Method and apparatus for applying a colorant to a thermoplastic to produce a visual effect

The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for producing visual and other surface effects in a finished thermoplastic product by directly applying at least one color-containing thermoplastic resin system to at least one surface of an extruded thermoplastic substrate. The present invention also relates to the finished articles. A visual effect, such as a granite-look, is produced in a thermoplastic product by directly applying a sufficient amount of at least one color-containing thermoplastic resin system to the surface of an extruded sheet of a thermoplastic resin. The color-containing thermoplastic resin system is applied onto the extruded sheet after it emerges from the die and prior to it entering the rollstack.