Abstract: An anti-stick cookware is manufactured by a process including a step of spinning a metal plate made of an aluminum alloy to form a cookware body having a bottom portion, a side portion extending upward from the bottom portion, and an inner cooking surface defined by the bottom and side portions. The side portion of the cookware body has a thickness thinner than that of the bottom portion of the cookware body. The thickness of the bottom portion of the cookware is at least 2.5 mm, and the thickness of the side portion of the cookware is at least 1.8 mm. The thickness of the side portion is 30%-64% of that of the bottom portion.

Abstract: A refinish basecoat composition includes at least one pigment and an hydroxyl-functional acrylic polymer. The acrylic polymer has a number average molecular weight of at least about 6000 and is polymerized using at least about 45% by weight cycloaliphatic monomer, based on total monomer weight polymerized. A mixer system that can be used to prepare the refinish basecoat has a plurality of color components, each independently including at least one pigment dispersed by the hydroxyl-functional acrylic polymer, and a pigment-free component containing the hydroxyl-functional acrylic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating finishing method comprising coating a water-based under coating material (I) on a surface of a metal substrate or an old coated face of a metal substrate and then coating a water-based coating material (II) comprising a water-based fatty acid-modified acryl resin as a base resin component, wherein the above water-based coating material (II) contains a pigment in a pigment volume concentration falling in a range of 5 to 45%, and the above water-based fatty acid-modified acryl resin has a form of a fine particle having an average particle diameter falling in a range of 50 to 500 nm. According to the method of the present invention, capable of being formed is a finished coating film which has a good finished appearance and which can maintain a fine view of metal surfaces used for structures such as buildings, bridges and plant facilities over a long period of time.

Abstract: In a ceramic hybrid substrate and a method for treating the surface of a ceramic hybrid substrate having ceramic surface areas and metallic surface areas, the ceramic surface areas are esterified.

Abstract: A biocompatibilising process in which a substrate having a surface which bears substrate pendant functional groups is biocompatibilised by coating it with a coating composition containing a polymer formed from a radical polymerisable monomers including a radical polymerisable zwitterionic monomer and a radical polymerisable monomer containing a reactive group to form a polymer having zwitterionic groups and pendant reactive groups and the said pendant reactive groups are reacted to form covalent bonds with said substrate pendant functional group and thereby form a stable coating of polymer on the said surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to powder coating material curable with high-energy radiation, comprising an unsaturated polyester resin (A) and a polymeric crosslinker (B) containing, based on the polymer main chain, terminal and/or pendant propenyl, butenyl and/or isoprenyl groups. The unsaturated polyester resin (A) and/or the polymeric crosslinker (B) comprise structural units of the general formula I and/or II. These novel powder coating materials are curable with high-energy radiation, preferably UV light, and are notable in particular for a very good viscosity stability during the preparation, in the melt, of the resins and the compounding of the coating materials, for outstanding coating properties, and for a low oxygen sensitivity on curing. The films resulting after the cure, moreover, exhibit outstanding elasticity.

Abstract: A process for producing scratch-resistant coatings comprises applying at least one UV-curable coating composition comprising as its photochemically crosslinkable constituent at least one aliphatic urethane (meth)acrylate prepolymer PU having at least two double bonds per molecule, or a mixture of at least one urethane (meth)acrylate prepolymer PU and at least one reactive diluent, to the target substrate and curing the resulting wet coating by exposure to ultraviolet radiation under an inert gas atmosphere.

Abstract: A primer composed of a polymer solution is applied to a roughened metal surface, and a polymer material such as a pre-preg is applied to the treated metal surface to form a bond between the metal and the polymer material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a weldable, coated metal substrate having a pretreatment coating including a reaction product of at least one epoxy-functional material and at least one phosphorus-containing material or amine-containing material and a weldable coating having an electroconductive pigment and a binder deposited thereon.

