Abstract: A release carrier includes a dimensionally stable release paper of the prior art, but also includes a crystallizable polymer which has spherulite formations on its exposed surface. The preferred crystallizable polymer is polypropylene. The release carriers can be reconditioned to remove surface defects, change the level of gloss and form patterned areas of differential gloss by heating the polyolefin layer above its melting point and quenching the layer under controlled conditions. By quenching the crystallizable polymer by contacting the surface of the release carrier opposite the crystallizable polymer with a chill roll, the transfer of defects in the chill roll or planishing roll to the release carrier surface is avoided.

Abstract: A surface covering, particularly a floor covering, has a visible surface with inverted images of spherulites. The inverted spherulities are formed on the visible surface by solidifying the visible surface while in contact with a release carrier having spherulities on its exposed surface. The level of gloss is determined by the number of inverted spherulite images and whether the images are impinging or non-impinging.