Abstract: A method for coating an object with a design pattern is provided and includes placing a specified amount of water with no additives in a container to a depth exceeding at least one dimension of the object, adding a first acrylic paint to the water in an amount to provide a first layer of paint on the surface of the water, adding at least one additional acrylic paint to the water in an amount to provide at least one additional layer of paint on the surface of the water, mixing the combination of water and acrylic paints until the design pattern is present, dipping the object into the container so that the combination of water and acrylic paints covers the object beyond the at least one dimension of the object, and removing the object from the container so that the object is coated with the design pattern.

Abstract: Methods for treating various substrates to impart unique and artistic finishes thereto, comprising the application of a plurality of separate pigmented curable liquid compositions thereto. In some embodiments the pigmented curable liquid compositions are applied in such fashion to preclude formation of a homogeneous pigmented mixture. In some embodiments this is achieved by applying a second pigmented curable liquid composition over a first pigmented curable liquid composition prior to the full cure of the former. In other embodiments, this is achieved by simultaneous application of two pigmented curable liquid compositions which are non-homogeneous.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a profiled masking article and method of masking a substrate to be treated or painted that provides a feathered or soft edge between painted and unpainted areas. The masking article described herein may be used as a single strip, or as multiple strips, placed side by side, wherein a strip is removed between treatments of different types. This allows successive treatment layers to completely cover previous layers, thus avoiding defects resulting from exposed layers of material. In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a masking article comprising: at least one elongate body (12), said body (12) having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least two lateral surfaces, wherein at least a portion of said body comprises an adhesive material; and a generally planar top portion (14), connected to the body along at least one surface, said top portion (14) having a microstructured surface.

Abstract: A terrazzo composition containing a resin component; a hardener component; and an aggregate component, where the composition has a tensile strength of about 8500 psi to about 8900 psi, a compressive strength of about 2600 psi to about 3000 psi, a Shore D Hardness of about 50 to about 100, and a weight of about 0.60 pounds per square foot at 0.25 inch thickness to about 0.76 pounds per square foot at 0.25 inch thickness.

Abstract: Methods and systems for decorating at least one bevel surface or other surface of a laminated flooring are described. The bevel surface can be decorated by non-transfer printing such as digital printing. The digital printer can be an ink jet printer such as a piezoelectric drop-on-demand (DOD) printer that allows a color and pattern to be placed on the bevel surface that matches the print design (décor pattern or face design) of the laminated flooring. Other devices are provided such as a device that takes a picture of or scans an image of the print design, and modifies the taken picture or the scanned image so that the edge pattern thereof matches with an edge pattern of the print design.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating an attractive and colorful decorative pattern or finish utilizing a water based polyurethane paint with specific chemical additives, and a removable taping system that prevents unsightly streaking when applying the coating on floors and walls. To achieve the effect of a colorful decorative pattern a water based acrylic pastel or white primer base coat is applied to a substrate by brush, roller, or spray-gun. A removable tape is applied to form barrier lines. A pigmented water based polyurethane dispersion containing specified additives is applied, thus chemically forming a pattern when applied. The tape is removed after the pigmented coating has dried, and a clear protective topcoat is applied over the patterned coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides an innovating and unique oil painting method called “Flowing Colors”. The novel method blends painting oil with water-soluble materials to achieve accurate images as well as colorful dynamics.

Abstract: An artificial stone material having an improved natural stone appearance and texture is prepared from thermosetting resin, curing agent, microspheres and additives. The resin and curing agent are thoroughly mixed to form a catalyzed resin mixture. The microspheres are added to the catalyzed resin mixture and mixed to a viscosity of about 950×106 to about 1590×106 to form a catalyzed base material. The additives are worked into the catalyzed base material to provide a catalyzed stone mixture having a desired natural stone appearance. The catalyzed stone mixture is molded or applied to a surface at the point of use and allowed to cure to form the artificial stone material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a faux finish on a paintable surface. The apparatus includes a polyvinyl alcohol block having first and second ends, and a longitudinal body extending between the first and second ends. The body also includes at least one planar painting surface and a beveled surface located adjacent the first end of the body.

