What Is a Scratch Reveal Card and How Does It Work?
The most satisfying way to gift a surprise — and how to get one personalised in Ireland
By Printarelle · Handmade in Mallow, Cork · June 2026
A scratch reveal card is a personalised card with a scratch-off panel that hides a surprise message underneath. When the recipient scratches off the coating with a coin, the hidden content is revealed — whether that is a concert date, a holiday announcement, a match ticket, or a personal message.
How Scratch Reveal Cards Work
A personalised design is printed onto card, then a scratch-off coating is applied over the section containing the surprise. The coating is opaque until scratched, so the recipient cannot see the hidden content until they remove it with a coin.
How a Printarelle Scratch Reveal Card Is Made
- Personalised artwork created with the recipient's name and event details
- Printed on 300gsm cardstock
- Scratch-off coating applied over the reveal section by hand
- Packaged in eco-friendly kraft and dispatched within 1 to 2 working days
Best Occasions for a Scratch Reveal Card
Scratch reveal cards work best when the surprise is something the recipient discovers actively. Concert tickets and gigs, football and sports matches, holiday announcements (see our guide on how to reveal a surprise holiday), gender reveals, and milestone birthday surprises all suit a scratch reveal beautifully.
"A scratch reveal card turns the moment of gifting into an experience. The anticipation of scratching is part of the gift itself."
Scratch Reveal vs Foil Reveal Cards
- Scratch reveal: Hidden content under removable coating. Interactive and tactile. Best for surprise.
- Foil keepsake card: No scratch panel. Personalised details visible immediately, finished in real metallic foil. Best as a keepsake.
Some people pair both: a scratch reveal to announce the surprise, and a foil keepsake card to go with the ticket. Read our guide to personalised foil prints for more.
Personalised Scratch and Foil Reveal Cards from Cork
Make the Surprise Unforgettable
Personalised reveal cards, made in Cork — because a big surprise deserves a big moment.
Shop Reveal Cards →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a scratch reveal card?
A scratch reveal card is a personalised card with a scratch-off panel that hides a surprise message, image, or announcement underneath. When the recipient scratches the panel with a coin, the hidden content is revealed. Popular for gifting concert tickets, holiday announcements, gender reveals, and sports event surprises in Ireland.
How does a scratch reveal card work?
A special scratch-off coating is applied over the personalised content. The recipient scratches with a coin and the coating peels off cleanly. Printarelle's cards are made by hand in Mallow, Cork on 300gsm cardstock.
Can I get a scratch reveal card personalised in Ireland?
Yes. Printarelle makes personalised scratch reveal and foil reveal cards by hand in Mallow, Co. Cork. Add the recipient's name, event details, and a personal message. Dispatched within 1 to 2 working days via An Post.
Is a scratch reveal card the same as a foil reveal card?
Not quite. A scratch reveal card uses a removable coating to hide a message. A foil keepsake card uses metallic foil as a decorative finish with personalised details visible immediately. Both make excellent surprise gifts.
