Abstract: A decorative overlay having a unique and useful combination of properties--the capability to bond with polyamide adhesives used in fabricating end-use laminated articles while maintaining the capability to release adhesives of pressure-sensitive tapes and/or labels--is disclosed. Top-coating compositions used to produce such decorative overlays are also disclosed. Preferred top-coating compositions comprise the product resulting from the combination of ingredients which include melamine resin, acid and hydroxyamide. The weight ratio of acid:melamine resin is preferably at least about 1:5 and the weight ratio of hydroxyamide:melamine preferably ranges from about 1:3 to about 2:1. A polyalcohol cross-linking agent and a solvent are also preferably included in the composition. The composition is used to prepare both plastic-film type and paper overlays. The overlays can be, in turn, use to produce decorative laminate panels, and ultimately, end-use laminated articles such as furniture and cabinets.