Abstract: Methods and kits for treating a fibrous substrate prior to forming an image thereon are provided. The method can include positioning a treatment sheet adjacent to the fibrous substrate, transferring a salt (e.g., calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or a mixture thereof) from the treatment sheet to the fibrous substrate using a wetting solution (e.g., an aqueous solution, such as water) to carry the salt from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate, and drying the fibrous substrate such that the salt remains in the substrate. For example, the transfer of the salt from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate can be accomplished via pressing the backside of the treatment sheet such that the wetting solution flows from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate while carrying the salt.

Abstract: Methods and kits for treating a fibrous substrate prior to forming an image thereon are provided. The method can include positioning a treatment sheet adjacent to the fibrous substrate, transferring a salt (e.g., calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or a mixture thereof) from the treatment sheet to the fibrous substrate using a wetting solution (e.g., an aqueous solution, such as water) to carry the salt from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate, and drying the fibrous substrate such that the salt remains in the substrate. For example, the transfer of the salt from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate can be accomplished via pressing the backside of the treatment sheet such that the wetting solution flows from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate while carrying the salt.

Abstract: Methods and kits for treating a fibrous substrate prior to forming an image thereon are provided. The method can include positioning a treatment sheet adjacent to the fibrous substrate, transferring a salt (e.g., calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or a mixture thereof) from the treatment sheet to the fibrous substrate using a wetting solution (e.g., an aqueous solution, such as water) to carry the salt from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate, and drying the fibrous substrate such that the salt remains in the substrate. For example, the transfer of the salt from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate can be accomplished via pressing the backside of the treatment sheet such that the wetting solution flows from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate while carrying the salt.

Abstract: Methods and kits for treating a fibrous substrate prior to forming an image thereon are provided. The method can include positioning a treatment sheet adjacent to the fibrous substrate, transferring a salt (e.g., calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or a mixture thereof) from the treatment sheet to the fibrous substrate using a wetting solution (e.g., an aqueous solution, such as water) to carry the salt from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate, and drying the fibrous substrate such that the salt remains in the substrate. For example, the transfer of the salt from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate can be accomplished via pressing the backside of the treatment sheet such that the wetting solution flows from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate while carrying the salt.

Abstract: Methods and kits for treating a fibrous substrate prior to forming an image thereon are provided. The method can include positioning a treatment sheet adjacent to the fibrous substrate, transferring a salt (e.g., calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or a mixture thereof) from the treatment sheet to the fibrous substrate using a wetting solution (e.g., an aqueous solution, such as water) to carry the salt from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate, and drying the fibrous substrate such that the salt remains in the substrate. For example, the transfer of the salt from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate can be accomplished via pressing the backside of the treatment sheet such that the wetting solution flows from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate while carrying the salt.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of applying an image to a substrate includes the steps of: imaging a printable surface with an image to form an imaged surface having a printed area and a non-printed area; positioning a masking sheet comprising an outer masking layer adjacent the imaged surface such that the outer masking layer is in contact with the imaged surface; transferring a corresponding portion of the outer masking layer to the printed area of the imaged surface, leaving a negative image mask on the masking sheet; transferring the negative image mask to a transfer layer of a heat transfer paper to form a heat transfer paper having a masked portion corresponding to the negative image mask and an unmasked portion; and transferring the unmasked portion corresponding to the printed area to a substrate. Other methods of making and using negative image masks are also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat transfer material kit is disclosed that includes a first image transfer material that includes a printable non-porous surface, and a second image transfer material that includes an outer layer having a film forming binder and thermoplastic particles. The film forming binder is polar. A method of using the kit is disclosed that includes the steps of a) imaging the substantially non-porous printable surface to form an imaged surface having printed and un-printed areas; b) positioning the outer layer adjacent the imaged surface; c) transferring a portion of the outer layer to the printed area while transferring a lesser portion of the outer layer to the non-printed area to form a coated imaged surface having a non-printed area with less coating than the printed area; and d) thereafter transferring the coated image to a substrate. Alternate methods of using the kit and applying images to substrates that provide good image appearance and durability are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of applying an image to a substrate includes the steps of: imaging a printable surface with an image to form an imaged surface having a printed area and a non-printed area; positioning a masking sheet comprising an outer masking layer adjacent the imaged surface such that the outer masking layer is in contact with the imaged surface; transferring a corresponding portion of the outer masking layer to the printed area of the imaged surface, leaving a negative image mask on the masking sheet; transferring the negative image mask to a transfer layer of a heat transfer paper to form a heat transfer paper having a masked portion corresponding to the negative image mask and an unmasked portion; and transferring the unmasked portion corresponding to the printed area to a substrate. Other methods of making and using negative image masks are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of applying an image to a substrate includes the steps of: imaging a printable surface with an image to form an imaged surface having a printed area and a non-printed area; positioning a masking sheet comprising an outer masking layer adjacent the imaged surface such that the outer masking layer is in contact with the imaged surface; transferring a corresponding portion of the outer masking layer to the printed area of the imaged surface, leaving a negative image mask on the masking sheet; transferring the negative image mask to a transfer layer of a heat transfer paper to form a heat transfer paper having a masked portion corresponding to the negative image mask and an unmasked portion; and transferring the unmasked portion corresponding to the printed area to a substrate. Other methods of making and using negative image masks are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a heat transfer material containing a first (interior) meltable layer, a second (surface) meltable layer, and a release coating layer separating the first and second meltable layers. During a transfer process, the first (interior) meltable layer, release coating layer, and second (surface) meltable layer penetrate into the yarn interstices, or other undulations, of a given substrate to be coated. Only the second (surface) meltable layer transfers to the substrate, resulting in a thinner transfer coating compared to conventional coatings. The present invention is also directed to a method of making a printable heat transfer material and a method of forming an image-bearing coating on a surface of a substrate using the printable heat transfer material in a hot or cold peelable transfer process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a printable fusible coating for use on a heat transfer material, wherein the fusible coating contains cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate. The present invention is further directed to a printable heat transfer material having a fusible coating thereon, wherein the fusible coating contains cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate. The present invention also is directed to a method of making a printable heat transfer material having a fusible coating thereon, wherein the fusible coating contains cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a printable fusible coating for use on a heat transfer material, wherein the fusible coating contains cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate. The present invention is further directed to a printable heat transfer material having a fusible coating thereon, wherein the fusible coating contains cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate. The present invention also is directed to a method of making a printable heat transfer material having a fusible coating thereon, wherein the fusible coating contains cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate.

Abstract: A coated fabric having a first surface engagable by hooks and a second surface having thereon a continuous coating of a synthetic polymeric composition. An example of a surface engagable by hooks is a surface having a plurality of loops. The fabric is especially suitable for use in the preparation of a releasably attachable abrasive sheet material. The continuous coating of synthetic polymeric material typically is applied by melt extrusion.

Abstract: A portable material having first and second surfaces, which printable material includes a first layer defining the first surface and a second layer defining the second surface. The second layer includes particles of a thermoplastic polymer having largest dimensions of less than about 50 micrometers and from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of a film-forming binder, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer. When the second layer has a melting point of from about 65 to about 180 degrees Celsius, the printable material is suitable for use as a heat transfer material. Desirably, the second layer also contains from about 2 to about 20 weight percent of a cationic polymer, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer. Other components which can be contained in the second layer include from about 1 to about 20 weight percent of a humectant; from about 0.2 to about 10 weight percent of an ink viscosity modifier; from about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of a weak acid; and from about 0.