A decorative article (10) is made by a process in which a controlled-flatness substrate (20) having an effective edge (16) in a closed pattern on its surface receives a fluent plastic composition which is cast into an area (18) defined by the edge (16). The fluent plastic flows to the effective edge (16) and is then cured to form a clear plastic cap (14). During casting and curing the substrate (12) is held flat and horizontal by reason of its being releasably adhered to a flat, smooth-surfaced, stiff release liner. The resulting decorative article is free of optical distortions and may be used as a covering, preferably for an elongated automotive component such as an external vertical pillar (24) between the passenger compartments of an automobile.