Commonly found in lotto tickets and phone cards, scratch off printing is a coveted finish that makes any brand -however big or small- look like a major league pro; its unique production value, intriguing mystique and playful, cool, factor have an immediate pull with customers.
It's hot stamping reloaded. Scratch off printing adds a standard or custom-shaped layer of metallic foil to your prints in specific areas, covering particular pieces of content - like coupon codes, sequential numbers, barcodes or names - to be revealed by 'scratching' the material with the edge of a coin, or a similar surface.
It's fun for the recipient, highly effective for you and surprisingly affordable, not to mention cost effective in the long run. Scratch off printed cards, brochures, flyers and more, breathe new life to old marketing strategies with immediate results.
Get a Custom Shape: The best thing about custom scratch off printing is that you're behind the wheel, meaning that your scratch off area doesn't have to be restricted to squares, rectangles or circles. They can be the water under a boat, the inside of sunglasses, a top hat, a speech bubble, etc. The more unusual the shape, the more irresistibly attractive your print will be.
Choose between gold or silver foil, one or multiple scratch off areas, premium paper stocks and many more add ons or finishes to enhance the life of your print.
Try personalized scratch off printing today, contact us at support@4over4.com for a custom quote and extensive guidance for your winning scratch off printing project.
Scratch card printers are few and generally selective, with 4over4.com you get a one stop shop for all your promo needs, hands on customer service and as a small or large a run as you need.
We’re sure we’re offering you a great deal, but if you find someone with better pricing we’re prepared to offer a 100% price match to any competitor’s pricing and beat it by up to 10%. While final approval is done on a case by case basis, we’re positive we can build a great deal for you: just send us a scan of your best offer and we'll do the rest.
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Order NowScratch-off printing is simply the process in which a card is foil stamped to hide information upon which one has to scratch the stamped area to reveal the information. According to research, scratch-off printing adds a standard or custom-shaped layer of metallic foil to your prints in specific areas, covering particular pieces of content - like coupon codes, sequential numbers, barcodes, or names - to be revealed by 'scratching' the material with the edge of a coin, or a similar surface.
Scratch-off Postcard
Most if not all people have interacted with scratch-off cards in one way or another. Scratch-off cards are a fun way for businesses to interact with customers.
I love surprises and scratch-off cards are perfect for creating an experience of your brand. The use of these cards has become an interesting part of business’ marketing strategies to the extent that they have incorporated digital scratch-offs for purely online businesses.
Not many people know when to use scratch-off cards. This is because they are mostly used just as lottery cards. But you will be surprised at how much you can incorporate scratch-offs in your business. Scratch off your previous stereotypes and let’s look at how your business can integrate these interesting fling-off cards.
These cards can be used to hype up an event in a way that builds excitement and creates awareness. Sending your customers scratch-off postcards with prizes to be won during an event will help you pull a crowd. Wendy’s, an American fast food restaurant once used these cards to build hype around the launch of new menu items. They managed to create a great buzz around their new offerings where they had a scratch, match and win promotion which was fun to play. Through this campaign, a lot of people got to know the new food items which obviously made their brand stronger.
Scratch-off cards will boost your sales. You can give fling-off gift cards to customers having concealed the discount code where to redeem the discount they have to visit your shop with the card and redeem their discount upon their purchase. This way, people can give others your fling-offs as gift cards, therefore, increasing the flow of customers to your business.
Use scratch-off cards to show appreciation. Customer appreciation is very important in the world today. I once received a fling-off card for Christmas and it had the words ‘We appreciate your efforts’ concealed. You can imagine the smile on my face after scratching it off. Once in a while give such dash-offs to your employees, customers, and even family to show you value them.
Use fling-off cards for contests and giveaways. This is a good way to build customer engagement and in the process boost your brand. You can put codes on the card and the winner will be the one with the correct combination. This is actually a great way to get people to buy the cards in bulk and also tell their friends about it. In the end, your business name spreads and gets in the hands of people you may have never reached.
Scratch-off Ticket
Scratch-offs can be used for fundraising. You can have cards ranging from $1 to $10. When people scratch off the foil, they will pay the amount indicated. But also remember, they are not compelled to pay. It’s not compulsory but rather a fun way of raising money.
