| abstract |
A process and product is presented for obtaining selective areas of distinctive appearance, i.e., matting on synthetic coverings. The process includes, depositing a polymeric coating which contains at least one radiation initiator for polymerization onto at least a first selected area or zone on an expandable or non-expandable support substrate. Next, at least one second coating comprised of a crosslinkable monomer is deposited onto a second selected area on the substrate. This second area or zone may encompass at least a portion of the first area. Thereafter, pre-gelling is performed on the deposited material followed by a graining operation which is carried out over at least a portion of the substrate surface. The synthetic covering in the first zone or area is then polymerized by radiation initiation wherein the particular appearance thereof is fixed to the substrate. Thereafter, gelling is carried out wherein the polymer which has not been fixed by radiation initiation will flow, i.e., fluidize, such that the grained appearance in the second area or zone will disappear, i.e., smooth over. This gelling may also cause some expansion of the polymer on the substrate. |