Heat transfer decorations with patterned metallization

A method of transferring a design to an article comprising the steps of:

• (a) coating a heat stable release coating onto a carrier sheet, said carrier sheet comprising polyethylene terephthalate and said heat stable release coating comprising polyethersulfone;
• (b) coating an ink layer in a pattern on the heat stable release coating so that at least portions of the release coating remain uncovered with ink;
• (c) applying a metallic layer over the release coating so that at least a portion of the metallic layer is in direct contact with and adheres directly to the release coating;
• (d) applying an etchant resistant coating over portions of said metallic layer so that other portions of the metallic layer remain exposed, said etchant resistant coating selected from the group consisting of polyethersulfone, polyamide lacquer and polyvinylchloride;
• (e) applying an etchant coating in contact with said etchant resistant coating and said exposed metallic portions, said etchant coating removing said exposed metallic portions upon contact therewith;
• (f) applying a heat activatable adhesive layer over the metallic layer, said release layer, ink layer and metallic layer forming a transferable laminate;
• (g) transferring said transferable laminate from the carrier to an article at heat transfer temperatures in the range from 200.degree. F. to 500.degree. F., the transferred laminate on the article having a bright metallic appearance.