Laminate structure

A process for making a laminate for a security thread having a translucent or transparent support layer, a translucent or transparent coloured first lacquer layer, a translucent or transparent second lacquer layer and a light-reflecting layer, the first lacquer layer being incomplete in a region substantially in register with an incomplete region in the light-reflecting layer, which process comprises the steps of:

• (i) applying the second lacquer layer on to the support layer;
• (ii) applying the first lacquer layer on to the second lacquer layer;
• (iii) applying the light reflective layer on to the first lacquer layer;
• (iv) applying a resist mask on to the light reflective layer to define one or more regions which are not to be removed;
• and
• (v) contacting the laminate and resist mask from step (iv) with at least one chemical so as to substantially remove the light-reflecting layer and the first lacquer layer in regions not covered by the resist mask without removing the second lacquer layer in the regions not covered by the resist mask.

A process for making a laminate for a stamping foil having a carrier layer, a translucent or transparent coloured first lacquer layer, a translucent or transparent second lacquer layer and a light-reflecting layer, the first lacquer layer being incomplete in a region substantially in register with an incomplete region in the light-reflecting layer, which process comprises the steps of:

• (i) applying the second lacquer layer on to the carrier layer;
• (ii) applying the first lacquer layer on to the second lacquer layer;
• (iii) applying the light reflective layer on to the first lacquer layer;
• (iv) applying a resist mask on to the light reflective layer to define one or more regions which are not to be removed;
• and
• (v) contacting the laminate and resist mask from step (iv) with at least one chemical so as to substantially remove the light-reflecting layer and the first lacquer layer in regions not covered by the resist mask without removing the second lacquer layer in the regions not covered by the resist mask.