Methods and apparatus for providing improved visual features on a substrate

A method, comprising:

• (a) applying at least a first layer of an imaging material within an image area of one of a first major surface and a second major surface of a substrate, such that a pattern is defined within the image area by one or more areas of relatively lower optical densities, including zero optical density, and one or more areas of relatively higher optical densities, where the second major surface is opposite the first major surface, the substrate includes at least one edge surface extending between the first and second major surfaces, and the first substrate is formed from an at least partially transparent material;
• and
• (b) applying at least one background layer of material over the image area such that the at least one background layer of material increases optical densities of the image area,
• wherein steps (a) and (b) may be carried out in any order.