preventing you from purchasing it. This type of ink is usually sold in 1kg containers, as most of the labs are outside the US- hence the metric system. Typically, this type of ink is purchased by large manufacturers, so that is why the large minimal purchase. Also, expect to pay around $300 for the ink. This is sort-of a trade secret of artists here, so take it for what its worth... but if you don't really need that much ink, you can call up a company and ask if you can have a sample of inks- something like half an ounce of each color they have currently available. You want to speak with the secretaries, not a salesman. They will often do it for around $20-$50 dollars, just be courteous and ingratiating. There are many companies that carry this type of ink. Just look them up online and start calling them. Shouldn't take you too long to get what you need. Hope this helps.
Goodwolf
Sr Member
I became a member only to answer this post. I'm a professional fine artist specializing in inks and paints. Forget everything you just read above this post. It's 100% inaccurate. What you are looking for is optically-variant ink. It IS expensive, but you can buy it. There are no regulations preventing you from purchasing it. This type of ink is usually sold in 1kg containers, as most of the labs are outside the US- hence the metric system. Typically, this type of ink is purchased by large manufacturers, so that is why the large minimal purchase. Also, expect to pay around $300 for the ink. This is sort-of a trade secret of artists here, so take it for what its worth... but if you don't really need that much ink, you can call up a company and ask if you can have a sample of inks- something like half an ounce of each color they have currently available. You want to speak with the secretaries, not a salesman. They will often do it for around $20-$50 dollars, just be courteous and ingratiating. There are many companies that carry this type of ink. Just look them up online and start calling them. Shouldn't take you too long to get what you need. Hope this helps.
Courteous I can do... ingratiating I'm not so sure about. My charisma pool is pretty low. :lol
But I'll definitely give it a shot. Thanks for the advice.