Abstract: A method for producing artificial marble having a stripe pattern comprising injecting liquid resins having different colors into a molding cell so that they are laminated to form two or more layers; then moving a comb-like tool through the laminated liquid resins while allowing the teeth to contact the bottom surface of the molding cell, then curing the liquid resins to form artificial marble, wherein, the comb-like tool is allowed to move through the liquid resins while the interval between teeth of the comb-like tool is allowed to vary. Artificial marble can be produced having a natural marble-like appearance in which the interval of stripe varies in a natural fashion or having a radial cut moire stripe pattern.

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 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: Pieces of meat are tumbled with a marinade in a tumbler that has a smoothly continuous surrounding side wall with no protrusions or baffles or other protrusions contacting the pieces of meat. The tumbler is rotated about the axis of the side wall and gas is pumped from the tumbler during the tumbling to maintain a reduced pressure. The gas may be pumped to maintain a lower reduced pressure for a first time interval and to permit a higher pressure, still below atmospheric pressure, for a second period of time during a rest period. These two pressure levels are alternated during the alternate tumbling and rest periods.

Abstract: A decorated shaped product having an expression or design applied thereto which closely resembles an actual expression of a source material such as a natural object is disclosed. The product includes a shaped base material formed thereon with a flow pattern and a transfer pattern of which at least a part is subjected to a concealment exposing treatment and which is printed on the shaped base material. Also, a method manufacturing the product and the shaped base material are disclosed.

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 and apparatus for producing marbleized surfaces is disclosed herein. The apparatus for producing the marbleized surfaces included a liquid containment vessel or bath, stretches and a wide variety of combs for use in the marbleizing process. A coloring composition is applied by floating it on the surface of the bath. One of the variety of marbling combs is swept across the surface of the bath to produce marbleized patterns. Material is then placed on the surface of the bath to transfer the marbleized patterns to the material.

Abstract: A method of using compositions and kits for preparing a marbleized coating on the surface of a sheet or object involves floating multiple color coating materials on the surface of water and dipping the sheet or object directly into this two phase liquid system. The color coating forms its own design on the water surface and does not need to be moved around. The resulting sheet or object is coated with a marbleized coating which is flexible and permanent. The water is conditioned with cream of tartar prior to carrying out the coating method.

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 novel display panel (10) has a high fidelity visual pattern with a full range of grey scale values, for instance, a marble or leather pattern, which is produced via a novel methodology (20). In accordance with the novel methodology (20), a high resolution visual pattern (31) and a mask pattern (32) are produced and separately printed. The patterns (31, 32) are then superimposed and exposed to a camera (33) which generates an enlarged photograph positive. A silk screen is produced from the enlarged photograph positive and used to print a high fidelity visual pattern onto a glass substrate (13). The glass substrate (13) and visual pattern (14) are then heated in a tempering oven to derive the display panel (10).

Abstract: A method of using compositions and kits for preparing a flexible and permanent marbleizing coating on the surface of an object involves conditioning water with borax and testing the water, floating multiple color paints on the surface of the conditioned water, and dipping the object directly into this two phase liquid system. The color coating forms its own design on the water surface and does not need to be moved around. Small articles such as glitter, powders, beads, flakes, and fibers may be applied to the coated object before the paint dries or to the paint floating on the water. The coating may be transferred from the object to a second object by contacting these objects immediately after the dipping.

Abstract: A method of preparing a synthetic surface having a pattern simulating stone, marble and various other naturally occurring substances. The method involves preparing a resin matrix and combining such with a matrix veining pigment composition having a pigment component with a specific gravity heavier than that of the resin system and a blooming agent component with a specific gravity less than that of the resin system. The pigment component is allowed to disperse under the influence of the blooming agent to form the pattern. A further aspect of the present invention includes controlling the dispersement of the veining pigment within the resin matrix by controlling its thixotropic properties.

Abstract: A method for the decorative coating of sheet-like materials, particularly laminated plastics and wood-derived panels is disclosed to achieve a marbled decor effect by pressing a support sheet, impregnated with a curable aminoplast resin and coateed with a thermoplastic or duroplastic synthetic resin, on the substrate to be coated at the melting or curing temperatures of the resins, in which(a) a support sheet is used which has two superimposed layers of a transparent, thermoplastic or duroplastic synthetic resin, which flows well under the pressing conditions, the layer facing the support sheet containing a flake or scale-like pigment in an amount of 2 to 40% by weight of the synthetic resin and the outer layer of synthetic resin being devoid of such pigments and(b) the pressing is carried out in a compression mold or tool, which has no surface profiling.The invention furthermore is directed to the synthetic resin-containing support sheets used in the inventive method.

