Abstract: A multi-gradation recording method comprising the steps of: providing a thermal transfer recording medium comprising a substrate, a release layer, a first ink layer and a second ink layer provided in this order on the substrate, and carrying out a gradation recording using the thermal transfer recording medium, the step of carrying out a gradation recording comprising: (a) in the case of recording in a middle density/high density region, carrying out a gradation expression based on an area gradation expression by transferring the first ink layer and the second ink layer together, and (b) in the case of recording in a low density region, carrying out a gradation expression by transferring only the second ink layer by causing a cohesive failure in the second ink layer, thereby changing the area of transferred ink per one dot and the thickness of transferred ink dots.

Abstract: A color thermal transfer recording medium for forming a multi-color image by superimposing printing of a plurality of different color inks wherein transfer layers corresponding to a plurality of colors to be superimposed are provided on separate substrates or on a single substrate in a side-by-side relation, the transfer layers each comprising at least a release layer, a color ink layer and an adhesive layer stacked in this order from the substrate side, the release layer comprising a wax material as a main component by weight, the adhesive layer comprising a binder comprising a thermoplastic resin as a main component by weight and particles dispersed in the binder, wherein the thickness d1 of a release layer for a first color; the thickness d2 of a color ink layer for a second color; the thickness d3 of an adhesive layer for a second color; and the average particle size R of the particles contained in the adhesive layer for the second color satisfy the following relation: (d1+d2+d3)×2>R&g

Abstract: There are provided printed matter whose image surface has uniform gloss and whose image formed of ink is of high quality, has enhanced appearance, does not have its left and right sides reversed, and is easy to see; a printing method which allows the printed matter to be easily obtained, and a printer which makes it possible to easily realize the printing method. The image which is a mirror image formed with ink is formed within an image-formation area of a surface of a print medium which is a transparent member. Then, a surface of the image and at least a blank space section within the image-formation area of the print medium are covered with an underlying layer 8 formed with underlying layer ink, after which a surface of the underlying layer is covered with a light-shielding layer formed with light-shielding layer ink.

Abstract: A color thermal transfer recording medium for forming a multi-color image by superimposing printing of a plurality of different color inks wherein transfer layers corresponding to a plurality of colors to be superimposed are provided on separate substrates or on a single substrate in a side-by-side relation, the transfer layers each comprising at least a release layer, a color ink layer and an adhesive layer stacked in this order from the substrate side, the release layer comprising a wax material as a main component by weight, the adhesive layer comprising a binder comprising a thermoplastic resin as a main component by weight and particles dispersed in the binder, wherein the thickness d1 of a release layer for a first color; the thickness d2 of a color ink layer for a second color; the thickness d3 of an adhesive layer for a second color; and the average particle size R of the particles contained in the adhesive layer for the second color satisfy the following relation:

Abstract: A multi-gradation recording method comprising the steps of: providing a thermal transfer recording medium comprising a substrate, and a release layer, a first ink layer and a second ink layer provided in this order on the substrate, and carrying out a gradation recording using the thermal transfer recording medium, the step of carrying out a gradation recording comprising: (a) in case of recording in a middle density/high density region, carrying out a gradation expression based on an area gradation expression by transferring the first ink layer and the second ink layer together, and (b) in case of recording in a low density region, carrying out a gradation expression by transferring only the second ink layer by causing a cohesive failure in the second ink layer, thereby changing the area of transferred ink per one dot and the thickness of transferred ink dots.