Abstract: Painting a vehicle body comprising an exterior body portion, engine and cargo compartments and an interior door portion all of which are applied with an undercoat is completed by applying a gray intermediate coat to the exterior body portion, an intermediate coat to the engine and/or cargo compartments, a base coat comprising a single color base coat or a color base coat and a bright base coat to the interior door portion, a base coat comprising either a single color base coat or a color base coat and a bright base coat to the exterior body portion, a clear coat to the interior door portion and a clear coat to the exterior body portion in this order, each of the applications of coat being performed while coat layers formed preceding the each application of coat remain wet, and then baking and drying the coat layers all together.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for forming a multi-layer coating film by applying, to a substrate, intermediate paint, metallic paint and clear paint by 3C1B method, which process is characterized in that said intermediate paint contains 0.5 to 5 phr of flat talc powder of a size of 0.5 to 10 &mgr;m in longer direction and 0.01 to 1 &mgr;m in thickness, and has a total pigment content of 40 to 100 phr.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the solderability of a metallic surface is disclosed where the metallic surface is plated with an immersion or electroless silver plate prior to soldering, after which immersion silver plate is treated with an alkaline polymer coating comprising aqueous vinyl polymers, aqueous acrylic polymers, anti-fungal agents and a benzotriazole or benzimidazole compound to produce a deposit that is resistant to electromigration and that provides an anti-tarnish and anti-corrosion coating on the surface.

Abstract: This invention provides a clear paint composition for motorcars which contains 10-80% by weight of polyester resin containing units derived from alicyclic polybasic acid and/or alicyclic polyhydric alcohol, 5-50% by weight of polyisocyanate compound and 0-50% by weight of acrylic resin; and which forms coating having Universal Hardness (HU) of not more than 500 N/mm2.

Abstract: A method for patterning a recording medium selectively thermally couples a recording medium and a heat source to alter a chemical composition of the recording medium. An apparatus for patterning a recording medium has a heat source for generating and directing an incident thermal wave to a recording medium so as to alter a chemical composition of the recording medium, and a controller for coordinating a mutual position of the incident thermal wave and the recording medium for inducing a direct thermal coupling between the recording medium and the heat source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing single-coat or multicoat clearcoat finishes on primed or unprimed substrates by applying at least one powder coating dispersion, in particular a powder clearcoat slurry, to the substrate and then curing the resulting film(s) thermally and/or with actinic radiation, in which oxalic acid is added to at least one powder coating dispersion, in particular to a powder clearcoat slurry.

Abstract: A method is provided for constructing a platform for use in a sensor in a microfluidic device. The method may include the steps of selecting a polymeric film, laser drilling at least one frustoconical pore in the film, depositing a layer of metal suitable for use as an electrode over a wall of the pore, and depositing a membrane capable of detecting an analyte in the pore over the metal layer. The method may also include the additional step of forming a diffusion limiting layer in the pore at an exit end of the pore before depositing the membrane capable of detecting an analyte.

Abstract: A bright surface structure formed on a member made from metal or resin. A first structure includes: (a) a resin film coated on the member, and (b) a thin metal film formed on the resin film. The thin metal film is made from any one of stainless steel, titanium alloy and nickel alloy. A second structure further includes (c) a clear protective film coated on the thin metal film. A third structure includes: (b′) a thin metal film formed on the resin film of (a), and (c′) a clear colored protective film coated on the thin metal film of (b′). The thin metal film of (b′) is made from any one of stainless steel, titanium alloy, nickel alloy, aluminum, titanium and chromium.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for improving the quality of images printed on a substrate. The novel image-enhancing compositions contain as an image-enhancing agent (a) an azetidinium polymer, (b) a guanidine polymer, (c) a mixture of an azetidinium polymer and a guanidine polymer, or (d) a copolymer of an azetidinium monomer and a guanidine monomer. When applied to a substrate, the compositions provide for high quality printed images when the treated substrate is printed on with an ink containing a reactive dye capable of reacting with the image-enhancing agent. Images printed on a substrate treated with the image-enhancing compositions of the invention are water-resistant (e.g., water-fast), bleed-resistant, rub-resistant, and/or are characterized by an enhanced chroma and hue.

Abstract: A method of treating a metal substrate by applying a coating of a silane composition having at least one substantially unhydrolyzed aminosilane having one or more secondary or tertiary amino groups. Methods of adhering a polymer (such as rubber) to a metal substrate are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for producing a supported bilayer-lipid membrane. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and composition for producing a supported membrane. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for producing a supported membrane comprising the steps: (i) providing a substrate coated with a monolayer having reactive functional groups; (ii) contacting the reactive groups with a linker compound to form a derivatized monolayer having covalently bonded linker moieties; and (iii) contacting the derivatized monolayer with a membrane to produce a supported membrane.

