Abstract: An improvement in a method of transferring or applying a decal design of a heat release decal or decalcomania to a flat surface such as the flat bottom surface of the concavity of a dish-like article and with only a limited amount or without an appreciable amount of the heat release coating surrounding the decal design being transferred to the flat surface. A mask of a thin resilient material, such as silicone rubber for example, is disposed adjacent the flat surface, such mask embodying a hole or opening having a shape or configuration geometrically similar to the shape of but slightly larger than the face of a pressure head used in applying the design so that, during the transfer operation, the transfer to the flat surface of any appreciable amount of the heat release coating surrounding the decal design is prevented.