Abstract: A multiple step coating process for coating a construction element having side portions, one of which is an unmasked transport side portion, and whereby at least three sides portions are coated, comprising: (A) advancing the element past a vacuum coater first coating station on the unmasked transport side wherein a surface layer is applied onto one or more of the non transport side portions of the element; and (B) subsequently advancing said coated element into further vacuum coater coating stations wherein a surface layer to the unmasked transport side of (A) and/or one or more of the remaining sides of the element.

Abstract: A multiple step coating process is disclosed. The multiple step coating process is for coating a substrate construction element having side portions whereby at least three sides portions are coated. The process includes the steps of (A) advancing the element past a first coating station on its transport side for applying a surface layer onto one or more of the non transport side portions of the element and (B) subsequently advancing the element into further coating stations for applying a surface layer to the transport side of (A) and/or one or more of the remaining sides of the element.