Abstract: A method for coating free-standing micromechanical devices using spin-coating. A solution with high solids loading but low viscosity can penetrate the free areas of a micromachined structure. Spinning this solution off the wafer or die results in film formation over the devices without the expected damage from capillary action. If an organic polymer is used as the solid component, the structures may be re-released by a traditional ash process. This method may be used as a process in the manufacture of micromechanical devices to protect released and tested structures, and to overcome stiction-related deformation of micromechanical devices associated with wet release processes.

Abstract: An economical process for creating decorative and/or functional finishes on chrome, involves formation of a polyurethane film on the chrome substrate, wherein a strong and durable adhesion between the polyurethane film and the metal substrate is achieved by employing a silane adhesion promoter. Specific embodiments involve the use of an aromatic amine functional silane-coupling agent and/or an epoxy functional silane-coupling agent to achieve excellent adhesion between the polyurethane film and a chrome surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal substrate with a corrosion-proofing bond coating containing adhesion-conferring polymers, based on organic compounds, as well as a method for applying the bond coating. The metal substrate may be that of a vehicle body. The bond coating contains polybismaleimides as the adhesion-conferring polymers, which may be homopolymers or copolymers of bismaleimides and/or maleimide-terminated oligomers or polymers, which can be copolymers of these compounds and organic compounds with polymerizable functional groups. The bond coating is applied as a solution, emulsion, or dispersion, and fixed by heating or irradiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for repairing coated substrate surfaces comprising the following successive steps: a) optionally preparing a blemished area to be repaired, b) providing a backing film coated on one side with an uncured or at least partially cured coating layer of a coating composition curable by means of high energy radiation, c) applying the backing film with its coated side onto the blemished area to be repaired, d) irradiating the coating applied in this manner onto the blemished area to be repaired with high energy radiation and e) removing the backing film, wherein the coating is irradiated through the backing film and/or after removing the backing film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and a method for applying both a kinetic spray applied coating layer and a thermal spray applied layer onto a substrate using a single application nozzle. The system includes a higher heat capacity gas heater to permit oscillation between a kinetic spray mode wherein the particles being applied are not thermally softened and a thermal spray mode wherein the particles being applied are thermally softened prior to application. The system increases the versatility of the spray nozzle and addresses several problems inherent in kinetic spray applied coatings.

Abstract: A biocompatibilising process in which a substrate having a surface which bears substrate pendant functional groups is biocompatibilised by coating it with a coating composition containing a polymer formed from a radical polymerisable monomers including a radical polymerisable zwitterionic monomer and a radical polymerisable monomer containing a reactive group to form a polymer having zwitterionic groups and pendant reactive groups and the said pendant reactive groups are reacted to form covalent bonds with said substrate pendant functional group and thereby form a stable coating of polymer on the said surface.

Abstract: A method for coating an ink jet printhead with an ink-phobic coating includes applying the coating to an outer surface of the printhead and then drawing or forcing the coating through the apertures of the printhead, preferably with a vacuum. The method coats and renders ink-phobic not only the outer surface, but also the inside surfaces of the apertures. The ink-phobic coating may contain an amorphous fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a plated product including a basecoat layer, a metal plating layer, and a topcoat layer that are formed on a surface of a base is provided. The method includes the step of forming the basecoat layer and the metal plating layer successively on the surface of the base. The step is followed by removing impurities from the surface of the metal plating layer. The topcoat layer is then formed on the surface of the metal plating layer.

Abstract: A method of confined synthesis of nanostructured material inside a mesoporous material. The method includes the step of providing mesoporous material having uniform and ordered mesopores. Next, a monolayer of charged functional group is attached on the pore surface of mesoporous host material by reacting with functional molecule. A oppositely-charged molecule is incorporated into the confined space of mesoporous material by either ion exchange or incipient wetness impregnation. Finally, the incorporated molecule is reduced or oxidized or further reacted with secondarily-incorporated molecule to form nanostructured material in mesoporous material.

