Abstract: A process for the production of synthetic coverings for floors, walls, etc. which exhibit a cracked effect is presented. The process includes the step of depositing on a compatible substrate, a plastisol coating composition containing a gel previously prepared from a mixture of two materials, the mixture being comprised of (1) a solid sorbent agent and (2) a solvent which causes swelling by absorption of the solvent in and on the sorbent agent; or alternately, by an aqueous dispersion of a (1) dry mixture of PVC and of (2) a plasticizer containing at least one resin forming a gel in water. Subsequent to depositing this plastisol coating on the substrate, a thermal treatment for the formation of a film or for drying is carried out at a sufficient temperature whereby an irreversible process of preliminary gelling of the coating and shrinkage of the gel by desorption of the solvent from the sorbent agent or by evaporation of the water, respectively, simultaneously occurs.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing synthetic decorative coverings is presented in which at least one powder (generally a polymeric resin) is selectively deposited, in accordance with a pattern or decoration, onto a base material. The power deposition is carried out under gravity without contact between the means of applying the powder and the base. At least one of the deposited powders contains particles which are fusible at a temperature below the distortion temperature of the base and which is compatible with the base material. At least one thermal treatment is then carried out at a temperature below the distortion temperature of the base so as to fix the decorative pattern produced by deposited powders. The apparatus for applying the powders consists of a continuous screen printing frame, in particular, a screen printing roller which is fed by a device providing uniform distribution of the powder into a hopper located inside the roller.