If you are choosing to print your artwork using our holographic paper instead of white paper, it's worthwhile to know how how elements of color in your illustration will affect the appearance of the holo effect.
The ink used in our printing is transparent. This means that the holographic effect will indeed reflect its pattern differently under that transparent ink color. Typically it will reflect the holo pattern under that color, as opposed to displaying its own color-changing effect.
Solid black and darker colors typically have more ink laid onto the holographic material and thus is the least transparent. Areas of white within an illustration will use no ink, and thus reflect the full color changing spectrum of the holographic paper. Here is one example of both transparent ink, areas of white, and solid black ink on a holographic print:
https://x.com/Narath_FGC/status/1828365042095415660
Another example shows how the effect appears when the material is shifted from side to side (click the link to see the video example):
https://x.com/Patches23X/status/1829260992532164834
Differences Between White Cardstock and Holographic Print
Both materials have their strengths. White cardstock is our tried and true paper material, producing vibrant colors with a textured semigloss. It's 95% brightness brings out the best color fidelity because it has a white backing.
Holographic paper has a striking metallic finish. By itself, its color changing properties are quite eye-catching. This is even more evident when a pattern is used. However, because the material does not have a white backing, the illustration's areas of white will instead show the metallic sheen. This can lead to a slightly duller appearance compared to cardstock. These comparison photos may help to illustrate. Please note that while the colors can appear more muted on holograph paper, the reflective nature of the material as well as its color properties will vary depending on the angle the illustration is seen and the material's pattern. Not every print will exactly resemble the below example.
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White cardstock | Holographic paper |
Not Every Artwork is Suitable for Holographic Paper
Artwork with low contrast - meaning an image or appearance where there's a small difference in brightness or color intensity between different areas - may not output well on holographic paper. As mentioned, colors can appear more muted than on white paper. This is partly due to the reflective nature of the material and its metallic sheen. Holographic paper is not white.
Below is an example of an artwork with low contrast, printed on holographic paper with "Cannibis" pattern:
White or Holographic Paper: Not sure Which to Choose?
If you are unsure or unconfortable choosing holographic paper for your artwork, we recommend that you consider this suggestion:
Since launching this new material, we found that many requested their artwork printed on both white and holographic paper. It provides an opportunity to compare the two materials, while ensuring that should holographic material not suit the artwork well, the artwork on white paper is a good backup.
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