Simultaneous transfer printing and embossing or surface texturing method

A method of printing in color onto a sheet containing thermoplastic fibers a replica of a first pattern and of simultaneously embossing in relief into that sheet a second pattern without substantially affecting the first pattern as so printed, said method comprising the steps of

• a. superposing
• i. a heat transfer printing sheet bearing a vaporizable or sublimable dye according to a first pattern, the dye having a high affinity for the material of said sheet containg thermoplastic fibers and a strong volatility and penetrating strength,
• ii. an embossing sheet the material of which is permeable to said dye and has no affinity or retention properties for said dye, said embossing sheet having in the face thereof remote from said printing sheet a design in relief according to said second pattern, and
• iii. said sheet containing thermoplastic fibers,
• b. applying heat and pressure to the superposed sheets to cause migration of said dye through the material of said embossing sheet and into said sheet containing thermoplastic fibers and to cause reproduction in the latter, in relief, of said second pattern, and
• c. separating said sheets one from another.