Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective film for application to a card member and forming identification cards having protective films. The method of applying protection to a card member includes providing a protective film. The protective film includes a protective overlay and an ink-receptive material. The ink-receptive material includes an ink-receptive coating on a backing layer. The ink-receptive coating is bonded to the protective overlay. The method also includes removing the backing layer from the ink-receptive coating and laminating the ink-receptive coating to a surface of a card member.

Abstract: A method of using an overlay (310) to verify or form folding, embossing, or rule die (320) comprising the steps of: forming an overlay consisting of the steps of: creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) having an image (210), a first thermal print layer (224), and a support layer (145); laminating a plastic sheet (260) with the imaged receiver sheet thereby encapsulating the image; removing the support layer forming an overlay with an electrostatic charge; and using the overlay to verify or form a folding, embossing, or rule die.

Abstract: An automotive quality paint coat is laminated to the exterior surface of a molded plastic car body member or panel. In one embodiment, the paint coat includes an exterior clear coat above a color coat. During processing, the clear coat and color coat are each coated on a temporary flexible casting sheet and dried. A high gloss surface is transferred to the clear coat from the casting sheet. The paint coat is then transferred from the casting sheet to a thin, semi-flexible thermoformable plastic backing sheet by dry paint transfer-laminating techniques. The resulting laminate is thermoformed into a complex three-dimensional shape of the car body member or panel. The preformed laminate is then bonded to an underlying plastic substrate material, by injection-cladding techniques, for example, to form the finished article. The paint coat has sufficient elongation to retain exterior automotive appearance and durability properties during thermoforming without deglossing.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for producing an image on one or more surfaces of a wood or wood composite substrate by applying a receptor coat to at least the one or more surfaces of the substrate, transferring the image to the receptor coat using a variety of image transfer processes and applying a topcoat to the image and receptor coat. The system implements the above method using a series of stations and includes a series of platens connected together by a chain and a set of rollers that allow the substrate to travel through the stations on the platens. The resulting wood or wood composite product includes a substrate, a receptor coat disposed on one or more surfaces of the substrate, an image disposed on or within the one or more surfaces of the receptor coat and a top coat disposed on the image and receptor coat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a flexible film-type laminate (7) from two or more films (9a,9b) for packaging materials, whereby at least two films (9a,9b) are laminated to each other to give a film-type laminate and the film or film-type laminate is printed on, and at least one free surface of the film-type laminate is provided with a sealing lacquer coating (14). The invention is characterized in that the lamination (12), the printing (12) and the coating (14) of the film or film-type laminate with a sealant lacquer take place in-line at individual coating stations (1, 2, 4) in a production device (10) using an electrostatic coating process in which coating particles are electrostatically charged and deposited on the film surface to be coated using transfer means by applying an electric field, and melted and/or cured to give a coating film.

Abstract: Method for high definition printing to be dip transferred to a three-dimensional article comprises four color process printing a digital image from a digital image file onto a water soluble polymer film with solvent based ink to form a printed water soluble film and dip transfer printing the solvent based ink image through transcription on the surface of the article. The method is suitable for printing three-dimensional articles of a variety of shapes with high definition, photographic-quality images. The method is particularly suitable for decorating articles with complex images such as camouflage patterns.

Abstract: Printed placemats, potholders, and oven mitts, and process for producing same using a high definition color sublimation printing technique. The sublimation printing technique applies a high quality image onto a print receiving layer that is incorporated into a printed placemat, potholder, or oven mitt. The print receiving layer can be adhesively bonded to the printed placemat, potholder, or oven mitt.

Abstract: A process of transferring a protection layer from a dye-donor receiver after thermal dye transfer. In one embodiment, the transferable protection layer contains inorganic particles, a polymeric binder, organic particles and an organic gloss-enhancing agent that enhances the gloss of the final print. The transferred protection layer that provides a higher gloss to an image after transfer. A laminate containing such a gloss-enhancing agent has been found to enable printing at lower line times, faster printing, for thermal prints withwhile maintaining high gloss.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protective transparent overcoat comprising a protective polymer and a surfactant compound having multiple non-end-group hydrogen bonding groups directly or indirectly bonded to the backbone chain of the surfactant compound. The coating enables simplified manufacturing of a thermal sublimation dye transfer donor of high quality.