Scratch-off cards can be used to reward customers’ loyalty. Your ride or die customers deserve it, I mean it’s not so easy to get them in the first place, so why not let them know how special they are to you. They’ve been there for you through the good, the bad and the ugly (pandemic), It’s time you gave something back to them. All you’ll need to do is come up with a list of rewards and ask your printer to have them printed on each card.
Scratch-off cards can be used during parties and social gatherings as gaming materials. Think about it, you have a crowd of party-goers seated around a table waiting to see who has won the prize of the day. For those of you who like to be cheeky, let the decision of who will clean up after the party be revealed on the cards. Ha! Be careful though, you may wind up not having guests at your home next time. These cards help in spicing up events and making them more lively. You could also use them during baby showers as gender reveal cards. They will create the tension you need.
Are you planning on going to a tradeshow? Then scratch-off cards are perfect for maintaining the attention of customers at your booth. You could use flyers that will reveal the prizes that can be won at your booth and what items you have on sale.
Another way you can use these cards is to reveal any new changes in your business. Take your announcements to a new elevated level. Send scratch-off postcards that will show any new additions to your business. If you’re not into postcards then send cute scratch-off stickers along with your packages. Or just hand out the flyers equivalent with more information.
Just like any other marketing technique. There are a few tips you can use to make your scratch-offs more effective.
If you are making it yourself then dish soap and paint is what you will use to make the scratch-off area as the mixture can conceal information. The mixture is also easy to scratch off once the card is completely dry.
For print companies, they use several concealing coatings. The paper card is first coated with a primer coating which makes the card ready for other layers to be applied. Then random words and symbols are printed on top of the primer coat and a seal coat is applied. Then another concealing covering is added which contains opaque materials such as aluminum paste, carbon black pigment, and appropriate solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone. All the coatings effectively conceal what is underneath and at the same time make it easy to scratch-off. Another overprint layer is applied which has the desired graphics or instructions.
Madehow gives a detailed way of how scratch-off tickets are made.
There are various colors but the most common ones are gold and silver. If you’re looking to have anything apart from gold or silver then consider custom scratch-offs from 40VER4. It’s all about your preference and which color will blend well with your theme or brand colors.
If you’re creative and artsy then making your scratch-off cards will be quite an interesting experience. And the best part is that you don’t need a lot of materials or tools. The main materials that you’ll need are paint, soap, cardstock, crayons, a printer, and a paintbrush.
DIY scratch-off
Good Housekeeping has a great simple DIY tutorial on how to go about making your scratch-off cards. Start by having your design printed and this should be easy as you can get numerous design inspirations online. Make sure the information you want to conceal is well displayed on the card in whichever area you prefer. You can then go ahead and color your writing using a white crayon. Color heavily. Go ahead and mix 2 tablespoons of paint with 1 tablespoon of dish soap depending on how big the area you want to cover is. Take your mixture and start painting over the white crayon using a paintbrush.
You can choose any shape you want to paint based on the purpose of the card and its recipients. Then sit back and admire your work as you let it dry. You may need 3-5 coats for your words not to be seen. When it comes to drying, let it dry thoroughly. It’s as easy as 123. When it comes to sending it, you can spice it up by sending a penny or a quarter along with the card.
There are many ways to go about your DIY scratch-offs but consider the tips below or a perfect outcome.
Many print companies make scratch-off cards. Companies like Vistaprint, 4OVER4, Snapfish, UPrinting, and the like can custom make the scratch-off cards for you.
You may need a custom quote on your order and guidance along the way so that you settle for the best scratch-offs. You will want to work with a company that has hands-on customer service and as small or large a run as you need when ordering your scratch-offs.
Before placing your order, make sure you do your research and work with companies that have an outstanding experience and great reviews. Work with companies that offer different types of scratch-off cards, not just scratch-off tickets. If you really want to stand out you could get die-cut scratch-offs in any shape or size. Let’s face it, regular is boring when you could choose from these options:
Think of having a lotto ticket that has the shape of sunglasses, dollar signs, cars, or any shape that you would ever think of. Unusual shapes have the capacity to dazzle and attract like a magnet just because they are unusual. People are so used to the regulars. The ovals, circles, rectangles, squares, and other shapes are so common.
In the quest to stand out, you should break the rules. In any case, there are no rules for creativity.
