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: 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. 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: A heat transfer material kit is disclosed that includes a first heat transfer material that includes a printable, peelable transfer film, and a second, different heat transfer material that includes an overlay transfer film. A method of using the kit is disclosed that includes the steps of a) imaging the printable, peelable transfer film of the first heat transfer material, b) separating the imaged printable, peelable transfer film from the first heat transfer material, c) positioning the second heat transfer material and the imaged printable, peelable transfer film adjacent a substrate, and d) transferring the imaged printable, peelable transfer film and the overlay transfer film to the substrate. Alternate methods of using the kit are also disclosed. Images transferred using the overlay transfer film provide good image appearance and durability.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric suitable for odor removal uses is provided. A method of treating fabrics and a face mask that removes odors are also provided.

Abstract: A heat transfer material is provided. The heat transfer material includes a base layer, a release layer overlaying the base layer, and an image-receptive transfer film overlaying the release layer. The release layer includes a particulate material and provides cold-release of the image-receptive transfer film. The image-receptive transfer film adheres well to the release layer prior to application of the image-receptive transfer film to a substrate, yet the image-receptive transfer film is easily removed from the release layer after application of the film to a substrate.