Abstract: A method of forming an overlay (310) to form a rule die (320) comprising the steps of: forming an overlay using a method consisting of the steps of: creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) having an image (210), a first thermal print layer (224), and first support layer (150); laminating an imageless receiver sheet (160) having a second thermal print layer (228) and a second support layer (170) with the imaged receiver sheet, thereby encapsulating the image; removing the first support layer; and removing the second support layer. The overlay has an electrostatic charge to verify or form the rule die.

Abstract: A transfer material comprises a temporary support and an electroluminescent element layer, and positioned between said temporary support and said electroluminescent element layer. Using the above transfer material, an organic electroluminescent device is produced by a method comprising the steps of superposing the transfer material on an electrode layer side of a substrate has partially or wholly transparent or opaque electrode layer, contacting the transfer material and the substrate, and transferring at least one electroluminescent element to the electrode layer side of a substrate with at least one heating means and pressing means.

Abstract: A peelable or couponable label adapted to be releasably attached to a secondary or base label which is adhered to a labeled article.

Abstract: A method for applying an image to a receptor element, which comprises the steps of (i) providing a transfer sheet comprising a support having a first surface and a second surface, and a coating capable of receiving an image on the first surface of the support, (ii) imaging the coating, (iii) dry peeling the coating from the support in the absence of wet release prior to hand ironing, (iv) positioning the dry peeled coating on a receptor element having valleys or pores, (v) positioning a non-stick sheet on the dry peeled coating which is positioned on the receptor element having valleys or pores, and (vi) heating the non-stick sheet to drive the dry peeled coating into the receptor element having valleys or pores.

Abstract: Using a hydraulic transfer film wherein a transfer layer is composed of a decorative layer made of a printing ink coating film or a paint coating film, the transfer layer is hydraulically transferred onto a target body for transfer made of a metal substrate having a cured coating film layer in which a xylene absorption amount is within a range from 3.5 to 100 g/m2. Alternatively, using a hydraulic transfer film wherein a transfer layer has a protective layer made of a radiation-curable resin or a thermosetting resin, the transfer layer is hydraulically transferred onto a target body for transfer made of a metal substrate having a cured coating film layer in which a xylene absorption amount is within a range from 10 to 100 g/m2.

Abstract: A method of labelling an article is carried out by providing a heat-transfer label that includes a support portion and a transfer portion over the support portion for transfer of the transfer portion from the support portion to the article upon application of heat to the support portion while the transfer portion is placed in contact with the article. The transfer portion comprises a single or multiple color design. The transfer portion then is transferred from the support portion to the article. The method is particularly well-suited with silane-treated glass containers of the type that are subjected to pasteurization conditions, regardless of whether the glass containers have been pre-treated previously with polyethylene, oleic acid, stearate or the like.

Abstract: A heat-transfer label (11) including a non-wax, non-silicone release layer or coating (17) for use in decorating an article, such as a glass container, without leaving a visually discernible release residue on the decorated article. In a preferred embodiment, the label includes a transfer portion (21), the transfer portion comprising a protective lacquer layer (23), an ink design layer (25) over the protective lacquer layer, and a heat-activatable adhesive layer (27) over the ink design and protective lacquer layers. The label also includes a support portion (13), the transfer portion being positioned over the support portion for transfer of the transfer portion from the support portion to an article under conditions of heat and pressure. The support portion comprising a carrier layer (15) and a release layer or coating.

Abstract: The present invention falls into the category of devices designed to print decoration onto objects in general and in particular onto containers. A non-stick film (1), onto which is deposited an image (5) produced using solid thermoplastic colours, moves between a pressing element (4) and an object (6). The action of a heat generator (7) causes the colour to change from a powdery state to a semi-liquid plastic state.

Abstract: A printed product and an accompanying method for forming the product wherein a transfer layer of an intermediate transfer recording medium can be transferred by a multi-layer transferring adhesive layer having a suitable adhesive product to either the transfer layer or a transfer-receiving material without the transferred images becoming turbulent.

