Ultra-thin surface modification system

Abstract

This invention provides a thin laminate for modifying the appearance of a surface. The laminate includes an indicia containing layer disposed against the lower surface of a carrier film. The laminate may optionally include a bonding coat or layer for attaching the laminate to a surface, at least one removable protective layer, and a release coating for facilitating the transfer of the laminate on a surface. The invention also provides methods and systems for modifying the appearance of a surface using the laminate.

1 . A surface modifying laminate comprising: 
 (a) a carrier film having an upper surface and a lower surface, the film at least partially covering a surface to be modified;    (b) an indicia-containing layer disposed on at least a portion of the lower surface of the carrier film; and    (c) a cured top coat disposed on at least a portion of the upper surface of the carrier film.    
     
     
         2 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier film is a transparent film, such that the indicia-containing layer is visible through the carrier film.  
     
     
         3 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the indicia-containing layer is a substantially continuous layer covering substantially the entire carrier film.  
     
     
         4 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the indicia-containing layer is printed onto the lower surface of the carrier film.  
     
     
         5 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier film is perforated.  
     
     
         6 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier film comprises a film selected from the group consisting of polypropylene films, polyacetal films, polyamide films, polyanhydride films, polyester films, polyolefin films, polystyrene films, polyvinylchloride films, polyvinylidene chloride films, polyurethane films, and polyurea films.  
     
     
         7 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the top coat is not an alkali-soluble top coat.  
     
     
         8 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the top coat is a crosslinked top coat.  
     
     
         9 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the top coat is a permanent top coat.  
     
     
         10 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the top coat is selected from the group consisting of acrylic coatings, polyurethane coatings, vinyl coatings and epoxy coatings.  
     
     
         11 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , further comprising a bonding layer disposed between the surface to be modified and the indicia-containing layer.  
     
     
         12 . A surface modifying laminate comprising: 
 (a) a perforated carrier film having an upper surface and a lower surface, the film at least partially covering a surface to be modified;    (b) an indicia-containing layer disposed on at least a portion of the lower surface of the carrier film.    
     
     
         13 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 12 , wherein the carrier film is a transparent film, such that the indicia-containing layer is visible through the carrier film.  
     
     
         14 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 12 , wherein the indicia-containing layer is a substantially continuous layer covering substantially the entire carrier film.  
     
     
         15 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 12 , wherein the indicia-containing layer is printed onto the lower surface of the carrier film.  
     
     
         16 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 12 , wherein the carrier film comprises an average of at least 1 perforation per square foot.  
     
     
         17 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 12 , wherein the carrier film comprises an average of no more than about 200 perforations per square foot.  
     
     
         18 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 2 , wherein the carrier film comprise a film selected from the group consisting of polypropylene films, polyacetal films, polyamide films, polyanhydride films, polyester films, polyolefin films, polystyrene films, polyvinylchloride films, polyvinylidene chloride films, polyurethane films, and polyurea films.  
     
     
         19 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 12 , further comprising a cured top coat disposed on at least a portion of the upper surface of the carrier film.  
     
     
         20 . A method for modifying a surface, the method comprising: 
 (a) applying a surface modifying laminate to the surface to be modified, the laminate comprising a carrier film having an upper surface and a lower surface and an indicia-containing layer disposed on at least a portion of the lower surface of the carrier film;    (b) applying a curable composition over at least a portion of the upper surface of the carrier film; and    (c) curing the composition to provide a cured polymer top coat.    
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising applying a liquid wetting agent having a surface tension equal to or less than the surface tension of water to the surface to be finished, to the lower surface of the carrier film, or to the indicia containing layer prior to applying the laminate to the surface, such that the liquid wetting agent is disposed between the indicia containing layer and the surface to be finished after the laminate is applied to the surface to be modified.