What Scratch Reveal Gold does on pack
Scratch Reveal Gold is a printable scratch-off coating used on cartons, labels, sleeves and promotional inserts where you want a hidden message or code to stay covered until the consumer rubs it away. The gold finish gives the pack a premium look before use, then breaks away cleanly to expose the text, number or graphic underneath. It suits campaigns where the reveal itself is part of the experience, from launch promotions to seasonal offers and competition mechanics.
In practice, the coating is chosen when the pack must do two jobs at once. It needs to look attractive on the shelf, and it must hold up during handling, stacking and transport. For Durban humidity, inland dry air and coastal conditions near Jacobs or Prospecton, the coating should be matched to the substrate and overprint system so the reveal stays consistent. If the base print, varnish or adhesive stack is wrong, the scratch layer can pick up, crack or release unevenly.
Where it suits and the pack types it works with
This coating is commonly used on food and beverage promotions, personal care promotions, event packs, telecom cards, loyalty vouchers, gift packaging and limited-edition release items. It is also useful for packaging converters handling campaigns for KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and coastal export work where presentation matters but the reveal must remain protected in transit.
- Cartons and folding boxes with a defined scratch window
- Labels and tags for codes, vouchers or contest entries
- Sleeves and inserts for short-run promotions
- Mailer packs and retail display items
- Security-style reveal areas where tamper evidence matters
It is best used where the reveal area is moderate in size and the pack is handled by hand rather than scraped against rough surfaces. For very large reveal fields, we normally check the coating build and drying window first, because bigger areas need better adhesion and more careful press control. If the job will travel through warehouses in heat or coastal moisture, that needs to be allowed for during setup.
Sizes, options and print line setup
Scratch Reveal Gold can be supplied for short test runs, campaign volumes and ongoing production orders. It is typically set up as a coating applied only to the reveal area, not over the full pack, which keeps material use down and makes the finish look cleaner. Options depend on the substrate, the press line and the reveal design, but the most common choices are standard gold opacity, custom shade matching, and controlled scratch strength for lighter or firmer coin or fingernail removal.
For packaging converters, the main variables are coating weight, drying speed and overprint compatibility. A stronger scratch layer is useful where the pack will travel through distribution and sit on shelves for longer. A lighter layer can suit fast promo work where the consumer must reveal the hidden area quickly. We also check whether the coating must sit under a clear overcoat or whether it will be exposed directly. That affects rub resistance and the final finish.
- Available for trial batch making and production runs
- Can be matched to pack layout and reveal size
- Suitable for single colour or printed background areas
- Can be paired with security pattern design where needed
- Retain samples can be kept for repeat work and reorders
Installation, drying and power requirements
The coating is applied on a standard packaging press or coating line, depending on the converter’s setup. It does not need gas on site. Electrical supply is only needed for the equipment already used in the line, such as drying units, pumps, air handling and inspection lights. On many jobs, the key issue is not power demand but dwell time, because the coating must dry properly before the sheets or reels are rewound, stacked or cut.
Where lines use heated drying, the temperature and airflow need to be matched to the substrate. In hot workshops or during load-shedding recovery, the line can behave differently from one shift to the next, so it is worth checking start-up conditions before a full run. We also look at static, dust control and web tension, especially on lighter papers and coated boards. If the pack is going to be carton formed soon after printing, the coating must be fully stable before finishing.
For converters in Jacobs, Pinetown and Prospecton, the practical setup usually includes a short press startup check, a trial panel or drawdown, then a small approved run before full production. That helps avoid wastage if the scratch area is too hard, too soft or not covering cleanly.
Care, storage and routine servicing
Scratch Reveal Gold should be kept sealed, dry and away from direct sun. Like most specialty coatings, it performs best when stored in a stable room temperature range and used within the agreed shelf life. On the production side, the line should be cleaned after use so the coating does not build up in trays, rollers or applicators. If residue is left to dry in the system, the next run can show streaks or uneven release.
Routine servicing is simple but important. Check the mixing, viscosity and coating application before each shift, especially after weekend shutdowns or power interruptions. In humid conditions near the coast, keep an eye on drying and blocking. Inland, the issue can be dust and fast surface set. A proper rub resistance check before dispatch helps avoid complaints from retailers and brand owners once the cartons or sleeves move through supply chains.
- Keep containers sealed when not in use
- Store off the floor in a dry, shaded area
- Clean application parts after each production run
- Do a rub test before releasing the batch
- Keep retain samples for repeat orders and traceability
What to check before you place an order
Before ordering Scratch Reveal Gold, it helps to confirm the substrate, the reveal size, the print process and the final handling conditions. The coating that works on a coated carton may behave differently on an uncoated board or a plastic laminate. If the hidden area must carry a code, prize message or expiry line, that artwork should be final before production begins. It is also worth checking whether the job needs a security pattern, a stronger reveal force or a different gold shade for brand consistency.
We usually ask converters to confirm the following before we quote or release a trial:
- Board or label material, including any lamination or varnish
- Reveal size and layout position
- Run size, turnaround time and whether it is a campaign or repeat order
- Printing method and drying conditions on the line
- Required scratch force and any rub resistance target
- Delivery destination, especially for nationwide dispatch from Durban
If the job needs colour matching, threshold tuning or production troubleshooting, that is best handled before the first full batch. It saves material and keeps the reveal consistent from the first pack to the last.
Supply from Jacobs to converters nationwide
ThermoInk supplies Scratch Reveal Gold from our Jacobs base in Durban to packaging converters across South Africa, including Durban South, Pinetown, Prospecton, Cape Town, Gqeberha, Johannesburg and Pretoria. Orders can be supported with trial batch making, press startup support, adhesion tests, UV verification setups and batch retain library records where required. That makes it easier to repeat a successful campaign later without starting from scratch.
For time-sensitive runs, the important thing is to confirm your pack spec early. Gold scratch coatings can be very straightforward when the base print is right, but they need proper preparation if the job is going into humid storage, long transport routes or a retail promotion with high handling. With the right setup, the pack looks premium and the reveal works the way it should.
Key facts
| Product type | Gold scratch-off coating for packaging reveal areas |
|---|---|
| Finish | Premium gold appearance before reveal |
| Application | Selective coating on cartons, labels, sleeves and inserts |
| Compatibility | Suitable for approved print and coating systems after testing |
| Power or gas needs | No gas required; uses normal press and drying equipment |
| Typical support | Trials, drawdowns, rub checks, press startup support and repeat batch records |
