Abstract:
The present invention discloses an improved method for transferring an image (40) onto an object (10) which has a surface that curves I two directions. After providing a source (50) containing an image (40) capable of thermal transfer, a target surface (20) is chosen on the object (10) and a chemical coating (340) is applied. The image (40) is then pressed onto the coated target surface (20) until the target surface (20) is substantially flat and heated so that the image (40) is transferred to the target surface (20). The coating (340) allows the image (40) to be transferred at a low temperature. In a preferred embodiment, after the source (50) is removed, a second application of heat is applied to the object (10) to drive the image (40) into the object (10). A protective material (120) may be positioned between the heating element (160) and the image (40), especially before the second application of heat.