Abstract: A heat transfer decorating machine is disclosed. In particular, the disclosed heat transfer decorating machine provides mechanisms to allow the machine to be rapidly re-configured from applying labels to a particular article configuration to applying labels to a different article configuration by an operator without substantial use of tools. In addition, the disclosed heat transfer labeling machine features a distributed drive system which provides a motor for all major movable mechanical elements rather than use a centralized drive system with a distributed transmission. Further, the disclosed heat transfer decorating machine is capable of labeling filled and chilled articles by providing for removal of environmental contamination prior to application of the labels.

Abstract: A transfer sheet comprises a support, and a transfer layer for receiving an ink, wherein the transfer layer is formed in the support by heating at a predetermined temperature and is separable from the support. The hot-melt adhesive particle comprises a first particle having a melting point more than the predetermined temperature and a second particle having a melting point not more than the predetermined temperature. The transfer layer may further comprise a film-forming resin component and a dye fixing agent. The hot-melt adhesive particle may comprise a polyamide-series particle. In particular, the average particle size of the first particle may be 3 to 100 mm. The transfer sheet is excellent in stability on delivery of a paper as well as can prevent the inside of the printer from staining.

Abstract: An improved ink-jet printable heat-transfer medium comprising a base substrate having a surface coated with a hot-melt layer and an ink-receptive layer is provided. The ink-receptive layer comprises: i) non-polymeric organic particles that are a reaction product of a diamine and two molecules, each molecule having at least one carboxylic acid group and at least five carbon atoms, ii) thermoplastic polymer particles, and iii) a thermoplastic film-forming binder. The heat-transfer paper can produce printed images having improved color quality, hand, and wash-durability on a variety of fabric materials.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of selectively coating wood composites in a single step, while maintaining registration of the coating to the design of the molded or contoured wood composite. The invention also is directed to a structure provided by preparing a wood composite according to the inventive method.

Abstract: Methods of creating patterns on substrates are presented, and articles of manufacture resulting therefrom. One method comprises applying a first surface energy modifier to an applicator to form a coating on the applicator; contacting the coating with a receiving member, the receiving member having a topography, the coating only contacting and remaining on at least some protrusions; exposing the first modified receiving member to a second surface energy modifier, thereby forming a second modified receiving member having surface modified recesses; applying a composition comprising a polymeric material to the second modified receiving member, the composition substantially conforming to the topography of the surface modified protrusions and the surface modified recesses; and contacting the composition-coated, surface modified protrusions with a substrate for a time and under conditions sufficient to transfer the polymeric material on protrusions to the substrate.

Abstract: Processes for effecting thermal transfer of electroactive organic material are disclosed wherein unwanted portions of a layer of electroactive organic material supported by a donor element are removed or transferred from the layer by thermal transfer, particularly laser-induced thermal transfer, leaving a desired pattern of the electroactive organic material on the donor element. The electroactive organic material may be an organic material exhibiting electroluminescence, charge transport, charge injection, electrical conductivity, semiconductivity and/or exciton blocking. The layer of electroactive organic material may comprise more than one layer of different types of electroactive organic material. The exposure pattern is a negative image of the desired pattern. The electroactive organic material of the desired pattern is not, therefore, exposed to the heat which can cause decomposition.

Abstract: The invention is a process for forming a press proof (190) by forming an imaged receiver sheet (140) comprising a first thermoplastic layer (240) and a first support layer (160) by disposing an image (290) with a first density on the first thermoplastic layer (240) by using a laser thermal transfer (220); forming a pre-laminate comprising a second thermoplastic layer (250) and a second support layer (170); laminating the pre-laminate (260) to a medium and removing the second support layer (170) forming a supported pre-laminate (270); laminating the imaged receiver sheet (140) to the supported pre-laminate (270) changing the density of the image to a second density using a temperature that exceeds the glass transition point of the thermoplastic layer (230) and a speed of between 10 and 40 inches per minute forming a supported color proof (310); and removing the first support forming a color proof (300).

