Method of preparing imitation sheet material

A process of preparing a polymeric imitation leather-type material having an enhanced grain-like surface appearance, which process comprises:

• a. casting into the depressed valley areas of a preembossed paper release sheet having a design effect embossed therein a liquid composition of a first polymer of an aliphatic polyester urethane elastomer or a vinyl chloride resin, the polymer characterized by a high modulus of elongation in psi. of 100% elongation of from about 2000 psi. to 8000 psi.;
• b. casting a continuous layer of a liquid composition of a second polymer of an aliphatic polyester urethane elastomer or a vinyl chloride resin over the first polymer, the second polymer characterized by a low modulus of elongation in psi., and having a modulus of at least 800 psi. lower than the first polymer;
• c. heating the polymers to effect the solidification thereof;
• d. laminating a shrinkable fibrous supporting sheet material to one surface of the second polymer;
• e. stripping the paper release sheet to provide a laminated sheet material with slightly raised areas composed of the high modulus polymer, the raised areas representing a substantial part of the surface area;
• and
• f. subjecting the laminated sheet material to a combination of heat and moisture and mechanical means to provide flexing and fractioning of the low modulus polymer in the valley areas to form a weak hinge in such areas, thereby accentuating the design effect.