Abstract: A method including forming a first layer comprising a chemical conversion coating on a metal surface; and forming a second layer on the first layer through a sol gel process. An apparatus including a metal component having at least one surface; a first layer comprising a chemical conversion coating on the at least one surface; and a second layer derived from a sol gel composition on the first layer.

Abstract: The present invention has several plausible embodiments. In one embodiment an apparatus for coating a medical device is provided. This apparatus includes a coating chamber, a vibrating structure within the coating chamber the vibrating structure capable of suspending a medical device positioned in the coating chamber, and a coating source, the coating source positioned to introduce coating into the coating chamber. In another embodiment a method of coating a medical device is provided. This method includes moving a medical device into a predetermined coating area, vibrating a structure below the medical device, the vibration of the structure forcing the medical device away from the vibrating structure, and coating at least a portion of the medical device that has moved away from the vibrating structure.

Abstract: A process for inhibiting the fouling of a substrate in a fouling environment, which comprises forming on the substrate, before exposure to the environment, a coating comprising a film-forming polymer (A) carrying unreacted curable silicon-containing functional groups providing latent reactivity, and thereafter applying a layer comprising a curable polymeric fouling-inhibiting material (B), more especially a curable polysiloxane or a curable flourine-containing polymer, and bonding the applied layer to the coating by a condensation curing reaction involving the unreacted functional groups thereon. The initial coating can be applied over a range of worn or damaged anti-fouling coatings. The sequential application of layers is a simpler, more flexible and more controllable procedure than is offered by complex systems designed to produce outer siloxane-rich regions. Relatively long periods are achievable.

Abstract: A heat-resistant resin film having a metallic thin film accumulated thereon or an endless belt having a metallic thin film accumulated thereon having good mechanical characteristics is produced in a simple process. A metallic thin film is formed on an inner surface of a cylindrical substrate, and a layer of a heat-resistant resin is formed thereon. An accumulated body of the heat-resistant resin and the metallic thin film is peeled off from the substrate. The metallic thin film may be formed by electroplating, electroless plating or vapor deposition, or may also be formed by attaching a metallic foil having been prepared on an inner surface of the substrate. The heat-resistant resin layer is formed by injecting a polyamide acid solution in a rotational drum, and then formed by centrifugal forming by rotating the rotational drum on rollers under heating. After forming, imidization is conducted by heating and baking to form a film member of a thermosetting polyimide.

Abstract: The invention relates to radioactive stents, characterized in that the stent is coated on the surface with the radioactive isotope, as well as processes for their production.

Abstract: The use of a copolymer (A) preparable by free-radical polymerization of a) at least one olefinically unsaturated monomer, and b) at least one olefinically unsaturated monomer different than the olefinically unsaturated monomer (a), of the general formula I R1R2C═CR3R4  (I)  in which the radicals R1, R2, R3 and R4 each independently of one another are hydrogen atoms or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, cycloalkylaryl, arylalkyl or arylcycloalkyl radicals, with the proviso that at least two of the variables R1, R2, R3 and R4 are substituted or unsubstituted aryl, arylalkyl or arylcycloalkyl radicals, especially substituted or unsubstituted aryl radicals; in an aqueous medium; to produce deformable color and/or effect laminates and dry-paint films.

Abstract: There is provided a non-chromium treated material in which peeling resistance between a metal plate and a rubber layer via a primer layer and a bond layer, which is decreased by fretting and antifreeze liquid, can be improved, the rubber layer is less liable to peel from the metal plate, and the material has little effect on the environment and human body. In a metal gasket raw material plate 1 of a laminated form in which a rubber layer 5 is provided on a stainless steel plate 2 via a bonding layer 4, a primer layer 3 of a silica-alumina condensate is formed on the surface of the stainless steel plate 2.

Abstract: A one or two layer coating system has been developed for plastic substrates. The one coating system low reflective layer consists of a fluorinated copolymer having the formula: VF2/TFE/HFP, VF2/HFP or VF2/TFE/PMVE. In the two coating system, the upper coating layer consists of TFE/HFP, VF2/TFE/HFP, or TFE/Perfluorodioxole, and the lower coating layer consists of VF2/TFE/HFP, VF/TFE/HFP, VAc/TFE/HFIB, or TFE graft to PVOH.

