An improved protected graphics assembly according to the invention comprises the following sequential layers: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one graphics layer; and at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials and has a gloss value of greater than 90 when tested according to ASTM D2457-03 at a 60-degree angle. The assembly is beneficially applied to a variety of articles and used in a variety of related methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a race car comprises a protected graphics assembly that comprises: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials; and at least one graphics layer substantially protected from exterior exposure by the polymer layer.

A polymeric film assembly comprising a first solidified interlayer on a polymeric film or laminate comprising the same that is contacted with at least a portion of a surface of an underlying article to provide, for example, desired surface characteristics. At least a portion of the first solidified interlayer becomes a softened interlayer positioned between the polymeric film and the surface of the article when contacted as such. The softened interlayer is then converted to a second solidified interlayer, which second solidified interlayer may be in a different form than or same form as the first solidified interlayer initially provided, for adherence of the polymeric film to at least the portion of the surface of the article. Ease of removal and/or repair of polymeric film and laminates comprising the polymeric film that are so applied is facilitated.

A method for making a layered structure without any defects, including a first support layer, a second support layer, and an adhesive intermediate layer interposed between the first layer and the second layer which is adapted to fix the layers on each other. The intermediate layer embeds operatively at least a three-dimensional macroscopic element being made of crystal glass or precious stones, and the intermediate layer is made of a thermoplastic resin having a melting temperature.

Apparatuses and methods for applying a transfer material onto one or more surfaces of an article are disclosed, including apparatuses and methods of transfer printing on and/or decorating three-dimensional articles, as well as the articles printed and/or decorated thereby. The apparatuses and methods may include providing a deposition device, such as a printing device; providing a transfer component; depositing a material onto a portion of the transfer component with the deposition device; modifying the portion of the transfer component with the transfer material thereon to conform the transfer component to at least a portion of one or more surfaces of the three-dimensional article; and transferring the transfer material onto the one or more surfaces of the article.

Methods for providing a slip-resistant, water-resistant, and antibacterial surface to a piece of sporting equipment include receiving a substrate printed with an image. The image is printed with ultraviolet curable ink and the substrate is non-silicone and includes a top printable layer printed with the image, a middle adhesive layer, and a bottom removable layer. The method includes aligning the substrate to a surface of the piece of sporting equipment, removing the bottom removable layer of the substrate, and contacting the middle adhesive layer that is exposed against the surface of the piece of sporting equipment. The method further includes smoothing the top printable layer printed with the image against the piece of sporting equipment. The substrate and the image printed with ultraviolet curable ink conforms to the shape of the piece of sporting equipment and provides the slip-resistant, water-resistant, and antibacterial surface.

A metal tone decorative sheet has an excellent metallic luster and electromagnetic wave transmissivity, and a metal tone decorative molded body is provided with the metal tone decorative sheet. A metal tone decorative sheet includes a metal layer on a base material layer, wherein the metal layer includes a plurality of island portions containing metal and a sea portion positioned between the island portions, the island portion is a convex quadrangle in a cross-sectional view, one side of the quadrangle being opposed to the base material layer, and 0≤x-y≤80 where a length of a side of the island portion on the base material layer side is x [nm] and a length of a side of the island portion on an opposite side to the base material layer is y [nm].

Provided is a method for producing a decorative material, including: a preparation step of preparing sheet printed matters each including a substrate and a picture layer on one surface of the substrate and a roll of a transparent resin film having a first surface and a second surface opposing to each other, the first surface having a pattern of protrusions and depressions, the second surface having a pattern of protrusions and depressions that is shallower than the pattern of protrusions and depressions on the first surface; an application step of winding off the transparent resin film from the roll of a transparent resin film and applying an adhesive to the second surface of the transparent resin film; and a bonding step of bonding the second surface of the transparent resin film and the picture layer of each of the sheet printed matters with the adhesive.

The present disclosure relates to ornamental indicia carrier and method of producing the same. In some embodiments, the ornamental indicia carrier comprises an ultraviolet light (“UV”) cured ink printed on a thin flexible film and combined with an adhesive layer. The ornamental indicia carrier is capable of enduring the conditions inside the mouth for an extended period of time and can be used in conjunction with a dental appliance.

The present disclosure relates to ornamental indicia carrier and method of producing the same. In some embodiments, the ornamental indicia carrier comprises an ultraviolet light (“UV”) cured ink printed on a thin flexible film and combined with an adhesive layer. The ornamental indicia carrier is capable of enduring the conditions inside the mouth for an extended period of time and can be used in conjunction with a dental appliance.

A liquid composition including clay containing at least one selected from the group consisting of a montmorillonite, mica, hectorite, and fluorosilicate; and a dimer or higher phosphate is described. Such liquid compositions are capable of forming a fireproof layer having high fireproof performance on a surface of a base material to which a film for wallpaper or the like is applied. A fireproof layer which can be formed using the liquid composition, a laminated structure including the fireproof layer, and a fireproofing method using the liquid composition are also described.