Abstract: An automotive quality paint coat (44) is laminated to the exterior surface of a molded plastic car body member or panel (118). In one embodiment, the paint coat (44) includes an exterior clear coat (45) above a color coat (46). During processing, the clear coat (45) and color coat (46) are each coated on a temporary flexible casting sheet 42) and dried. A high gloss surface is transferred to the clear coat (45) from the casting sheet (42). The paint coat (44) is then transferred from the casting sheet (42) to a thin, semi-flexible thermoformable plastic backing sheet (72) by dry paint transfer-laminating techniques. The resulting laminate (70) is thermoformed into a complex three-dimensional shape of the car body member or panel. The preformed laminate (116) is then bonded to an underlying plastic substrate material, by injection-cladding techniques, for example, to form the finished article.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved method for transferring an image onto an object which has a surface that curves in two directions. After providing a source containing an image capable of thermal transfer, a target surface is chosen on the object and a chemical coating is applied. The image is then pressed into the coated target surface until the target surface is substantially flat and heated so that the image is transferred to the target surface. The coating allows the image to be transferred at a low temperature. In a preferred embodiment, after the source is removed, a second application of heat is applied to the object to drive the image into the object. A protective material may be positioned between the heating element and the image, especially before the second application of heat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermally imageable film having at least one thermally degradable binder, at least one infrared absorber, and additives. The thermally imageable film is transparent and remains transparent when exposed to white light wavelengths of about 390 to 750 nm or ultraviolet light wavelengths of about 190 to 390 nm. Upon imagewise exposure to infrared thermal radiation, the thermally imageable film forms an opaque area at the point of contact with the IR thermal radiation, the opaque areas of the film being ultraviolet light impermeable. The present invention also provides for a mask precursor or a relief printing plate precursor where the thermally imageable layer is coated directly onto a substrate as well as a method of making a mask or a relief printing plate using the thermally imageable film.

Abstract: A method of partially imaging an imaging surface of a substrate (50) with a plurality of layers of marking material (10) which have at least one common boundary within a print pattern that covers only certain portions of the substrate and not other portions of the substrate. The method includes applying initial superimposed layer of marking material (10) to a base layer (23) and removing portions of the initial superimposed layers of marking material and leaving the desired residual layer portions in the desired print pattern directly applied to the imaging surface of the substrate. The method typically includes the transfer of marking material onto the imaging surface of the substrate. The method has many variants, which can be used to make one-way or other vision control panels, typically using a ceramic ink decal carrier to image a glass sheet with ceramic ink that is then fused onto the glass, which is optionally tempered, in a suitable furnace.

Abstract: A method for forming a dye sublimation image in a substrate with a dye carrier having an image formed thereon of a sublimatic dyestuff is provided. The image of the dye carrier is placed against a first surface of the substrate. The substrate and dye carrier are conveyed along a path with a first part and a second part. A continuous pressure is provided against the first surface of the substrate in the first part and second part of the path and therebetween. The dye carrier is heated to a sublimation temperature in the first part of the path. The dye carrier is then cooled to a depressure temperature in the second part of the path.

Abstract: The purpose is to simplify the heat transfer process and extend the performance range of the corresponding installations. The purpose is achieved by arranging for opposite movements of the conveyor (4) with the cylindrical packings (5) and those of the conveyor (7, 7′) with the decoration, rotating the objects (5) by means of the movement of the conveyor (7, 7′) and applying the necessary heat to the conveyor (7, 7′). Such processes and devices are used in the foodstuffs and beverages industry among others to decorate cylindrical packings of different materials.

Abstract: A method, a laminator (10), and a belt, for creating a pre-press proof (200) with a thermal mark (190) which comprises laminating a pre-laminate sheet (240) consisting of a first thermoplastic layer, and a first support layer (150) to a receiver stock (160); removing the first support layer (150) forming a pre-laminated receiver stock (350); creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) with a second print layer (308) and a second support layer (170); laminating the imaged receiver sheet (140) with the pre-laminated receiver stock (350) using an embossing belt (110) with an embossing mark 115; and removing the second support layer (170) creating a pre-press proof with a thermal mark (230).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transfer-laminating member comprising a heat-resistant base material, a release layer provided in part or in whole on the base material and a surface-protecting layer releasably provided on the release layer and formed by applying and drying a coating formulation with a material for forming the surface-protecting layer dissolved in an organic solvent, wherein the release layer contains particles and is formed by curing a mixture which comprises of a silicone resin, a melamine resin and an alkyd resin.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ink-only label at least consisting of an adhesive layer, an ink-only image layer and optionally a protective layer, wherein the label, when applied to a substrate, has a water permeability coefficient, as defined herein, which is sufficient to enable fast removal of the label from the substrate with water or an aqueous alkaline solution, without destructive treatment of the said substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat-setting label sheet that is a polymeric transfer sheet that can be marked and transferred by the consumer. Also encompassed by the present invention is a method of transferring the heat-setting label sheets. The heat-setting label sheets of the present invention comprise a support; an optional pressure sensitive adhesive layer; an Adhesion Layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer which melts in the range of 50-250° C., a wax which melts in the range of 50-250° C., or combinations thereof; an optional opaque layer comprising a styrene-butadiene latex, thermoplastic polymer, elastomer, and optional pigment; and a second optional opaque layer comprising vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, thermoplastic elastomer, elastomer and optional pigment. The heat-setting label sheet of the present invention can be imaged by an electrostatic printer or copier, ink jet printer, offset or screen printing, craft-type marking, and the like.

