Abstract: A web with an embossed surface with a plurality of lows separated by a plurality of highs is provided with a shadow effect by passing the web between a pair of counterrotating rollers, a backup roller for supporting the web on its reverse surface and an ink application roller for applying ink to selected portions of the embossed surface of the web. The ink application roller is formed of a hard elastomeric material and its outer surface is engraved to have a plurality of highs corresponding to and engaging the lows of the embossed surface of the web and a plurality of lows corresponding to and overlying the highs on the embossed surface of the web.

Abstract: A method of forming a decorative panel having an embossed decorative indicia. The method includes the steps of forming a decorative design within an impressionable material to provide a positive mold. Then an elastomeric material is cast within the positive mold to provide a negative blanket casting. The negative blanket casting is removed from the positive mold. Next, an epoxy resin containing material is poured over the blanket casting to form an embossing plate having a decorative design substantially identical to the decorative design within the positive mold. Finally, a panel is embossed with the embossing plate under high temperature and pressure to form the decorative panel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of creating a seamless printing master for use with an embossing roll to ultimately produce a textured wall or floor covering. A hardenable material is applied to the textured surface of a positive printing master section. The positive printing master section is pressed onto the embossing roll and the hardenable material is allowed to cure to a hardened state. The positive printing master section is then removed to expose a negative printing master region which is the negative image of the pattern contained in the positive printing master section, imprinted in hardened material, and adhered to the embossing roll. The process is repeated, either reusing the original positive printing master section or using a different positive printing master section, overlapping positive printing master sections onto previously formed negative printing master regions until the entire outer surface of the embossing roll is covered.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of creating a seamless printing master for use with an embossing roll to ultimately produce a textured wall or floor covering. A hardenable material is applied to the textured surface of a positive printing master. The embossing roll is placed on the positive printing master and then rolled in a forward direction, compressing the hardenable material between the textured surface of the substrate and the outer surface of the embossing roll, until approximately three fourths of the circumference of the embossing roll is covered. The hardenable material is then allowed to harden. A second amount of hardenable material is applied to the portion of the positive printing master which corresponds to the uncovered portion of the embossing roll.

Abstract: A method of producing an embossing cylinder having a predetermined embossed pattern thereon by applying a screen having a pattern inscribed therein to the surface of the cylinder, applying a hardenable material over the screen and pressing the hardenable material through the screen onto the surface of the cylinder, and removing the screen and allowing the hardenable material to harden to form an embossed pattern of hardened material on the surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: An embossing roll is formed by a process which includes molding a seamless embossing roll within a seamless sleeve. The sleeve has indicia disposed about the inner circumference and which is then reverse molded into the roll.