Abstract: This invention is a method for forming a chemical conversion coating on ferrous metal substrates, the chemical solutions used in the coating and the articles coated thereby. By modifying and combining the features of two existing, but heretofore unrelated, coating technologies, a hybrid conversion coating is formed. Specifically, a molecular iron/oxygen-enriched intermediate coating, such as a dicarboxylate or phosphate, is applied to a ferrous substrate by a first oxidation. The intermediate coating pre-conditions the substrate to form a surface rich in molecular iron and oxygen in a form easily accessible for further reaction. This oxidation procedure is followed by a coloring procedure using a heated (about 120-220° F.) oxidizing solution containing alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal nitrate, alkali metal nitrite or mixtures thereof, which reacts with the iron and oxygen enriched intermediate coating to form magnetite (Fe3O4).

Abstract: An aluminum-polymer composite is made by coating a surface portion of an aluminum alloy body with a primer composition comprising a vinylphosphonic acid-acrylic acid copolymer to form a primer layer, coating the primer layer with a radiation curable polymer precursor, and irradiating the polymer precursor with ultraviolet or electron beam radiation. The process of the invention is particularly suitable for making polymer coated aluminum alloy sheet that is shaped into container end panels for food and beverage containers.

Abstract: System and method for coating a medical appliance are provided. In accord with one embodiment, a system for applying a coating to a medical appliance having accessible patterned surfaces is provided. The system may include: a processor, an appliance support, and a solenoid type fluid dispensing head having an electromagnetically controlled valve. In the system, the appliance support may be adapted to hold the medical appliance and to provide direct access for a coating to contact the exposed external patterned surfaces of the medical appliance. The solenoid type fluid dispensing head in this system may move with respect to the medical appliance and may be in communication with a source of coating and with the processor. The processor in this system may contain commands that instruct the solenoid type fluid dispensing head to force coating onto the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance in a pattern that correlates with the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance.

Abstract: A surface-treated steel sheet includes a steel sheet, an Al—Zn-base alloy plating layer formed on the steel sheet, a chemical conversion film provided on the alloy plating layer, and a concentric layer of a Cr compound that is formed on the alloy plating layer of the chemical conversion film. The surface-treated steel sheet may include a steel sheet, an zinc-base plating layer formed on the steel sheet, and a film that contains chromium and calcium and that is formed on the zinc-base plating layer.

Abstract: System and method for coating a medical appliance is provided. In accord with one embodiment, a system for applying a coating to a medical appliance having accessible patterned surfaces is provided. This system may include: a processor, a support, and a bubble jet printing head having individual printing nozzles. In this system the support may be adapted to hold the medical appliance and to provide direct access for a coating to contact the exposed external patterned surfaces of the medical appliance. The bubble jet printing head in this system may move with respect to the medical appliance and may be in communication with a source of coating and with the processor. The processor in this system may contain commands that instruct the bubble jet printing head to force coating onto the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance in a pattern that correlates with the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance.

Abstract: A primer for flame sprayed polyolefin comprises an epoxy resin, preferably of low molecular weight and/or low viscosity; and an amine hardener, part of which becomes highly reactive on exposure to open flame, providing near instant cure of the composition under flame spray conditions. The invention is unique that it provides strong adhesion to steel, even where the surface preparation is less than ideal, as well as to concrete and other substrates. The primer eliminates the need to preheat the substrate. The primer has strong adhesion to the topcoat polyolefinic material, especially to a functionalized topcoat. The composition withstands open flame and does not char under polyolefin flame spray conditions, nor does it run or sag, and it is not prone to failure as it cools after the application of the polyolefin.

