Abstract: In a sublimation transfer method wherein a heat-meltable ink layer containing a sublimation dye is melt-transferred to give a master having an image of the ink, and the sublimation dye in the ink image is heat-transferred to form a dyed image on a substrate, there is used a heat-melt transfer medium wherein a release layer comprising a wax-like substance as a major component is provided between a foundation and the ink layer, or an adhesive layer comprising a wax-like substance as a major component is provided on the ink layer, or both the release layer and the adhesive layer are provided. The releasability of the ink layer from the foundation and the adhesiveness of the ink layers with each other are good. The method is especially useful to form a full-color dyed image.

Abstract: A recording medium for electrothermal transfer printing comprising a base film, an adhesiveness improving layer provided on one surface of the base film, an electrically resistive layer provided on the adhesiveness improving layer, and a heat-sensitive transfer ink layer provided on the other surface of the base film, said electrically resistive layer comprising a binder comprising a polyvinyl butyral resin as a main component, an electrically conductive powder and an inorganic metallic compound type flame retardant. The content of an electrically conductive powder such as a conductive carbon in the resistive layer can be increased to reduce the electric resistance of the resistive layer and problems such as peeling of the resistive layer can be prevented, and a satisfactory flame resistance can be obtained without increasing the resistivity of the resistive layer. Thus, the electrothermal transfer printing can be conducted satisfactorily without any dangerousness.