> Home > Products & Solutions > High Security Paper > Cylinder mould watermark

Cylinder Mould Watermark

 The Importance of the Watermark

The watermark produced by the cylinder mould paper making process is full of detail, extraordinarily clear, and demonstrates the full range of shading from light to dark in a three dimensional impression.    It is perceptible to the touch as well as visually.

It is an entirely more sophisticated mark than the one produced by other processes, which are either light or dark, are two dimensional and tend to be fairly fuzzy in outline. The relative challenge to counterfeiters posed by the two types of watermark is obvious, and the cylinder mould made mark is still virtually impossible to copy by any other process including scanning, photocopying or printing.

Moreover, each watermark is designed uniquely for a single client, and often for a single project, making it instantly recognisable. Combined with other security features, it provides a very high level of protection indeed.

Interpol recommends the watermark made by the cylinder mould made process as the most effective overt security feature for all documents which need a high level of security.

De La Rue Security Papers creates tailor-made watermark designs for each client from a picture, portrait or symbol of their choice. The more complex the original, the more effective the cylinder mould mark will be. Portraits or coats of arms are often favoured, since they are very detailed in terms of light and shade. Cylinder mould manufacture creates the watermark as part of the paper making process, rather than adding it after the paper is made. This too makes it much more difficult to alter without affecting the paper itself.

While the watermark can be used on its own, we generally recommend that it be combined with other security features to prevent various kinds of fraudulent attempts on a document's authenticity. We have designed numerous features to offer levels of security from the most obvious to the most discreet, and the key to a successful document is one where all the necessary elements work together to create an impenetrable barrier to copiers. Various types of tapes, threads and fibres, as well as coatings can all be added during the paper manufacturing process.