Abstract: A process, which comprises forming a metal micro-pattern on the surface of an inorganic substrate, surface-treating the surface of the metal micro-pattern and the surface of the plastic substrate to make it chemically reactive, and bringing the metal micro-pattern into contact with the surface of the plastic substrate to transfer the metal micro-pattern from the surface of the inorganic substrate to the surface of the plastic substrate, can be easily and simply carried out using conventional equipments to produce one or more metal pattern fixed on a plastic material.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a ceramic green sheet comprising steps of; forming a predetermined electrode pattern on an adhesive layer separable by being heated or an adhesive layer separable by being cured with UV of a carrier sheet, wherein the carrier sheet comprising the separable adhesive layer on one side of a base film, and forming a ceramic green sheet with a ceramic slurry on the separable adhesive layer with the electrode pattern formed thereon. The electrodes in the ceramic green sheet obtained may be formed with good patterning accuracy and the carrier sheet may easily separated after formation of the ceramic green sheet.

Abstract: In case of manufacturing a disk having a two-layer structure, a glass substrate 13 is bonded to a cover layer 11 through an adhesive layer 12, and a mount hole 14a is formed in a center thereof to form a bonded substrate 14 having a three-layer structure (a). In a state where a stamper 15 formed a predetermined pit pattern is set to a center boss 16, the bonded substrate 14 is pressed downward in a vertical direction while the mount hole 14a of the bonded substrate 14 is aligned with the center boss 16(b). Whereby an information recording surface 11a is transferred onto the cover layer 11(c). Subsequently, after the bonded substrate 14 has been bonded to another layer substrate of the disk, the adhesive layer 12 is removed to separate the glass substrate 13. Finally, there is manufactured the disk having the two-layer structure.

Abstract: An image-transfer medium includes a transparent substrate and a transferable material formed on a first surface of the substrate. A selected portion of the transferable material can be transferred in an arbitrary shape to an article to form a personalized image by a cold transfer-printing operation. Moreover, the remaining hollowed portion after the removal of the selected portion, including the transparent substrate, can be adhered to the same or another article having a light-transmitting surface to exhibit special lightening effect.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved method for transferring an image onto an object which has a surface that curves in two directions. After providing a source containing an image capable of thermal transfer, a target surface is chosen on the object and a chemical coating is applied. The image is then pressed into the coated target surface until the target surface is substantially flat and heated so that the image is transferred to the target surface. The coating allows the image to be transferred at a low temperature. In a preferred embodiment, after the source is removed, a second application of heat is applied to the object to drive the image into the object. A protective material may be positioned between the heating element and the image, especially before the second application of heat.

Abstract: A method of laminating a pre-press proof (200) is disclosed comprising the steps of treating a sheet of plastic material (330) with a corona discharge. Laminating a pre-laminate sheet (240) comprising a first thermoplastic layer (304) and a first support layer (150) to the sheet of corona discharged treated plastic material (330). Removing the first support layer (150) to form a pre-laminated receiver stock (230). Creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) with a second support layer (170). Laminating the imaged receiver sheet (140) to the pre-laminated receiver stock (230) thereby encapsulating the image. Removing the second support layer (170) thereby forming the pre-press proof (200).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a back light type display panel includes a first step of forming on a transparent base film an opaque area of a thick layer of toner particles and a transparent area of a thin layer of toner particles, a second step of covering the opaque and transparent areas of the base film with a transparent protection film. In this step, a thermoplastic adhesive agent is coated on the protection film to form a laminate member of thick and thin layers of toner and the protection film. The method further includes a third step of vacuuming the laminate member and its surrounding, and a fourth step of heating the laminate member to be lower for the toner to melt and sufficiently high for the adhesive agent to have a characteristic of tack and pressing the laminate member at a first pressure by a pair of pressing boards, and a fifth step of heating the laminate member to be sufficiently high for the toner to melt.

