Multi-gradation recording method and thermal transfer recording medium used in the method

A multi-gradation recording method for carrying out multi-gradation recording according to a thermal transfer recording method comprising selectively heating a thermal transfer recording medium from the rear side thereof by a thermal head to transfer an ink layer thereon on a dot basis to an image receiving body, the multi-gradation recording method comprising the steps of:

• providing a thermal transfer recording medium comprising a substrate, a release layer, a first ink layer and a second ink layer provided in this order on the substrate, and
• carrying out a gradation recording using the thermal transfer recording medium,
• the step of carrying out a gradation recording comprising:
• (a) in a case of recording in a middle density/high density region, carrying out a gradation expression based on an area gradation by transferring the first ink layer and the second ink layer together, and
• (b) in a case of recording in a low density region, carrying out a gradation expression by transferring only the second ink layer by causing a cohesive failure in the second ink layer, thereby changing the area of transferred ink per one dot and the thickness of transferred ink dots.