The present invention discloses methods and systems for printing by
superposing a metallic ink and transparent inks. These methods and
systems are useful for color separating images into superpositions of a
metallic ink and transparent inks both for design purposes and for the
creation and authentication of security documents, such as banknotes,
checks, diploma, corporate documents, passports, identity cards, credit
cards, product labels, optical disks, CDs, DVDs, packages of medical
drugs, cosmetics, and alcoholic drink bottles. By combining a metallic
ink and transparent inks, one may create printed images behaving
dynamically: an image viewed under specular reflection may be
considerably different from the same image viewed under non-specular
reflection. Patterns which are either dark or hidden become highlighted
under specular reflection, yielding interesting visual effects. Metallic
inks allow therefore to create visually appealing dynamically changing
color images. In addition, the inversion effect provided by metallic inks
allows to enhance microstructures present in the image or to reveal
hidden patterns. Since these effects are lost in photocopied documents,
the disclosed methods, systems and security documents offer a high
security against counterfeiting attempts.