OUGD406 - License to Print Money: Bank Note Characteristics Research

Through exploration and research into current bank notes, I have been able to identify the finishes, techniques and design elements used in the production of notes - allowing me to explore the potentials of this specific subject of design as well as its limitations.

Below are the identified techniques/finishes/design elements:

• Stock/paper - banknotes are printed on special paper that gives them their unique feel.

• Raised Print - by running your finger across the front some notes, you can feel raised print in areas such as the words 'Bank of England.'

• Metallic Thread - the thread is embedded in the paper of every banknote. If you hold the note up to the light, the metallic thread appears as a continuous dark line.

• Watermark - When you hold some notes up to the light, you will see an image of the Queen's portrait together with a bright number.

• Premium Print Quality -the printed lines and colours on bank notes are sharp, clear and free from smudges or blurred edges.

• Micro Lettering - using a magnifying glass, by looking closely at the lettering beneath the Queen's portrait on some notes - you will see the value of the note written in small letter and numbers.

• Ultra Violet - if you look at the front of some notes under a good quality ultra-violet light, the amount appears in bright red and green. 

• See-through register - By holding up some bank notes to the light you will see coloured irregular shapes printed on the front and back that combine to form the £ symbol.

• Holographic feature/strip -  there is a hologram on the foil patch on the front of some notes. If you tilt the note, the image will change between a brightly coloured picture of Britannia and a number. 

• Guilloches - ornamentation resembling braided or interlaced ribbons.