Abstract: The disclosed method relates to the formation of a relief pattern on the surface of a shaped object through the expansion of an expandable ink. The ink is applied on a support web and then dried. A varnish which polymerizes under UV radiation may be applied on the printed, dried support web. The printed, dried, and possibly varnished, support web is then rolled in to a coil. Afterwards, the coiled web is transformed into the desired shaped objects, such as filled and closed packages or security documents. The relief pattern may then be formed upon the surface of the object by irradiating the expandable ink. In particular, a laser beam may scan the surface of the object to form the relief pattern.