Abstract: A method for creating a faux finish on a surface using an apparatus (100) that has a dual roller handle (110), a pair of roller covers (120, 124) each mounted for independent rotation, and at least one raised foam pattern (122, 126) on each roller cover. In one embodiment, the raised foam pattern is a nonrepresentational design (136) that is sized, shaped and positioned on each roller cover to create smoothly contoured edges (137) and a non-uniform gap (135) between adjacent edges of the raised foam pattern. When two paints having at least one different visually perceptible characteristic are respectively applied to the surface by the roller covers using the handle in an overlapping and arcing motion, a faux marble finish results from the effect of the edges of the raised foam pattern on the paint discharged to the surface by the raised foam pattern. In another embodiment, the raised foam pattern is a representative design that is used in the same manner to provide a faux texture finish.

Abstract: A method of making a flat-skinned door which simulates a three-dimensional molded skin door, and corresponding product, are disclosed. The method includes the steps of applying a basecoat(s) to the door skin, applying a woodgrain puff-ink to the skin over the basecoat in order to simulate woodgrain patterning, utilizing a printing roll(s) to print a photographic image on the door which simulates a three-dimension molded door skin, and forming a hardened non-stainable polymerized coating over the image applied by the printing roll(s). In such a manner, a flat skinned door may be made which simulates a three dimensional molded skin door.

Abstract: A glass fiber wallcovering is made by sequential application of hydrophilic and hydrophobic agents to selectively create an image for painted effects.

Abstract: A paint applicator and method for applying a decorative finish to a surface including a dual roller handle and a pair of roller covers formed from long-napped wool, each roller cover mounted for independent rotation on the dual roller handle. When at least two paints having at least one different visually perceptible characteristic are respectively simultaneously applied to the surface by the pair of long-napped wool roller covers using the handle in an overlapping and arcing motion the decorative finish results. The resulting decorative finish is substantially similar to a surface finish created by a wool pad applicator, but is applied in much less time and with much less effort than that created by the wool pad applicator.

Abstract: A device for making decorative candles which have varied shapes and colors of wax throughout in an heated water bath and an apparatus utilizing said device comprised of multiple heated sources of melted wax suspended above an open topped waterproof box, having one side lined with a water proof gasket through which a waterproof sleeve communicates to a base plate upon which the candle is formed by moving the plate in three dimensions within the water bath and collecting thereon the colored wax, supplied to the top of the water by a heated tube means from selected sources of melted colored wax, as it sinks and cools in the water. The rate of cooling of the wax is controlled by the temperature of the water bath. The water borne wax is built up around a core candle or around a wick, stretched from the center of the plate to an arm, extending to the center of the plate from a rod extending from one edge of the plate to a selected height above the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a decorative treatment giving the illusion of depth to a surface, where the apparatus has a paint applicator roller and a roller cover. The roller cover has at least one raised foam pattern that is sized, shaped and positioned to substantially circumscribe the roller cover and create clearly defined edges along its periphery and a gap between adjacent edges of the foam pattern. The method including loading at least one coating onto the roller cover, the coating having at least one different visually perceptible characteristic than a finish of the surface to be coated, and applying the coating to the surface by moving the handle in a plurality of generally linear discrete motions. The decorative treatment resulting from the effect of a plurality of partially overlapping, semi-random pattern images formed on the surface by the coating applied to the surface using the raised foam pattern.

Abstract: A decorative painting kit including multiple-color paint applicators and a method of decoratively painting a surface though in situ surface blending of two or more paints of different colors by using a multiple-color paint applicator which is stroked over the same surface a sufficient number of time to at least partially blend the different paint colors. The partial in situ surface blending of two or more paints produces a decorative pattern on the painted surface that is color characterized by having areas with some of the original paint colors and other areas with various blends of the original paint colors thereon to produce a decoratively painted surface.

Abstract: A method of continuously producing a continuous paint coat of substantially constant, pre-determined thickness, and displaying a plural colour, familial, non-modular pattern, on a surface of a moving substrate, comprising the steps of depositing at least two discontinuous, randomly patchy, differently coloured, component paint deposits, at a predetermined, constant, long term deposition rate for each component deposit in terms of the volume of paint per unit area of the surface, within a single stationary target area of the surface, or within stationary target areas of the surface respectively associated with the component deposits and at least partly aligned in the direction of movement of the substrate, and thereafter spreading and smoothing the component paint deposits carried by the substrate from the target area or areas, to form the continuous coat.

