We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Technology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Holographic Decal?

By Elizabeth West
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,841
References
Share

A holographic decal is used on driver's licenses, credit cards, passports and other documentation in an effort to make them more secure. Reflection holograms on mass-produced decals are visible in ordinary lighting, and are usually of lesser quality than a hologram with both transmission and reflection light waves. They are stamped on foil decals backed with a permanent adhesive. Many companies make them specifically using artwork their clients have provided.

Holograms are three-dimensional photographic images taken with the assistance of lasers, spreading the light to travel both through and reflect off the object. The resulting image retains the properties of the light in which it was photographed, appearing to the eye as a three-dimensional representation of the object. Holograms with both reflection and transmission light waves are deeper, sharper and of better quality than the reflection holograms found on decals. Light that reflects and interferes with each layer of the hologram is seen in different wavelengths on different angles, in different colors. This is called the Bragg effect.

The security holographic decal found on a credit card and other identification paperwork is typically of higher quality than a novelty hologram sticker. The adhesive used is strong enough so that the hologram cannot be removed without causing observable damage to the decal itself. These decals can be sold in rolls with sequential numbers on them, making it easy to identify an object stamped with one. A clear holographic detail can also be placed over a signature on an official document, both protecting and identifying it as authentic.

In addition to identification purposes, retailers who sell officially licensed merchandise or memorabilia can use a holographic decal to certify their inventory. They may advertise this fact so the buyer is aware that only the object containing this sticker is the genuine article. This ensures paper certificates are not forged and gives buyers proof of origin in case they decide to resell their items. Tamper-evident void release patterns can be applied to the adhesive so when the holographic decal is removed, the word “Void” is left behind.

Children’s pressure sensitive stickers sold in stationery supply stores and crafts retailers often contain holographic images or patterns. Fans of a particular cartoon character, sports team or supporters of a school may display a holographic decal featuring their favorite on their vehicle’s windshield or bumper. The licensee of the image will furnish it to the manufacturer for use in the hologram. These novelty stickers are usually of lesser quality than the ones made for security purposes.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-holographic-decal.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.