Process for decorating a composite article such as a ski, snowboard, surfboard, or skateboard

A process for decorating a reinforcement structure of a composite article with a decorated complex adapted to be assembled with the reinforcement structure, said process comprising:

• transferring a decoration to a first surface of a layer of transparent or translucent plastic material by sublimable ink imprinting, thereby forming a decorated surface;
• assembling a contrast sheet to the decorated surface with an adhesive film and applying heat and pressure, the contrast sheet comprising a material selected from the group consisting of non-anodized aluminum, dry natural or synthetic fiber, and wood, thereby forming a decoration complex;
• and
• affixing the decoration complex to an outer surface of a reinforcement structure.

A decoration complex adapted to be affixed to an outer surface of a reinforcement structure of a composite article, the outer surface of the reinforcement structure being comprised of a resin, the resin being made of a material that can flow when heated, said decoration complex comprising:

• a layer of transparent or translucent plastic material having an internal surface bearing an ink decoration imprinted by sublimation of the ink;
• a contrast sheet affixed to said internal surface of said layer of plastic material with an adhesive film;
• said contrast sheet comprising a member selected from the group consisting of non-anodized aluminum, dry natural or synthetic fiber, and wood;
• and
• said contrast sheet providing color for said decoration to render an appearance comprising a member selected from the group consisting of metallic, woven, and grained.

A composite article comprising:

• a reinforcement structure having an outer surface, said outer surface comprising a resin, said resin being made of a material that can flow when heated;
• and
• a decoration complex affixed to said outer surface of said reinforcment structure, said decoration complex comprising:
• a layer of transparent or translucent plastic material having an internal surface bearing an ink decoration imprinted by sublimation of the ink;
• a contrast sheet affixed to said internal surface of said layer of plastic material with an adhesive film;
• said contrast sheet comprising a member selected from the group consisting of non-anodized aluminum, dry natural or synthetic fiber, and wood;
• and
• said contrast sheet providing color for said decoration to render an appearance comprising a member selected from the group consisting of metallic, woven, and grained.