Importance

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Abstract

A process for applying images by transfer printing disperse dyes onto furniture end pieces, especially end pieces for use in juvenile furniture. In one preferred embodiment the end piece board is first coated with a pigmented non-polyester base coat which is applied with rollers and conventionally cured. The board is then coated with a 100% polyester clear top coat which is also applied with rollers and UV cured. In a second preferred embodiment the board is coated with a pigmented polyester base coat which is either sprayed or roll coated and which may be either conventionally or UV cured. Finally a sublimation decal is transfer printed into the polyester coating using a press having heated platens and operated at about 400.degree. F. and at between 8-30 psi for between 20-40 seconds. For larger boards, a silicone pad may be attached to the upper platen of the heat press adjacent to the surface of the platen which contacts the transfer printing decal to improve image transfer for uneven presses. Also, for larger boards, the surface of the board opposite the side upon which the transfer print is applied is heated to a temperature about 10.degree. to 15.degree. F. greater than that side to substantially eliminate any warpage of the board during the transfer process.

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First Claim