Substrates having a light-transmissive phase change ink printed thereon and methods for producing same

A method for producing a layer of light transmissive phase change color ink on the surface of a substrate, which comprises:

• forming a phase change color ink composition, in the solid phase, comprising a fatty amide-containing compound and a compatible colorant;
• transferring said solid phase, phase change color ink composition to a phase change ink application means;
• raising the operating temperature of said application means to a level whereby a liquid phase, phase change color ink composition if formed;
• providing a substrate in close proximity to said application means;
• applying a predetermined pattern of said liquid phase, phase change color ink composition to at least one surface of said substrate;
• lowering the temperature of said applied ink composition to form a solid phase, phase change ink pattern on the substrate;
• and forming a layer of substantially uniform thickness in which said pattern of phase change ink has been reoriented and thereby transmits light in a substantially rectilinear path.