You don’t have to be restricted as you formulate your scratch off printing strategy. Think outside the box and conceive different shapes. They can be regular or irregular. The only way to achieve this is through die-cut printing.
Die cut printing is a process that involves the mass production of shapes with similar dimensions using a variety of materials. According to the print group Australia, a piece of paper or material is cut to a custom shape and size using a sharp steel blade. The sharp steel blade called a die, is formed into a specific shape. Then it’s cut through the paper.
The special machinery used comes up with crisp smooth edges that offer a consistent, smooth crisp cut.
The combination of scratch-off and die-cutting
To combine your scratch off printing materials with die-cut technology you need to know the principles of die-cutting.
First and foremost, affordable die-cutting is normally done for large orders. Die-cutting needs a large order because it is tasking and expensive to develop a die. Unless, of course, if you look at companies where speed, technology and convenience in printing die-cut prints converge beautifully to produce precisely cut die-cut scratch-off cards. Currently, only 4OVER4 is capable of providing die-cut prints on scratch-off cards without you having to break the bank when you choose a custom order.
Having decided the final shape that you want your scratch-off cards to look like, you contact a printing service. The printing service will ask for a sample shape of what you want your products to look like. They will then develop a die for you and give you a quote depending on the size of the order.
Why scratch-off cards are popular
In a country where the appetite for lotto tickets is ballooning, it makes sense why scratch-off printing has been growing over the years. CNBC reported that the US Census Bureau revealed that about half of Americans play state lotteries.
In 2017 state lottery sales topped at $71 billion. The report further revealed that consumers spend an average of about $86 a month on lottery tickets. This includes scratch-off cards that come out of vending machines. All this to enter the Powerball and Mega Millions competitions.
How die cut is applied on scratch-off printing
Printing for less defines scratch off as a heat-process foil stamp that can be removed with the edge of a coin or card. The scratching reveals the information printed beneath.
A standard or custom shaped die presses the foil onto the surface which leaves the foul in the specific shaped area. This is what you traditionally see in giveaways, lotto tickets, contest print materials and so forth.
With these unusual scratch-off shapes, the design originality can be applied to different prints. You can incorporate them into direct mail, business cards, direct mail brochures, paper business cards, newsletters, postcards and many others.
Scratch off effects and features
It’s an obvious fact that people want to win in scratch card games. And they often ask if buying expensive scratch-off lottery tickets will increase their winning chances.
Honestly, expensive lottery cards do increase your winning odds for a simple reason. The bulk of gamblers buy the cheap scratch-off cards. This leaves the more expensive ones with fewer numbers. As a result, chances are that when you buy an expensive lottery ticket you increase your chances because of fewer players.
As much as the argument for expensive and premium scratch off cards may not be very accurate, it still holds some truth.
Another helpful tip is looking up the scratch tickets with the most wins despite their price. This greatly improves your winning chances. Places like casinos publish who won and the tickets that won. You will easily track the scratch off that has the best winning odds.
Ultimately, many serial winners of lottery scratch cards recommend purchasing scratch off tickets in bulk. You will spread the risk and increase your odds of winning significantly.
Generally, scratch-off printing is pricey due to the foil material used to make it. So here are the standard prices in the market currently.
| Coated | Uncoated | Laminated | Metallic Pearlescent | Price for 500 (2”x3.5”) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4OVER4 |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
$383 |
|
Scratch off Systems |
✔ |
X |
X |
✔ |
$390 |
|
Promo Print Group |
✔ |
X |
X |
✔ |
$395 |
I have always been intrigued by scratch cards. The gift cards and the lottery tickets are the most interesting ones for me. As a kid, I used to see adults flocking at some lotto shops in a bid to get those cards. Back then I did not understand what was going on. But the connection between a coin and the card was the nut I always sought to crack.
In my adulthood, now that I understand what it entails, I decided to look into the companies that actually make the scratch-off material. Because some foils are golden, shiny black, grey, and silver.
My mother always warned us against scratching the scratch cards using our fingernails. For some reason, she believed that the material was carcinogenic and would cause cancer. So as I look into the best companies that print scratch-off cards, there are some factors that we need to look at first.
The coating on scratch cards is made of specialized latex inks. According to hoax slayer, there is no proven scientific evidence that links the scratch-off material to skin cancer. There is also no evidence that references the compound called “Silver Nitro Oxide”.
