Glitter, pearlescent, fluorescent, thermochromic—even the names of specialty inks raise the specter of something exciting.

By Tom Polischuk

Siegwerk Ink Packaging’s line of phosphorescent inks provides a yellow-green after glow effect that is visible after a light has been turned off. These inks are finding use on labels and toys and can be applied with screen or rotogravure processes.

UVitec’s fluorescent inks are available in a wide array of colors including yellow, orange, red, magenta, green, and cyan. It also has a fluorescent pink that can be used as a fifth color in process printing to enhance skin tones and extend the range of magenta hues on images. These inks can be supplied for flexo, rotary screen, offset, and letterpress applications.