Abstract: A semi-finished wood simulating product and method is disclosed. The product is manufactured by providing a substrate having at least one surface to be finished. A liquid basecoat is applied on the substrate and dried. A wood grain pattern is deposited, in liquid form, on the basecoat. Some of the pattern is transferred from the originally deposited position on the basecoat to a subsequent position. The pattern is then cured. A polymerizable protective coating is applied onto the substrate overlying the basecoat and the pattern. The protective coating seals the substrate and is adapted for accepting a colorant to be applied by an end user. The protective coating is then polymerized. Additionally, if a porous substrate is provided, a sealer is applied prior to the liquid basecoat and is then cured.

Abstract: A surface of an object to be decorated is provided with a first color. A liquid, such as water, is applied to the surface to form a plurality of drops. A coloring agent having a second color, such as conventional spray paint, is applied to the surface over the drops. The liquid is then removed from the surface, for example, by evaporation or allowing the liquid to drip off of the surface, and the coloring agent is dried. A protective coating is optionally applied over the finished surface. To apply the decorative finish to a three-dimensional surface, the same process is used except, the liquid is first applied to a first portion of the surface to form a plurality of drops. The liquid is then frozen in place so that the liquid may then be applied to a second portion of the three-dimensional surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming a pattern on a synthetic wood board to form, on a surface of the synthetic wood board, a pattern such as wooden grain and the like which is close to natural wood, to enhance the reality of woody like appearance. The synthetic wood board is formed by mixing 35-80 wt % of thermoplastic resin material and 20-65 wt %. By a first grinding process, the synthetic wood board is formed at its entire surface of at least one side thereof with a large number of wound stripes in one direction. By a colorant coating process, a colorant is coated on the surface on which said wound stripes are formed, the colorant impregnates in wood meal on the surface to generate blur. And some colorant remain in recess portion of the wound stripes to form recess pigment layer.

Abstract: A bifurcated paint roller and painting method using such. The paint roller is a hand tool having two roller portions, which each of the roller portions having a nap for picking up and spreading paint. The roller portions are spaced transversely from each other and rotate independently of the other. A paint pan is provided with the bifurcated paint roller and is itself bifurcated. The paint pan includes two receptacle portions, each of which holds a paint having a different characteristic. A divider separates the receptacle portions such that the paints having the different characteristics are prevented from mixing. The distal end of the hand tool includes an open ended slot for reception of the divider such that each of the roller portions is dippable into their respective paints. Alternatively, the hand tool may include tubes mounted thereon and feeding paint to the roller portions.

Abstract: A building panel having a three-dimensionally patterned surface, and a method and apparatus for coating the building panel are disclosed. The building panel includes convex portions partially topcoated with a first coating, concave portions partially topcoated with a second coating which is different in color from the first coating, and between the concave and convex portions topcoated with a third coating which is different in color from the first and second coatings. The third coating layer topcoated over the intermediate portions is preferably darker in color than the first coating so as to emphasize the depth of the concave portions and hence the stereographic appearance.

Abstract: A method of modulating coating patterns is disclosed. The method uses the steps of dispensing a composite comprising a carrier fluid layer and a transferring the composite to the substrate, wherein interfacial interaction among the carrier fluid layer, the functional fluid layer, and the substrate generates a patterned coating of the functional layer on the substrate. The coating patterns provide controlled release surfaces for tapes, image receptors, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming a pattern on a synthetic wood board to form, on a surface of the synthetic wood board, a pattern such as wooden grain and the like which is close to natural wood, to enhance the reality of woody like appearance. The synthetic wood board is formed by mixing 35-80 wt % of thermoplastic resin material and 20-65 wt %. By a first grinding process, the synthetic wood board is formed at its entire surface of at least one side thereof with a large number of wound stripes in one direction. By a colorant coating process, a colorant is coated on the surface on which said wound stripes are formed, the colorant impregnates in wood meal on the surface to generate blur. And some colorant remain in recess portion of the wound stripes to form recess pigment layer.