A scientist called Dr. Brian Berry had alleged that the presence of “Silver Nitro Oxide” in scratch cards causes skin cancer.
Tips for successful scratch off ink products
Before you decide on contracting a company to deliver your scratch-off project, you need to measure their competencies. Their competencies will ultimately impact the quality of the product you want. And it’s obvious that you are looking for the best quality you can get in the market.
These tips will help you know what makes a scratch-off ink project successful. You will be able to vet companies and make an informed decision.
1. They have coated stock
Sticking your material with either gloss or matte finish will always ensure that the removal is smooth. Uncoated coverstocks absorb a lot of varnish. The resulting toothy surface can cause adhesion that makes it hard to remove the scratch-off ink. Obviously, the removal will tear the card and give your customers very unpleasant results.
2. The message hidden underneath should not be visible
Unfortunately, scratch-off is not fully opaque. A good scratch-off company will employ the lowest possible contrast. It should prevent anyone from seeing the contents concealed. Prism Tech Graphic advises that the best results come from using two different percentages of tints of black only.
Meticulous digital printers should ensure that the dry or toner ink can pile up and fails to hide the message. If that essential aspect is missed, the concealing will not be successful. Before the products are released you need to test them.
3. Always separate the different layouts
When the scratch-off has been applied, all cards will look the same. Therefore if you have different layouts or versions such as ticket number, hidden gifts, prize amounts etc, they need to be kept separate. A nice way to do this is by marking the outside trim area on the layout.
4. Never skip the drying time
It’s worth noting that scratch-off ink is not like UV ink which sticks immediately. It takes time to dry before being packaged. The best printing companies factor in drying time to achieve perfectly complete products.
5. Use minimal press powder
Printing companies should use little powder because it interferes with the varnish and scratch-off ink adhesion. It also clogs screens. Experts at Prism Tech Graphics advise that depowdering should be done if powdering is mandatory for the scratch-off project.
For digital printers, they should ensure that they test the varnish application before applying it to the whole order. Because the use of fuser oil makes it impossible to print the varnish. Eventually the varnish fails to stick.
6. Proper marking on the press sheet
The press sheets that will have scratch-off applied on them need to be properly marked with the grip and guide positions. Ensure that you use consistent registration edges for the top sheet on the stack for proper alignment.
These are some of the companies that offer scratch off printing:
Direct Mailing: from the local bakery announcing the latest -scratch to discover- bagel to discover-your-code promos.
New Product Launches: You can announce and reveal your latest addition with a custom printed scratch-off piece.
Trade Show Giveaways: Custom scratch-off flyers, scratch on the spot to win a prize.
Sweepstakes, promotions, games, and trivia.
Store Discounts: cross-sale, up-sale or simply increase sales volumes with fun in-store scratch-off coupons printed to your specifications. Raffles and Fundraisers too can be custom-made for you.
Employee Incentives- gift vouchers and certificates.
Reward Programs: little giveaways (or keep trying notices) for VIP, standard and new members.
Party Games: from racy bachelorette party games to wholesome personalized bingo cards. You can use personalized scratch-off cards for private events
1. Define your goals
Scratch cards are a classic way of pulling people. They can also be used to advertise new products etc. Therefore, having your goals clearly defined will help you decide which scratch-off tickets will work for you.
2. Buy in bulk
As it is for many printing companies, the higher the order, the cheaper they charge you.
3. Set a budget and stick to it
You need to financially plan for the scratch-off prints. Analyze your total costs, both variable and fixed and get a deal that fits your budget.
4. You can capture lost clients
Scratch-off tickets can be used to woo clients who stopped doing business with you. You need to come up with the catchy, desirable designs and rekindle the old flame.
5. Leverage on scratch-off tickets to improve your company’s image
When you offer giveaways and gifts with your scratch cards you give a positive image and outlook about your business. It’s a more exciting way to create awareness about your business.
Scratch-offs are a great marketing tool and if you have not yet started using them, then why not give them a try for a small marketing campaign? You’re more likely to see an increase in engagement or sales with this exciting method of marketing. With 2 decades of experience in the print industry, 4OVER4 will print and ship them to you at supersonic speed. In addition, you’ll enjoy the most competitive prices in the market to give you value for your money and exceed your expectations.