Abstract: A method of laminating a pre-press proof (200) is disclosed comprising the steps of treating a sheet of plastic material (330) with a corona discharge. Laminating a pre-laminate sheet (240) comprising a first thermoplastic layer (304) and a first support layer (150) to the sheet of corona discharged treated plastic material (330). Removing the first support layer (150) to form a pre-laminated receiver stock (230). Creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) with a second support layer (170). Laminating the imaged receiver sheet (140) to the pre-laminated receiver stock (230) thereby encapsulating the image. Removing the second support layer (170) thereby forming the pre-press proof (200).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for transferring a decorative image to a bowling ball by sublimation from a transfer sheet. The method includes applying at least one transfer sheet containing sublimation inks representing a decoration, such as an image or graphic, to the outer surface of the bowling ball and transferring the decoration from the transfer sheet to the bowling ball by applying sufficient heat and pressure to sublimate the inks. A heat press apparatus is one exemplary apparatus that is contemplated for providing the heat and pressure. The heat and pressure may be maintained after sublimation to allow the inks to penetrate beneath the outer surface of the bowling ball. This allows decorating the bowling ball with a durable image or graphic that does not does not affect the performance of the bowling ball. The decoration may cover the entire bowling ball, or any portion thereof.

Abstract: An electronic circuit is made by printing a Parmod® composition on a temporary substrate and curing it to produce a pattern of metal conductors. The conductors are laminated to a substrate under heat and pressure to produce a laminate with the metal prepatterned into the desired circuit configuration. The conductor can also be coated with a polymer and cured to form a prepatterned substrate. Single and double-sided circuits or multilayers can be made this way.

Abstract: A process for preparing a printed substrate which comprises: (a) printing the desired pattern on to a release film, (b) adhering a substrate layer to the patterned side of the printed release film substrate, and (c) removing the release film, thereby producing a substrate bearing a print, the flatness of the surface of which corresponds to that of the film.

Abstract: A process and system for printing images or text and transferring the printed image to a ceramic, glass or metal substrate, by means of a computer controlled inkjet printer spraying a water based ink onto the surface of water slide transfer paper to thereby form an adherent image area.

Abstract: A method of forming an overlay (310) to form a rule die (320) comprising the steps of: forming an overlay using a method consisting of the steps of: creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) having an image (210), a first thermal print layer (224), and first support layer (150); laminating an imageless receiver sheet (160) having a second thermal print layer (228) and a second support layer (170) with the imaged receiver sheet, thereby encapsulating the image; removing the first support layer; and removing the second support layer. The overlay has an electrostatic charge to verify or form the rule die.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing a protective acrylic coating to a laminate surface. More particularly, the present invention provides said protective acrylic coating to a laminate surface via a release sheet. The release sheet allows application of a substantially solid acrylic compound to a laminate surface of a laminate assembly. The substantially solid acrylic compound may be cured during thermal and pressure processing of the laminate assembly. Also, the cured acrylic coating protects the laminate surface from fading and from damage.

Abstract: A heat-transferable security stamp is provided including a carrier sheet, a top coat layer, at least one design layer between the carrier sheet and the top coat layer, a release layer between the carrier sheet and the design layer, and a base coat layer between the release layer and the design layer. The release layer includes a water-borne release component. The base coat layer includes a water-borne base coat component. The design layer includes a water-borne design component. The top coat layer includes a water-borne top coat component. The carrier sheet is resistant to heat above a predetermined heat transfer temperature. The adhesive release component of the release layer is operative to secure the carrier sheet to the base coat layer at temperatures below the heat transfer temperature and to permit release of the carrier sheet from the base coat layer at temperatures above the heat transfer temperature.