What is a watermark, everyone knows. The most common option is watermarks on banknotes. Such watermarks, which are visible only in the light, were placed on registered paper, stamps, and in the modern version, on multimedia products. Despite the rather large age of this technique, it is still the most effective way to protect banknotes worldwide.
Conceptual material
A watermark or filigree is an image on paper that looks lighter when viewed from a light or darker in reflected light against a darker background. At its core, a watermark is a paper defect that was intentionally created by the manufacturer and is intended to determine the truth of the product. Watermarked paper is obtained when pressed into it during the manufacturing process of a metal roller (eguter, dendirol, leveler).
Eguter is a roller made of material similar to a window mesh. It is on it that there are wires that create a drawing of a watermark. This embossing is transferred to paper pulp, which shrinks and decreases in thickness at the embossing site. This is what a watermark is on paper. However, this is a very simplified description of one of the methods (filigree method) of making such paper, which is called paper less.
There is also a more complicated method of watermarking paper - stamping. When using this method, not only a change in the optical density in a certain area is achieved, but also a different depth of tone, and a gradation of shades of gray. In this case, the grid of the eguter is replaced by a specific relief surface on the roller.
Visible or hidden
Watermarks can have varying degrees of visibility. Some of them can be detected only after certain procedures or applying special watermarking liquids that moisten the paper but do not damage it.
Such marks are useful in paper research to determine dating, establish initial sizes, and identify trademarks. In addition, it is watermarking that greatly complicates the possibility of counterfeiting paper media and logos.
That is why these techniques are widely used in the manufacture of paper media of increased secrecy and reporting, the manufacture of banknotes and various kinds of documents with watermarks. Everyone knows what a passport is, and everyone saw the corresponding signs in it.
Historical essay
Reliable data on the appearance of paper with watermarks refer to 1282-1283 years. The first samples of such paper were made in Bologna (Italy).
In the 13th century, it was Italy that became the place where paper production was put on a grand scale. Note that in those days paper was made from rags treated with lime. As a result, a jelly-like paper pulp was formed, which was poured into special forms from copper wire. Most likely, it was the prints of this wire that served as the prototype of the watermark, which every master considered it a duty to add to his product.
It was the Italian paper masters who invented the filigree method of making paper with branded watermarks. "Filigree" in translation from Italian is a delicate work, which is decorated with a cantle. That's what watermarks are, and Italian craftsmen throughout Europe were famous for their pretentiousness.
Watermark classification
Watermarks are true (natural) and imitated. The former are obtained directly in the manufacture of paper, the latter — they change the optical density of the finished paper.
By the number of observed shades, watermarks are:
- Solid - dark or light signs visible in the light.
- Two-tone - contain both dark and light parts.
- Multi-tone - images with gradual transition of tones.
- Combined - combine all of these elements.
In addition, watermarks differ in the type of placement on paper.
Watermarks Today
Modern banknotes in many countries have watermarks. And although many modern methods of protection are used in the manufacture of modern money, watermarks do not lose their relevance. According to statistics, only 15% of counterfeit money are watermarked.
Watermarks are used to protect against fakes in the manufacture of diplomas, stocks and securities, personal documents and even train and plane tickets.
Today it is fashionable to order paper and envelopes with watermarks - company logos or owner's initials.
Modern electronic watermark
The purpose of such images is to protect film and photo products from fakes and illegal distribution. These are visible or invisible signs that carry unique digital codes that contain information about the rights to this intellectual property.
Visible electronic watermarks today, everyone can apply to visual content using specially designed programs. That is how photographers, designers, and artists protect their rights to images. In addition, such tags today are also a branding tool. They help the consumer remember the manufacturer, and for the latter serve as additional advertising.
It is worth noting that the name "watermark" behind such electronic tags has been preserved purely traditionally. After all, these signs have nothing to do with paper.
Some tips
If you want to protect your personal visual content when posting it on the Internet, use the services of mobile applications. We have selected the top 5 applications that are easy to use and available to protect your photos and logos:
- PhotoMarks 2 is an easy and fast application for creating and applying watermarks.
- PhotoMarks 2 is an application with unlimited text series capabilities.
- Marksta is one of the most popular watermarking apps.
- A + Signature - multifunctional content that allows you to make captions on images.
- PhotoMarkr is a free application for creating your own watermark.
The modern offer of applications makes it possible to create your own logo without watermarks. Such a sign will become a branding and advertising tool for experienced and novice businessmen.