Decoration method

Abstract

A method of decorating an article, the method comprising mixing a thermochromic ink with a transparent lacquer, applying the mixture on to part or all of the surface of an article, once the mixture is set, applying a second layer of dishwasher proof transparent lacquer.

1 . A method of decorating an article, the method comprising mixing a thermochromic ink with a first coating material, applying the mixture onto part or all of a surface of the article, once the mixture is set applying a second coating material onto said surface of the article.  
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the second coating material is transparent.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to claim wherein the second coating material is substantially dishwasher proof.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the first coating material is transparent.  
     
     
         5 . A method according  claim 1  wherein the first and/or second coating materials comprise lacquers.  
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 5  wherein the first coating material comprises an organic water based lacquer.  
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 5  wherein the first coating material comprises an acrylic based lacquer.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein the second coating material comprises a two-part epoxy fortified acrylic resin, including an activator and a thinner.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the proportion of ink in the mixture is within the range 5-25%.  
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the mixture and/or second coating material are cured following application onto the article.  
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 10  wherein the curing commences with a period in an infra red shortwave drier followed by a heat cure.  
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the curing includes a heat cure comprising a lower temperature first period, followed by a higher temperature second period.  
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 12  wherein for the mixture, the first period lasts between one and two minutes at 35° C. to 65° C., with the second period lasting eight to twelve minutes at 140 to 220° C.  
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein for the second coating the first period lasts between eight and twelve minutes at 35 to 65° C., with the second period lasting twenty five to thirty minutes at 110 to 165° C.  
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein a decoration is provided on the article beneath the mixture such that when the thermochromic ink is at least translucent, said decoration is visible.  
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the mixture comprises a plurality of thermochromic inks with different colour change temperatures.  
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 16  wherein the inks are of different colours.  
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the mixture and/or second coating material are applied to the article by spraying.  
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 18  wherein the mixture and/or second coating material are applied to the article by electrostatic spraying.  
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 19  wherein an electrostatic thinner is added to the mixture and/or second coating prior to spraying.  
     
     
         21 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the mixture and/or the second coating material are sprayed to a thickness of between 12 and 24 microns.  
     
     
         22 . (canceled)  
     
     
         23 . (canceled)