Abstract: A surface covering product is disclosed which includes a layer of fused embossed PVC material on a substrate and a layer of transparent or translucent plastic material substantially covering the fused PVC layer and filling the embossed area of depression in the PVC layer. The surface covering product is made by applying the plastic material to the embossed surface of the PVC material and wiping off at least a portion of the plastic material. In one embodiment, a film of plastic material of substantial or minimal thickness remains on the fused PVC material. In another embodiment, the plastic material is completely wiped off the undepressed area of the fused granular material. The PVC material is preferably a granular material such as a stencil vinyl fine material. In one embodiment, the plastic material is a layer of minimal thickness substantially covering the stencil vinyl fine material.

Abstract: A highly filled PVC resin powder is formed by coating filler particles with a liquid and blending a dispersion grade PVC resin with the coated filler particles in a low shear mixer. Resin compositions having 60% to 95% filler can be formed. A majority of the resin particles have a size of less than 15 microns. The filler has a particle size distribution in which at least 50% by weight and preferably at least 95% by weight of the particles are retained on a 200 mesh (U.S. Standard) screen. The liquid is a plasticizer and/or stabilizer. Such a composition may be sintered to form a porous mass or layer and the mass or layer printed with a plastisol or acrylate ink.

Abstract: A surface covering product is disclosed which includes a layer of fused embossed PVC material on a substrate and a layer of transparent or translucent thixotropic material substantially covering the fused PVC layer and filling the embossed area of depression in the PVC layer. The surface covering product is made by applying the thixotropic material to the embossed surface of the PVC material and wiping off at least a portion of the thixotropic material. In one embodiment, a film of thixotropic material of substantial or minimal thickness remains on the fused PVC material. In another embodiment, the thixotropic material is completely wiped off the undepressed area of the fused granular material. The PVC material is preferably a granular material such as a stencil vinyl fine material. In one embodiment, the thixotropic material is a layer of minimal thickness substantially covering the stencil vinyl fine material.

Abstract: A process for producing a decorative surface covering wherein granular dryblend is deposited on a releasable carrier and heated to form a porous cohesive layer. Settable resinous inks are then applied to selected areas of the dryblend to form a design which may extend partially or completely through the layer to the bottom surface thereof which ultimately becomes the face of the surface covering. The ink may optionally be set by heat prior to or simultaneously with the subsequent application and gelling of a resinous back coating which may be reinforced by included or attached material to form a permanent carrier. The release carrier is then removed. A multi-level wear surface is achieved on the surface covering by removing the non-ink-containing portions of the dryblend either before or after the composite structure is turned over and heat is applied to fuse the remaining resinous material.