Transfer printing of metal using protective overcoat

Abstract

A process for coating and transfer printing sheet metal for producing a decorated section of metal that is especially suited for use in harsh environments. The process yields a section of metal having a transfer printed layer comprising a thermoset coating material and a protective overcoat layer formed of substantially clear thermoset coating material. The process includes the steps of coating a section of metal with a pigmented thermosetting coating material, curing the coating material to form a base coat layer, transfer printing the base coat layer to form a transfer printed layer, applying a protective clear thermosetting coating material over the transfer printed layer, and curing the protective clear thermosetting coating material so as to provide a clear protective overcoat layer covering the transfer printed layer.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.