Thermochromic (or rub and reveal) is a screen-applied ink that is primarily used to hide printed messages. This heat-reactive ink changes from black to a semi-transparent state, allowing the message underneath to be read.

Black is the only colour that will mask other colours but more colours are available. These include blue, orange, pink, red and green. Non-black colours will only mask a light tint of the same colour.

Thermochromic inks normally react to heat but chill-and-reveal inks are also available. These inks change colour when they are put in the refrigerator. Thermochromic is fantastic for revealing a marketing message in an interactive way or to uncover answers to a quiz or game.