초록

A method of decorating an article, the method comprising mixing a thermochromic ink with a transparent lacquer, applying the mixture on to part or all of the surface of an article, once the mixture is set, applying a second layer of dishwasher proof transparent lacquer.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of decorating an article of glazed tableware comprising the steps of:(a) mixing a thermochromic ink with a first coating material to form a first coating mixture;(b) applying the first coating mixture directly onto substantially the whole outer surface of the tableware article by sprayin

1. A method of decorating an article of glazed tableware comprising the steps of:(a) mixing a thermochromic ink with a first coating material to form a first coating mixture;(b) applying the first coating mixture directly onto substantially the whole outer surface of the tableware article by spraying;(c) once the first coating mixture is set, applying a second transparent coating material over the first coating mixture;wherein the second coating material is substantially dishwasher proof. 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the first coating material is transparent. 3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the first and/or second coating materials comprise lacquers. 4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the first coating material comprises a water bused lacquer. 5. A method according to claim 3 wherein the second coating material comprises a two-part epoxy fortified acrylic resin, including an activator and a thinner. 6. A method according to claim 1 wherein the proportion of ink in the mixture is within the range 5-25% by volume. 7. A method according to claim 1 wherein the mixture and/or second coating material are cured following application onto the article. 8. A method according to claim 7 wherein the curing commences with a period in an infra red shortwave drier followed by a heat cure. 9. A method according to claim 1 wherein the curing includes a heat cure comprising a lower temperature first period, followed by a higher temperature second period. 10. A method according to claim 9 wherein for the mixture, the first period lasts between one and two minutes at 35° C. to 65° C., with the second period lasting eight to twelve minutes at 140 to 220° C. 11. A method according to claim 1 wherein for the second coating the first period lasts between eight and twelve minutes at 35 to 65° C., with the second period lasting twenty five to thirty minutes at 110 to 165° C. 12. A method according to claim 1 wherein a decoration is provided on the article beneath the mixture such that when the thermochromic ink is at least translucent, said decoration is visible. 13. A method according to claim 1 wherein the mixture comprises a plurality of thermochromic inks with different colour change temperatures. 14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the inks are different colours. 15. A method according to claim 1 where said second coating material is applied to the article by spraying. 16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the mixture and/or second coating material are applied to the article by electrostatic spraying. 17. A method according to claim 16 wherein an electrostatic thinner is added to the mixture and/or second coating prior to spraying. 18. A method according to claim 15 wherein the mixture and the second coating material are sprayed to a thickness of between 12 and 24 microns. 19. The method according to claim 1 wherein an electrostatic thinner is added to at least one of said mixture and said second coating material prior to spraying.