Patent ID: 7479320

Claim:
A method for producing a security element for a security document having at least one plastic layer on which at least two metal layers of different color are disposed side by side, the metal layers having gaps in the form of alphanumeric characters, patterns, or logos characterized by the following steps: a) providing the plastic layer in the form of a self-supporting plastic foil or a carrier material on which the plastic layer is disposed; b) printing the plastic layer with alphanumeric characters, patterns, or logos; c) using a printing ink with a high pigment content; d) drying the printing ink to form a pored, raised inking; e) applying the metal layers of different color to the printed plastic layer; f) removing the inking and the metal layers thereabove or penetrating the inking by washing out with a fluid, possibly combined with mechanical action; g) drying and optionally cutting the plastic foil or carrier material to size.