Abstract: Apparatus, kit and method for painting a marbleized pattern on an essentially flat interior surface using paints with a plurality of colors. Before beginning the process, if necessary, the surface is cleaned and prepared. This can include applying masking tape around the periphery of the area to be painted. Splotches of paint of one color are then applied to a portion of the total area to be painted using a stiff bristled brush. Splotches of other paint colors are then applied interspersed with the previous colors. The brush is then used to preliminarily blend the various splotches of paint. A special blending tool faced with wool is used to complete blending the paint. The wool face is moistened before use, and blending is completed by patting the paint with the wool face of the tool while changing the angles and locations of the tool between each contact. Accent veining lines can be added to the blended paint surface using a feather dipped into a paint of a different color than the blended surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micro-bubble textured material includes performing simultaneous implantation of inert gas atoms and plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition. Plasma that contains ions of an inert gas and neutrals necessary for PCVD is produced over a substrate. The substrate being deposited with the material to be textured is then biased with a negative voltage to accelerate the ions from the plasma. Control over the bias voltage determines the penetration depth into the materials and control over the ion current to the substrate determines the fractional atomic density of the implanted gas atoms and the penetration depth. Simultaneous deposition causes the location of the layer of the implanted atoms to move at the deposition rate, resulting in a uniform implantation of the atoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates in one aspect to a method of manufacture of a security thread suitable for use in security articles including security paper such as that used for banknotes. In the method a magnetic metal is deposited on a film of polymeric substrate as the substrate passes through a solution containing the magnetic metal and a preparatory operation is carried out on a surface of the substrate prior to immersion of the substrate in the solution. The preparatory operation ensures that magnetic metal is deposited on the substrate in a pattern such that when the security thread is produced from the film by cutting the film the magnetic metal on the security thread has a specific pattern and provides both a visually discernible security feature and a magnetically detectable security feature.

Abstract: A water based crackle finish for surfaces includes a base coating having a low molecular weight polymer dissolved in an aqueous solution. Disposed on the dried base coating is a coating having an aqueous emulsion of a high molecular weight polymer which is dried. If desired, a stain coating, a sealer coating and a glaze coating and combinations thereof may be disposed on the surface under the base coating. Also, if desired, a fly-speck coating and a top coating may be applied over the crackle coating. A method of applying the coating is disclosed.

Abstract: A semi-finished wood simulating product and method is disclosed. The product is manufactured by providing a substrate having at least one surface to be finished. A liquid basecoat is applied on the substrate and dried. A wood grain pattern is deposited, in liquid form, on the basecoat. Some of the pattern is transferred from the originally deposited position on the basecoat to a subsequent position. The pattern is then cured. A polymerizable protective coating is applied onto the substrate overlying the basecoat and the pattern. The protective coating seals the substrate and-is adapted for accepting a colorant to be applied by an end user. The protective coating is then polymerized. Additionally, if a porous substrate is provided, a sealer is applied prior to the liquid basecoat and is then cured.

Abstract: A method for the production of a decorative laminate finish is disclosed. A relatively minor amount of lacquer colorant is applied to the surface of an aqueous bath. After partially drying the colorant to a flexible film, a substrate is contacted with the film and the resulting laminate is separated from the bath.

Abstract: A metallized epoxy die formed by depositing boron nitride and iron oxide particle layers on the pattern used to form the die and spraying molten metal onto the particle layers followed by casting the epoxy against the exposed surface of the sprayed metal.

Abstract: Articles, such as plastic parts, having the appearance of a naturally-occurring material such as wood or leather are formed by the techniques of (1) providing a plurality of grooves in a surface of the article, (2) applying a surfactant to the surface of the article, and (3) applying one or more color solutions to the surface of the article. The article may be a solid substrate, a part or a film. A topcoat is preferably applied to the surface of the article. The techniques include controlling movement of an applicator implement for applying the surfactant and color solutions to the surface of the substrate, and controlling movement of a saturator tool for modifying and synthesizing the surfactant and color solutions on the surface of the part and permeating the surfactant and color solutions into the plurality of grooves.

Abstract: A decorative painting is made by wetting a paper substrate, stretching the paper onto a rigid flat board, drying the paper, defining outlines of figures on the paper, masking the outlines, applying watercolor to the paper, applying crystals of rock salt on the watercolor by a method such as dropping, throwing, or scattering while the watercolor is wet, drying the watercolor, removing the rock salt, paining the figures, removing the masking, and painting the outlines. The rock salt reacts with the wet watercolor to create decorative gradiations in pigmentation.

