Abstract: An improved protected graphics assembly according to the invention comprises the following sequential layers: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one graphics layer; and at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials and has a gloss value of greater than 90 when tested according to ASTM D2457-03 at a 60-degree angle. The assembly is beneficially applied to a variety of articles and used in a variety of related methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a race car comprises a protected graphics assembly that comprises: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials; and at least one graphics layer substantially protected from exterior exposure by the polymer layer.

Abstract: A method of producing vehicles includes coating a vehicle body with paint, drying the paint, mounting attachment parts on load-bearing components of the vehicle body that has been coated with the paint that has been dried, and applying an adhesive film including an adhesive layer to a surface of the vehicle body that has been coated with the paint that has been dried or at least one attachment part mounted thereon, wherein, to apply the adhesive film, the adhesive film is positioned between the surface and an elastic membrane with an automated system, and the elastic membrane is transformed in selected regions into a curved state with a convex and a concave side and is brought into contact with the surface with the convex side in front such that the adhesive layer of the adhesive film is pressed onto the surface by the membrane over the entire surface area.

Abstract: An improved protected graphics assembly according to the invention comprises the following sequential layers: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one graphics layer; and at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials and has a gloss value of greater than 90 when tested according to ASTM D2457-03 at a 60-degree angle. The assembly is beneficially applied to a variety of articles and used in a variety of related methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a race car comprises a protected graphics assembly that comprises: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials; and at least one graphics layer substantially protected from exterior exposure by the polymer layer.

Abstract: Polymeric sheets of the invention comprise sequential layers as follows: a topcoat layer, a polyurethane-based carrier layer, and an adhesive layer. The polyurethane-based carrier layer is formed using essentially no chain extender having a molecular weight of 350 grams/mole or less, resulting in a relatively low storage modulus polymeric sheet. Such polymeric sheets are particularly useful for application to surfaces having a concave topography.

Abstract: A method of applying a paint film to a substrate may include wetting a surface of the substrate or an adhesive layer of a paint film to form a fluid layer thereon. The paint film may further comprise a polymer film layer. The method may further include applying the paint film to the substrate such that the fluid layer is positioned between the adhesive layer and the surface. The applied paint film may be heated with infrared heat to facilitate the removal of the fluid layer and adhere the adhesive layer to the surface. Systems and devices for applying a paint film to a substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing vehicles includes coating a vehicle body with paint, drying the paint, mounting attachment parts on load-bearing components of the vehicle body that has been coated with the paint that has been dried, and applying an adhesive film including an adhesive layer to a surface of the vehicle body that has been coated with the paint that has been dried or at least one attachment part mounted thereon, wherein, to apply the adhesive film, the adhesive film is positioned between the surface and an elastic membrane with an automated system, and the elastic membrane is transformed in selected regions into a curved state with a convex and a concave side and is brought into contact with the surface with the convex side in front such that the adhesive layer of the adhesive film is pressed onto the surface by the membrane over the entire surface area.

Abstract: A method of applying a paint film to a substrate may include wetting a surface of the substrate or an adhesive layer of a paint film to form a fluid layer thereon. The paint film may further comprise a polymer film layer. The method may further include applying the paint film to the substrate such that the fluid layer is positioned between the adhesive layer and the surface. The applied paint film may be heated with infrared heat to facilitate the removal of the fluid layer and adhere the adhesive layer to the surface. Systems and devices for applying a paint film to a substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: In-situ polymerized polymer film facilitates improved paint film appliques with reduced defects. The paint film appliques comprise the in-situ polymerized polymer film as a carrier layer and at least one color layer assembled as a laminate, optionally further comprising at least one topcoat layer on one major surface of the laminate and an adhesive layer on the other major surface of the laminate.

Abstract: In-situ polymerized polymer film facilitates improved paint film appliques with reduced defects. The paint film appliques comprise the in-situ polymerized polymer film as a carrier layer. The carrier layer is colored and, preferably defect-free.

Abstract: In-situ polymerized polymer film facilitates improved paint film appliques with reduced defects. The paint film appliques comprise the in-situ polymerized polymer film as a carrier layer and at least one color layer assembled as a laminate, optionally further comprising at least one topcoat layer on one major surface of the laminate and an adhesive layer on the other major surface of the laminate.

Abstract: In a method for applying an adhesive film (10) to the surface (20) of a component, an adhesive film (10) including an adhesive layer (11) is provided. Furthermore, a component including a surface (20) to which the adhesive film is to be applied is provided. A physical surface activation of the adhesive layer (11) of the adhesive film (10) is carried out. The adhesive layer (11) of the adhesive film (10) is moistened before the surface-activated and moistened adhesive film (10) is brought in contact with the surface (20) of the component to which the adhesive film is to be applied.

Abstract: In-situ polymerized polymer film facilitates improved paint film appliques with reduced defects. The paint film appliques comprise the in-situ polymerized polymer film as a carrier layer. The carrier layer is colored and, preferably defect-free.

Abstract: A polymeric film or laminate comprising the same is applied to at least a portion of a surface of an underlying article to provide, for example, desired surface characteristics. To assist in such application, a polymerizable composition is coated onto at least one of the surface of the polymeric film or the laminate and the surface of the article. The polymerizable composition is then polymerized with the polymeric film or laminate positioned thereover to form a sufficiently polymerized interlayer between the polymeric film or laminate and the underlying surface in resulting articles. Ease of removal and/or repair of polymeric film and laminates comprising the polymeric film that are so applied is facilitated.