Abstract: A thermal transfer recording medium comprising a foundation, and a release layer and a heat-meltable colored ink layer provided on the foundation in that order, the release layer containing 50 to 100% by weight of a polyethylene wax having a melting or softening point of not lower than 100.degree. C., the heat-meltable colored ink layer comprising a coloring agent and a vehicle, the vehicle containing 50 to 100% by weight of carnauba wax. The recording medium gives clear print images having excellent fastness without causing falling of ink and is useful for bar code printing.

Abstract: A heat-melt transfer recording medium including a foundation, and a release layer, a barrier layer and a colored ink layer provided on the foundation in that order from the foundation side, the release layer including a wax-like substance, the barrier layer being a substantially colorless layer including a thermoplastic resin and containing substantially no wax-like substance, and the colored ink layer including a vehicle containing not less than 50% by weight of a thermoplastic resin. The transfer recording medium has excellent transfer sensitivity and produces print images having excellent smear resistance, abrasion resistance and alcohol resistance.