Abstract: A molding composition which, when cured, is useful as an artificial stone composition, is disclosed. The composition comprises between about 10 to about 25 parts by weight of a non-volatile polyester backbone resin; between about 10 to about 25 parts by weight of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer and between about 50 to about 80 parts by weight of a filler selected from the group consisting of alumina trihydrate, borax, hydrated magnesium calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate dihydrate. When an artificial stone composition simulating granite is desired, the molding composition further comprises chips of a previously cured thermosetting resinous composition. The compositions are produced in a vented but essentially closed mold through which heating and cooling media can freely flow.

Abstract: Hard, mar resistant and abrasion resistant coatings of low gloss are prepared by exposing a coating composition containing an oxygen inhibitable, radiation curable, organic material and an ultraviolet light absorbing pigment to radiation in three stages. In the first stage, the coating composition is exposed to ionizing radiation in an atmosphere containing a cure inhibiting amount of oxygen. In the second stage, it is exposed to ultraviolet light in an atmosphere free of a cure inhibiting amount of oxygen. In the third stage, the coating composition is exposed to ionizing radiation.