Abstract: A method for producing colored decorations on ceramic products by foaming an aqueous suspension of a pigment containing at least one surface active agent, contacting a ceramic body with the foam to deposit the pigment on the body, and heating the ceramic body to a temperature of about 600.degree. to 1500.degree. C.

Abstract: Hard, durable, water-resistant simulated marble products are made by coating a support surface with a mixture of epoxy resin, epoxy resin hardener, pigment and a powdered material such as portland cement, powdered clay, a mix of portlant cement and lime, powdered lime, a mix of portland cement and silica sand or mixtures thereof. After the coating is applied a water-based acrylic polymer with pigment or pigments of selected color is applied with a brush or similar means in selected areas and then troweled or feathered to give the desired marbleizing effect. The product is then allowed to harden. The resultant product is hard, durable, water-resistant, easily washable and resembles marble.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying a curable material having variable curing characteristics to a surface in a defined application cycle which includes the steps of applying only a first slow curing component to the surface of an article at least at the beginning or at the end of an application cycle and applying during the remaining part of the application cycle a mixture of the slow curing component and a curing agent which accelerates the curing of the first component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for printing a marble motif. The apparatus comprises a holder, including a hand gripping portion, a hollow cylindrical roller rotatably mounted in the holder defining a first set of perforations, and a partition disposed within the roller to divide the hollow of the roller into a plurality of compartments adapted to receive different colored paints. The partition defines a second set of perforations to permit limited fluid communication between the compartments to partially mix the paints. A porous absorbent material is positioned over the roller and in fluid communication with the first set of perforations. The method comprises separately storing a plurality of different colored paints in the compartments, and rolling the porous absorbent material over a surface to cause the partially mixed paints to print a marble motif on the surface.

Abstract: A method for producing a painting using a flotation process in which a floating elongate member is placed in a shallow pan of water and one or more oil based litho inks having different viscosities are placed on the surface of the water within the closed shape of the elongate member. Using an external force such as an air stream, the litho ink is formed into a desired pattern on the surface of the water and it is allowed to float undisturbed by external forces for a time lapse of about six to fourteen hours to form a textured pattern having finer and more textured paint globules than when the paint was first blown into a desired pattern. The paint pattern is lifted off of the surface of the water and onto a flexible sheet, and after the paint is at least partially dried, artists non-oil base ink is applied to the flexible sheet within the closed shape of the painting to areas of the sheet on which paint is not present.

Abstract: A natural stone panel is constructed from rectangular sheets, slabs or blocks of natural stone, particularly marble or onyx and constructed by placing an array of rectangular stone blocks on a work surface, placing a fiberglass backing on the upper surface of the array, applying an adhesive, which can have a stone dust filler, to the joints between adjacent blocks, on the blocks and on the fiberglass backing, which is rolled into contact with the blocks. After hardening or curing of the adhesive, the exposed stone block surfaces can be polished, an overlay of clear plastic applied to the surface of the stone blocks, and the panel edges trimmed with a suitable cutting tool. The panels formed can be wall mounted by a suitable adhesive bonding the fiberglass backing to the wall surface, or alternatively, the panels can be adhesive bonded to a floor surface.

Abstract: A method for decorative coloring of glass, which comprises coating the surface of a glass article containing alkali metal oxides and sulfide sulfur with a composition comprising at least one of silver and copper compounds and a vanadium compound capable of forming vanadium pentoxide by subsequent heat-treatment, and then heat-treating the coated article at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to obtain the desired degree of coloration.

Abstract: A decorative porcelain enamel surface, preferably having the appearance of marble, is produced by first preparing the surface of an article, which may be irregular in configuration, for receiving a finished coat of porcelain enamel. A finished coat of porcelain enamel is applied on the prepared surface, and then by any of several novel steps the enamel is variegated to produce a marble appearance.