A slide fastener (10) comprising a pair of stringer tapes (11, 12) carrying rows of discrete coupling elements (E) along their respective longitudinal inner edges (13, 14) and a slider (15) reciprocably movable along the rows of elements (E) to open and close the fastener (10). A decorative coating (16) is deposited with heat and pressure upon the coupling element (E) and specifically extends at least partially into a rear end region (E9) of the coupling element (E) to ensure freedom of separation of the coating (16) from the skin of the coupling element (E).