Abstract: Compositions and a method are provided for forming a coated wood, plastic or metal product having the appearance and texture of wood grain. The joints on a wood surface are concealed by the coating and the coating is capable of accepting conventional wood stain.

Abstract: Compositions are provided for forming a coating on metal, plastic or wood substrate wherein the coating has the appearance and texture of wood, conceals joints on the surface of the substrate and is capable of accepting conventional wood stain.

Abstract: A process for producing an adherent relief coating simulating the appearance of liquid droplets on a surface of an article such as a cosmetics container, including the steps of applying the coating by spraying the surface with a curable liquid coating material to form a multiplicity of discrete raised beads of the material distributed over the surface, and curing the applied coating. The beads can be formed by spraying the beading coat under conditions controlled to provide insufficient atomization to form a continuous uniform coating; by applying two successive coatings with silicon or silicone additive incorporated in the first coat to promote autoreticulation of the second coat; or by a combination of these techniques.

Abstract: A process for producing a sheet material similar in appearance to but cheaper and of inferior quality as compared with natural leather. A low-cost, poor-quality imitation leather, consisting of a composite sheet material having a polymer matrix with natural or synthetic fibers, is subjected to the same finish process applied in the tanning industry, which process consists in spraying and drying the exposed surfaces of the composite material, in successive stages, with hot-curing plastic dye resins, which are applied in a water or solvent mixture to which wax, pigments and/or metallized azoic dyes may be added; in hot calendering the material using engraved or smooth cylinders or plates; and, if necessary, in fulling the material in rotary drums.

Abstract: Compositions and a method are provided for forming a coated wood product having the appearance and texture of wood grain, which conceals joints on the wood surface and which is capable of accepting conventional wood stain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for coating finish foils and endless edges, wherein an acid-curing aqueous coating composition, on the basis of aminoplast resin/compound containing hydroxyl groups/self-crosslinking acrylate dispersion, is applied and baked in. The coating composition used contains 5 to 20% by weight of one or more fillers of a mean particle size from 0.015 to 10 .mu.m, a maximum particle size of .ltoreq.40 .mu.m and a density of .ltoreq.2.9 g/cm.sup.3.The invention also relates to the coating compositions positions used in the process and to finish foils and endless edges produced by the process, which especially have the advantage of an extremely low formaldehyde emission, particularly as a composite with a low-formaldehyde chipboard.

Abstract: A method for forming a coating film with a relief pattern, which comprises coating an undercoating material on a substrate surface to form a cured undercoating film, coating an intermediate coating material partly on the undercoating film in a desired pattern, drying it to such an extent that the amount of the solvent in the formed intermediate coating film is within a range of from 1 to 50% by weight, then overcoating a top coating material comprising, as binders, a polyester resin and an aminoplast resin cross-linking agent having a surface tension of at least 40 dyn/cm over the entire surface, followed by baking and curing to form a top coating film with the relief pattern.

Abstract: The method of the present invention begins with the unloading of the garments delivered by the customer. After unloading, the garments are sorted and counted and then placed on moveable racks for transportation to a separate storage area nearby. Selected garments are then moved from the storage area to a temporary receiving area near zones known as painting cells, where the garments are taken and hung from hooks attached to a variable speed electronically operated overhead track conveyor. The conveyor moves the garments along an oval shaped track pattern at a constant speed as paint is applied by workers stationed at various locations along the conveyor route. Various paint application methods are utilized during this stage of the operation, including the use of spray bottles and airbrushes.

Abstract: Imitation marble or like faux finishes are produced without need for artistic manipulations of coating materials, by applying random portions of one or more different aqueous colorant mixtures to the color absorbent surface of a substrate, while such random portions are still wet, applying thereto scattered portions of an activator solution of a small amount of water-insoluble volatile organic liquid, e.g., mineral spirits, dissolved in a water-miscible alcohol, e.g., isopropyl alcohol, allowing such scattered portions to act upon the random colorant mixture portions to automatically move them into a faux finish pattern, and then allowing the resulting faux finish pattern to dry. Aqueous colorant mixtures so used each contain a major amount of water and minor amounts of colorant and, selectively, detergent and/or water-miscible alcohol.

