Gloss distribution on thermal path containing dye transfer image, includes expanding, at given energy level, synthetic thermoplastic polymer microspheres of protective layer

摘要

Process for distribution of gloss on a thermal path containing a dye transfer image comprises: (a) contacting a dye donor element with a support and a dye layer including an image dye in a binder with a dye-receiving element that is heated and the image transferred; and (b) providing a protective layer on a thermal path on the transferred image by means of an element containing synthetic thermoplastic polymer microspheres of particle size 5-20 microns and which are expanded with use of a given energy level to achieve the desired gloss.