Abstract: A hydrophilic modification method comprising a step of forming a coat having a solid coat amount of 0.02 to 3 g/m2 on a heat exchanger with a modifier for hydrophilicity after treatment for rust prevention thereof wherein said modifier for hydrophilicity comprises a modified polyvinyl alcohol (A) having, on a side chain thereof, a group represented by the formula (I): in the formula, n represents an integer of 1 to 500, R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and at least one member (B) selected from the group consisting of phosphorus compound salts and boron compound salts of Ca, Al, Mg, Fe and Zn, said group represented by the formula (I) accounting for 0.01 to 20 mole percent relative to hydroxyl and acetoxy groups contained in said modified polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: A method of providing a therapeutic, diagnostic or lubricious hydrophilic coating on an intracorporeal medical device and the coated device produced thereby, wherein the coating is durable. In one embodiment, the coating comprises a polymerized base coat and a therapeutic, diagnostic or hydrophilic top coat, where the base coat has a binding component which binds to the top coat, and a grafting component which binds to the binding component and adheres to the device. In another embodiment, the coating comprises a blend of a hydrophilic compound, a grafting component, and salt, wherein the polymerized grafting component contains uncrosslinked domains. The coating of the invention may be applied to a medical device with a polymeric surface such as a polymeric catheter, or a metal device coated with a polymeric primer or without a primer, or to a stent.

Abstract: A highly scratch-resistant multicoat paint system on a primed or unprimed substrate, comprising above one another in this order (A) a basecoat, (B) a first clearcoat as intermediate coat, and (C) a second clearcoat as the topmost coat, wherein the second clearcoat (C) is producible from a coating coating material (C) comprising (C1) at least one oligomer and/or polymer containing at least one pendant carbamate and/or allophanate group (c11), especially carbamate group (c11), of the formula: —O—(CO)—NH2—O—(CO)—NH—(CO)—NH2  and (C2) at least one crosslinking agent containing at least two functional groups (c21) which undergo crosslinking reactions with the carbamate group and/or allophanate group (c11); and also a process for producing highly scratch-resistant multicoat systems.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a plated product with a basecoat layer, a metal plating layer, and a topcoat layer that are formed on a surface of a base is provided. The method includes the step of forming the basecoat layer and the metal plating layer on the surface of the base. The step is followed by subjecting the metal plating layer to a cold heat treatment or an ultrasonic wave treatment, thus forming a microcrack in the metal plating layer. Afterwards, the topcoat layer is formed on the surface of the metal plating layer.

Abstract: To provide a fluorine-containing coating material which gives excellent adhesive strength directly to a substrate such as metal, glass, etc. with maintaining excellent characteristics of the fluorine-containing polymer such as thermal resistance, chemical resistance, non-sticking property and low friction property, and a method for coating the material. The fluorine-containing coating material is prepared by using a fluorine-containing ethylenic polymer having functional group which is obtained by copolymerizing (a-1) 0.05 to 30% by mole of at least one of fluorine-containing ethylenic monomers having any one of functional groups selected from hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxylate salt group, carboxylate ester group or epoxy and (b-1) 70 to 99.95% by mole of at least one of fluorine-containing ethylenic monomers having no functional group mentioned above.

Abstract: A process for providing bond enhancement and an etch resist for a printed circuit board is provided. A sheet comprising at least a layer of copper is immerses in a first immersion tin solution comprising a tin metal and a complexing agent in an acidic medium for a time sufficient to deposit a first heavy tin deposit on the sheet. The sheet is then immersed in a second immersion tin solution comprising stannous tin ions and stannic tin ions and a complexing agent in an acidic medium for a time sufficient to deposit a second thin tin deposit on the sheet. The second thin tin deposit has a thickness less than a thickness of the first heavy tin deposit. A rough surface texture providing mechanical adhesion sites results. The board is then treated with a coupling agent, such as silane, for enhanced bonding to a subsequent epoxy or other polymer prepreg. Additionally, the first heavy tin deposit may serve as an etch resist in subsequent fabrication of the provided circuit board.

Abstract: A token is manufactured using a combination of minting or casting operations and printing operations. The token comprises a metal base material that is minted or cast to the size and shape desired including embossed or debossed areas at selected locations on the token. In selected recessed or countersunk portions of the token, there are provided thin disks of material capable of carrying printed material such as single-colored or multi-colored pictures or indicia. The imprinted disk portions of the token are covered with a first protective coating and, optionally a second protective coating, that eliminates wear and tear on the printed areas of the token. Additionally or alternatively, the entire token can be covered with an outer coating to minimize wear and tear and preserve the unique designs carried by the token.