Abstract: Dressed materials for interior finish, the base material being wood, metal, resin, paper or glass, having a mixed pattern on the surface formed by a mixture of undercoating of water paint, or a mixture of water paint and oil paint, and overcoating having a nature different from that of the undercoating. Dressed materials resembling natural materials having a natural feeling of taste and pattern such as, marbling, a pattern of granite or the like are obtained.

Abstract: A process for creating a work of art from a base medium, crayon and ink that comprises selecting a base medium that affords a surface to which crayon and ink can adhere, applying a crayon to the surface of said base medium, removing from the surface of said base medium any excess crumbs of crayon that failed to firmly adhere to the surface of said base medium, applying ink over the surface of the areas of crayon and the surface of the areas of the base medium that are free of crayon, removing substantially all the ink other than a thin film of ink from the surface of the areas of crayon and the surface of the areas of the base medium that are free of crayon before the ink is allowed to dry, allowing the thin film of ink to dry on the surface of the areas of crayon and the surface of the areas of base medium that are free of crayon, and rubbing the surface of the areas of crayon and the surface of the areas of the base medium that are free of crayon to remove a portion of the dried ink and produce a sheen to t

Abstract: Compositions and a method are provided for forming a coated metal or plastic surface having the appearance and texture of wood grain, which conceals joints on the surface and which is capable of accepting conventional wood stain.The present method utilizes a basecoat composition for covering a metal or plastic surface comprising a combination of resins, pigments, solvents, and additives for suspension, dispersion, wetting, thickening, flowing and anti-marring. A printing composition is also provided comprising resins, pigments, solvents, and tinting and wetting agents.

Abstract: A method of weathering a model of an object is described. The model to be weathered most desirably is a hobbyist model, such as used by model railroaders and military modelers, and it is rust that is simulated. A suspension of a rust-colored coloring agent is applied to the surface of the model within a carrier which is adapted to spread the same as flakes over the surface. The carrier is then removed by drying the model to leave the flakes. A second coloring agent of a different color is applied to the model over the dried flakes to enhance weathered appearance.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for covering a substrate with a cementitious simulated ceramic surface having a mottled, speckled appearance. Cement and sand are mixed with an aqueous solution of an adhesive resin to create a viscous liquid mortar. The viscous liquid mortar is applied onto randomly spaced portions of the cementitious substrate to create a noncontiguous thickened cementitious coating having a high viscosity to prevent spreading of the liquid mortar over the cementitious substrate. The noncontiguous thickened cementitious coating is troweled to form a plurality of interconnecting and non-interconnecting flattened and level plateaus partially covering the cementitious substrate to reveal a simulated mottled, speckled ceramic covering.

Abstract: A method of producing decorative lengths of shot chain involves pre-heating the chain, initally applying a primer coat, reheating the primed chain, then subjecting one side of the chain to the application of paint of one color, reheating the chain to set that application, applying a different color to the other side of the chain and then baking to anneal the paint. The chain is then clipped to desired lengths. The method may be practiced either continuously or step-by-step.

Abstract: The invention also relates to a process for dressing a flat, water-absorbing and water-permeable substrate having a rough surface with depressions at least on that side to be provided with the dressing.

Abstract: Thermoformable laminate films with a decorative feature include a polymer carrier film, a paint layer and a protective clearcoat and the clearcoat and paint layer have a preconfiguration which causes desired decorative features following deformation of the laminate by a thermoforming process. The laminated film has a paint coat of a desired hue and the protective clearcoat has a variable thickness selected to produce a two tone appearance in a finished molded product. The process of manufacture includes the steps of painting a polymeric support or carrier film and laminating the painted carrier film by process steps which will control the finished appearance of the laminate when applied to an underlying relatively rigid substrate or body part.

Abstract: A method for painting an article includes the steps of dipping the article in a mixture of varnish and silicone rubber so as to form a protective film on the surface of the article; priming the protective film; spray painting the article so as to form a plurality of paint flecks to form a plurality of patterns on the article; applying a solvent to the article to dilute the paint flecks; air-drying the article; polishing the surface of the article; forming a layer of epoxide resin on the surface of the article; and bake varnishing the article. In this way, the surface of the article is given a flecked and glossy surface.

Abstract: A method of flow visualization comprises the steps of coating the surface of a component in a pigmented oil-based paint of non-gelling characteristics, applying dry dye particles, which are soluble in the oil based paint to the surface of the coating and passing a fluid flow over the component.The fluid flow causes the dye particles to translate across the coating so that regions of the particles that are in contact with the coating dissolve to leave trails on the surface of the coating which are indicative of the relative strengths of the fluid flows acting on the surfaces of the component.

Abstract: An MOCVD deposition technique wherein the pressure of reagent vapors within the reaction vessel (1) is maintained at a reduced pressure in the range 10.sup.-2 to .about.10 millibars and contained mounted substrates (15) are heated non-inductively e.g. by an electric resistance circumferential furnace (5). In the above pressure range, high diffusivity of the reagent vapors ensures exposure of the substrates (15) to a uniform reagent mixture. A large number of substrates (15) may be processed simultaneously. As heating is non-inductive, an inert mounting (17) can be utilized avoiding the introduction of contaminants (e.g. carbon) into the deposited film.

Abstract: A decorative mirror having a reflective silver layer deposited on a transparent sheet. A substance which reacts with silver is applied to the silver layer to create randomly distributed areas containing reaction products including non-metallic silver where the visible light reflectance of the mirror is modified or interrupted. In order to manufacture the mirror, a transparent sheet is wetted with a silvering solution to form a reflective silver layer, and while the sheet is still wet with the silvering solution the sheet is contacted with randomly distributed droplets of a solution of a substance which reacts with silver, the two solutions being made up using different solvents. The substance which reacts with silver may be a tin compound in an alcoholic solution, the silvering being effected with an aqueous solution. The silver layer whose reflective properties have been modified may be overcoated with a second silver layer, and the whole protected with further layers, for example of copper and paint.

Abstract: Thin films (e.g. less than 100 nm thick) of a metal oxide material can be deposited on a variety of hydrophilic substrates by hydrolysis. Deposition is achieved by reacting a vapor of an appropriate metal-containing compound with water at or near the substrate's surface. The resulting deposited film can serve a variety of uses, for example, as a photo-resist in micro-electronics or in any area where protective films are useful, such as the passivation of ternary metal oxide superconductors.

Abstract: A cementitious slab first has generally straight intersecting lines drawn thereon and the surface of the slab is thereafter cut in order to form narrow shallow grooves therein extending along the previously drawn lines. The entire upper surface of the slab is then washed with an acid wash, neutralized and then pressure washed. A first stain coat is then evenly applied to the upper surface of the slab including the grooves and a second stain coat is thereafter applied to at least some of the discrete areas of the upper surface of the slab in an uneven manner with the second stain being darker than the first stain to thereby render a mottled appearance to the upper surface of the slab. Thereafter, the entire upper surface of the slab including the grooves may be sealed.

Abstract: Smooth articles such as bows and rifles are coated during a finishing process to form a rough, nubby exterior surface having a unique, three-dimensional appearance for facilitating concealment of the article among vegetation. The method in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention includes the steps of initially coating the object with a uniform base color such as battleship gray, and then applying splatter paint through a specially configured orifice to provide a number of raised, spaced apart images over the base color. Next, a number of removable, self-adhering templates are placed over the article in spaced relation to each other, and a second coat of splatter paint of color different than the color of the underlying discrete, splatter paint images is applied to the spaces between adjacent templates.

Abstract: The electrostatic fluid jet applicator of the present invention achieves patterning effects with an applicator designed to provide a uniform solid application of liquid onto substrates. The applicator requires no digital memory device to store extensive image data defining patterns to be printed and includes a single ganged charging electrode which is utilized to simultaneously charge (or not charge) droplets emanating from a linear array of orifices. The applicator generates patterning effects primarily by controlling the application of charging voltage to the single electrode and by controlling the print time.

Abstract: Improved techniques are provided for obtaining a desirable surface finish of two or more visually distinct selected colors. A mat is prepared by selectively weaving wire between fixed pins on a board. Once removed from the pins, the mat may be molded about the surface of an object painted a first selected color. A second color is then applied over the mat and the object, resulting in a desired dual-color finish after the mat is removed. The techniques of the present invention are particularly well suited for obtaining a high quality marble-like finish on objects of various sizes, shapes, and materials.